Song Title: Ab Kya Misaal Doon
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Film: Aarti (1962)
Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music Director: Roshan
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English Translation of Lyrics
What example can I give, for your youthful grace?
You have become the shining ray of the full moon’s light.
What example can I give?
Your face glows with the beauty of radiant moonlight.
In your eyes rests the charm of a garden, the intoxication of a youthful night.
Your neck bends like the tender branch of a rose tree.
What example can I give, for your youthful grace?
What example can I give?
If your hair opens, dusk rises with a sigh.
If your feet touch the ground, even the sky bows low in respect.
A hundred times brighter shines the flame, than the sun itself.
What example can I give?
This color of the walls and doors, this attire, this veil,
Your body is the lamp of my home, a blossoming branch.
You alone are the painting of the dreams of my heaven.
What example can I give, for your youthful grace?
You have become the shining ray of the full moon’s light.
What example can I give?
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
In-Depth Song Analysis
Film’s Context
The movie Aarti (1962) was one of the distinguished social dramas of its era, starring Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Pradeep Kumar. Steeped in emotional intensity, the film used its songs as extensions of character emotions. “Ab Kya Misaal Doon,” sung by Mohammad Rafi, comes at a romantic juncture where the hero is mesmerized by the heroine’s beauty and innocence. The song serves as a lyrical monologue where he compares her to celestial and natural wonders, ultimately admitting that no comparison can suffice.
Lyrical Quality & Poetic Imagery
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s pen is at its most refined here. The repeated rhetorical posture — “Ab Kya Misaal Doon” — highlights the inadequacy of metaphors to capture beauty. Moonlight, blooming gardens, tender rose branches, and celestial imagery serve as poetic devices to elevate the beloved into an otherworldly vision. The lyrics align perfectly with themes of admiration and surrender in love.
Musical Composition Analysis
Roshan was a maestro of classical-based melodies, and this song is a glowing example of his mastery. The tune is constructed in Raag Yaman, a raga associated with devotion, beauty, and romance. Its structure allows smooth melodic arcs that complement the flattery of the lyrics. The rhythm follows a Dadra Taal (6 beats), with slow tempo percussion and gentle orchestral support (notably strings and sitar), highlighting the grandeur of admiration without overpowering Rafi’s vocals.
Vocal Nuances & Expressions (Line-by-Line)
Initial Verse
Ab kya misaal doon, main tumhare shabaab ki (What example can I give, for your youthful grace?) : Mohammad Rafi begins with a tender glide, his voice ascending with awe.
Insaan ban gayi hai, kiran mahtaab ki (You have become the shining ray of the full moon’s light) : The sustained emphasis on “mahtaab” exudes ethereal wonder.
Ab kya misaal doon (What example can I give?) : The gentle repetition conveys humility and quiet surrender.
1st Stanza
Chehre mein ghul gaya hai, haseen chaandni ka noor (Your face glows with the beauty of radiant moonlight) : Rafi layers the line with delicate brightness in tonal embellishment.
Aankhon mein hai chaman ki jawaan raat ka suroor (In your eyes rests the charm of a garden, the intoxication of a youthful night.) : The soft taan for “jawaan raat ka suroor” heightens the romantic intoxication.
Gardann hai ek jhuki hui daali, daali gulaab ki (Your neck bends like the tender branch of a rose tree.) : Rafi’s gentle modulation mirrors fragility and softness.
Ab kya misaal doon, main tumhare shabaab ki (What example can I give, for your youthful grace?) : A reaffirmation delivered with devotion, almost in a sigh.
2nd Stanza
Gesu khule toh shaam ke dil se dhuan uthhe (If your hair opens, dusk rises with a sigh.) : Rafi paints this image with a slightly deep timbre, adding mystery.
Chhule qadam toh jhuk ke na phir aasmaan uthhe (If your feet touch the ground, even the sky bows low in respect.) : His emphasis on “aasmaan” conveys grandeur and astonishment.
Sau baar jhilmilaye shama, shama aafatab ki (A hundred times brighter shines the flame, than the sun itself.) : Rafi soars here, raising pitch to emphasize hyperbolic admiration.
3rd Stanza
Deewaar-o-dar ka rang ye, aanchal ye pairahan (This color of the walls and doors, this attire, this veil.) : Sung with atmospheric simplicity, adding gentle ornamentation.
Ghar ka mere chiraag hai, boota sa ye badan (Your body is the lamp of my home, a blossoming branch.) : Rafi’s voice is filled with warmth and intimacy here, underlining belonging.
Tasveer ho tumhi mere jannat ke khwab ki (You alone are the painting of the dreams of my heaven.) : With subtle vibrato, he draws the imagery of an eternal dream.
Ab kya misaal doon, main tumhare shabaab ki (What example can I give, for your youthful grace?): The singer admits words cannot match her beauty. The refrain closes in sweetness, fading into humility.
Insaan ban gayi hai kiran, mahtab ki (You have become the shining ray of the full moon’s light): He likens her to celestial brightness. The sustained emphasis on “mahtaab” exudes ethereal wonder.
Ab kya misaal doon? (What example can I give?): The gentle repetition conveys humility and quiet surrender.
Closing Thoughts
“Ab Kya Misaal Doon” remains a cornerstone of Roshan’s repertoire and one of Mohammad Rafi’s most exquisite romantic renditions of the 1960s. Its lyrical depth, classical foundation, and expressive vocal ornamentation transport the listener into a dreamscape of love and admiration. In this song, Rafi doesn’t merely sing — he caresses each word, making the lyrics pulse with life.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani