Song Title: Aise To Na Dekho
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Film: Teen Devian (1965)
Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music Director: S.D. Burman
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English Translation of Lyrics
Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated, do not look at me like that
Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me
Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that
Even if you try to stop me, I will not stop
Even if you call me an infidel, still I will bend like this
At the step of grace, a prostration should be made
Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated
Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that
Do not let your eyes remain like this, kohl spreading
Growing ecstatic, unlocking beautiful tresses
Freely let your black hair, the dark calamity, come undone
Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated
Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that
In my excitement, who knows what I might say
From your delicate lips, may you not
Feel a complaint of restlessness except from me
Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated
Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
In-Depth Song Analysis
Film’s Context
Teen Devian (1965) is a light-hearted romantic drama featuring three women protagonists. “Aise To Na Dekho” is a playful, flirtatious song picturized in a romantic setting that captures the teasing attraction between the characters. This song introduces a sense of charm and light mischief in the narrative, enhancing the film’s vivacious tone.
Lyrical Quality & Alignment
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics exude playful elegance with vivid imagery of intoxication and temptation. The poetic expressions of beauty and attraction align wonderfully with the film’s romantic and vibrant mood, complementing the on-screen chemistry and narrative flow.
Musical Composition Analysis
S.D. Burman’s composition combines folk-inspired lilting melody with an upbeat rhythm that matches the song’s teasing and flirtatious nature. The rhythmic pattern supports Mohammad Rafi’s playful vocal expressions, allowing both melody and rhythm to weave the charm inherent in the lyrics seamlessly.
Vocal Nuances & Emotional Expressions (Line-by-Line)
Initial Verse
Aise to na dekho, ki humko nasha ho jaaye (Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated): Mohammad Rafi’s voice begins with a teasing, light-hearted tone, rich in playful warmth. The subtle inflections convey flirtatious warning, and his playful smoothness imbues the lyrics with a gentle intoxication, drawing listeners into the romantic mischief.
Khoobsurat si koi humse khata ho jaaye (Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me): The vocals become slightly more tender, blended with a hint of mischievous allure. Rafi’s controlled vibrato adds softness, making the line both an endearing compliment and a coy confession.
Khoobsurat si koi humse khata ho jaaye, aise to na dekho (Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that): The refrain returns with added energy and joyous modulation. Rafi’s voice sparkles with playful excitement, effectively reinforcing the seductive warning wrapped in humor.
1st Stanza
Tum humein roko, phir bhi hum na ruken (Even if you try to stop me, I will not stop): Rafi’s confident yet light tone portrays eager defiance. His phrasing captures a jovial assertiveness underscored by underlying affection, creating an engaging push-and-pull dynamic.
Tum kaho kaafir, phir bhi aise jhuken (Even if you call me an infidel, still I will bend like this): His voice flirts with subtle sarcasm and teasing humility. The delicate emphasis on “kaafir” adds character to the expression, reinforcing playful contradiction.
Qadam-e-naaz pe ik sajda ada ho jaaye (At the step of grace, a prostration should be made): The tone gains a ceremonious sweetness, with Rafi’s smooth delivery evoking reverence mingled with playful reverie. The melodic line highlights the charming obeisance implied in the lyrics.
Aise to na dekho, ki humko nasha ho jaaye (Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated): The refrain’s repetition is filled with added warmth and exuberance, inviting listeners into the song’s coquettish world.
Khoobsurat si koi humse khata ho jaaye, aise to na dekho (Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that): The melodic and rhythmic embellishments here make this refrain an inviting and memorable hook, showcasing Rafi’s dynamic control.
2nd Stanza
Yun na ho aankhein rahe, kajal gholen (Do not let your eyes remain like this, kohl spreading): Rafi’s vocals adopt a sensuous and teasing tone now, rich with imagery. His delicate phrasing invites the listener into the visual seduction the lyrics portray.
Badhke bekhudi, hansi gesu kholen (Growing ecstatic, unlocking beautiful tresses): The voice elevates in warmth and playful energy. The flowing delivery paints a carefree image of abandon and charm reflective of the lyrics.
Khul ke phir zulfen siyaah kaali bala ho jaaye (Freely let your black hair, the dark calamity, come undone): Rafi deepens the emotional texture here, conveying a mixture of enchantment and humorous flirtation. His modulation adds a mystical allure to the vivid imagery.
Aise to na dekho, ki humko nasha ho jaaye (Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated): The recurrence of this line is sung with joyful restraint, maintaining the song’s playful essence.
Khoobsurat si koi humse khata ho jaaye, aise to na dekho (Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that): The refrain concludes this stanza with charming fervor, showcasing Rafi’s ability to blend romance with lighthearted teasing.
3rd Stanza
Hum to masti mein, jaane kya kya kahen (In my excitement, who knows what I might say): Rafi’s vocals become more spontaneous and lively here, perfectly capturing the teasing unpredictability of intoxication and youthful mischief.
Lab-e-nazuk se aisa, na ho tumhein (From your delicate lips, may you not): His tender phrasing softens the mood, embodying a gentle warning laced with affection. The modulation emphasizes the delicacy and earnestness in the plea.
Beqaraari ka gila humse siwa ho jaaye (Feel a complaint of restlessness except from me): The voice flirts with emotional sincerity and playful intimacy. Rafi’s vocal warmth deepens the sentiment of exclusive longing and devotion.
Aise to na dekho, ki humko nasha ho jaaye (Do not look at me like that, lest I become intoxicated): The closing refrain brings a joyous and affectionate close, balancing the song’s flirtatious charm and sincere emotion.
Khoobsurat si koi humse khata ho jaaye, aise to na dekho (Someone so beautiful might commit a fault with me, do not look at me like that): The final refrain is delivered with a captivating mix of passion and playfulness, leaving the listener with a joyful sense of enchantment.
Closing Thoughts
Mohammad Rafi’s charismatic and nuanced vocal performance elevates Majrooh Sultanpuri’s playful and evocative lyrics. The lively and melodious composition by S.D. Burman, combined with Rafi’s expressive nuances, creates a timeless romantic classic full of charm, flirtation, and joyous energy.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani