Translation of: Aadmi Majboor Hai, Taqdeer Par Ilzam Hai
Singer: Mohammad Rafi | Raka (1965)
Lyrics: Asad Bhopali | Music Composer: N. Datta
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“Aadmi Majboor Hai, Taqdeer Par Ilzaam Hai” is a deeply philosophical and devotional song that explores themes of fate, surrender, and unwavering faith. The lyrics, penned by Asad Bhopali, reflect a profound acceptance of life’s challenges and a complete reliance on divine will. Mohammad Rafi’s soulful and heartfelt rendition, combined with N. Datta’s serene and melodious composition, creates a truly moving and contemplative experience.
The Lyrics and the Lyricist:
Asad Bhopali was a renowned lyricist known for his ability to craft deeply emotional and poetic lyrics. In this song, he uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the protagonist’s sense of helplessness and acceptance. His lyrics reflect a deep understanding of human emotions, particularly the pain of unfulfilled desires and the inevitability of fate.
The song revolves around the theme of human helplessness and the inevitability of fate. The protagonist acknowledges that man is powerless (*majboor*) and that destiny (*taqdeer*) is to blame for his circumstances. The lyrics express a sense of surrender and acceptance, as the protagonist places his trust and honor (*aabru*) in the hands of his beloved, who is aware of the state of his heart. The song also reflects on the sacrifices made in the name of love and the belief that true fulfillment comes from selflessness.
Musical Composition and Music Director:
N. Datta, the music director, was known for his ability to create melodies that perfectly complemented the mood of the lyrics. In “Aadmi Majboor Hai, Taqdeer Par Ilzaam Hai,” he uses a soft and melancholic orchestration, with gentle strings and light percussion, to create a reflective and emotional atmosphere. The melody is both soothing and intense, reflecting the duality of human emotions—hope and despair.
The Singer:
Mohammad Rafi, one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema, delivers a mesmerizing performance in this song. His voice carries a blend of vulnerability and resignation, perfectly capturing the protagonist’s sense of helplessness and acceptance. Rafi’s ability to convey subtle emotions through his singing elevates the song to a masterpiece. Let’s try to analyse the emotions expressed by the legendary singer.
Initial Verse:
Aadmi majboor hai, taqdeer par ilzaam hai (Man is helpless, fate is to blame): Rafi begins with a tone of quiet resignation and acceptance. There’s a slight downward inflection on “majboor” (helpless), conveying a sense of weariness and acceptance of limitations. His voice is gentle and subdued, conveying the feeling of being bound by destiny. It’s not a bitter accusation, but rather a matter-of-fact statement of the perceived reality.
Baat kehne ki nahin, yeh sab tera hi kaam hai (There’s no point in saying anything, this is all your work): Rafi’s voice is calm and subdued. There’s a sense of quiet acceptance and a lack of resistance. The tone in “ye sab tera …” is reverent and trusting. There’s a gentle, almost whispered quality, suggesting a complete surrender to divine will.
1st Verse:
Meri aabroo tere haath hai, tu dilon ka haal hai jaanta (My honor is in your hands, you know the state of hearts): At first, Rafi’s voice is soft and pleading, yet there’s a sense of quiet strength in his surrender. Then his tone is reassuring and confident. There’s a gentle, almost loving quality, expressing deep trust in God’s omniscience.
Jahan faisla ho naseeb ka, jahan faisla ho naseeb ka (Where fate is decided, where fate is decided): The repetition is delivered with a steady, unwavering tone. There’s a sense of inevitability and acceptance of fate.
Tera raasta hai woh raasta, tera raasta hai woh raasta (Your path is the only path, your path is the only path): Rafi’s voice is filled with conviction and belief, emphasizing the importance of following God’s path.
2nd Verse:
Main bataun kya tera faisla, mujhe zindagi se azeez hai (What can I say about your decision, it’s dearer to me than life): Rafi’s voice is soft and contemplative. There’s a sense of humility and wonder. Then the tone changes to deeply devoted. There’s a slight upward inflection on “azeez” (dear), emphasizing the value placed on God’s will.
Tere dar se gham agar mile, mujhe har khushi se azeez hai (If I receive sorrow from your door, it’s dearer to me than any happiness): Rafi’s voice is calm and accepting and the tone is deeply peaceful and content. There’s a sense of unwavering faith and acceptance of suffering.
Mujhe apne dil pe yakeen hai, kisi aur ka mujhe kya pata (I have faith in my heart, what do I know about anyone else?): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of inner peace and self-assurance. He conveys the feeling of being grounded in his own faith.
3rd Verse:
Jo wafa ki raah pe chal pade, unhe dar nahin koi baat ka (Those who walk on the path of faithfulness, they have no fear of anything): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of courage and conviction. He conveys the feeling of being protected by faith.
Kisi roop mein toh savera ho, gham e intezaar ki raat ka (In some form, may there be a dawn, of the night of sorrowful waiting): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of hope and anticipation. He conveys the feeling of trusting that God will bring an end to suffering.
Mere aitbaar ki laaj rakh, tere naam ka tujhe vaasta (Uphold the honor of my faith, I beseech you in your name): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of pleading and devotion. He conveys the feeling of making a heartfelt appeal to God.
4th Verse:
Yeh taqaza hai mere pyar ka, main kisi ka pyar sanwaar dun (This is the demand of my love, that I beautify someone’s love): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of selfless love and compassion. He conveys the feeling of wanting to serve others. he way he stresses *”pyaar sanwaar doon”* (nurture someone else’s love) suggests a deep emotional connection.
Meri zindagi ki yeh jeet hai, ke main apni zindagi haar dun (This is the victory of my life, that I lose my own life): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of self-sacrifice and devotion. He conveys the feeling of finding victory in surrender.
Jo kisi ke kaam na aaun toh, yeh hai meri sabse badi khata (If I don’t come to anyone’s aid, this is my greatest sin): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of humility and compassion. He conveys the feeling of wanting to be of service to others. His stress on *”sabse badi khata”* (greatest fault) conveys a sense of humility and devotion.
Summary of Singing Qualities:
Mohammad Rafi’s rendition of “Aadmi Majboor Hai, Taqdeer Par Ilzaam Hai” Mohammad Rafi’s rendition is the heart of the song. His voice carries a blend of vulnerability, resignation, and faith, perfectly capturing the essence of the lyrics. Rafi’s ability to convey subtle emotions through his singing elevates the song to a masterpiece. His singing is characterized by:
Quiet Resignation and Acceptance: He conveys the feeling of being bound by fate with a gentle and subdued tone.
Unwavering Faith and Surrender: He expresses complete trust in God’s will with a sense of devotion and reliance.
Inner Peace and Self-Assurance: He conveys a sense of being grounded in his own faith with a calm and confident tone.
Selfless Love and Compassion: He expresses a deep desire to serve others with a tone of humility and devotion.
Perfect Harmony with the Music: His rendition blends seamlessly with the serene and melodious composition, enhancing the song’s spiritual atmosphere.
In summary, the “Aadmi Majboor Hai, Taqdeer Par Ilzaam Hai” is a timeless ode to the helplessness of man and the inevitability of fate. Asad Bhopali’s poetic lyrics, N. Datta’s soulful composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s heartfelt rendition come together to create a song that resonates deeply with listeners. Rafi’s ability to convey sorrow, resignation, and faith through his singing makes this song a masterpiece. It is a reminder of the fragility of human existence and the power of acceptance.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani