Song Title: Aaha Badla Zamana Waah Waah Badla Zamana
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Film: Miss Mary (1957)
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: S.D. Burman
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“Aaha Badla Zamana, Wah Wah Badla Zamana” is a playful and satirical song from the 1957 film Miss Mary. This track humorously comments on India’s evolving currency systems and the broader societal shifts from old to new. The witty lyrics by Rajendra Krishan, combined with Sachin Dev Burman’s lively, rhythmic music, create a delightful auditory experience. Mohammad Rafi’s energetic and charismatic rendition adds immense fun and charm, making it a truly memorable and enjoyable Bollywood classic.
Rajendra Krishan’s Witty Lyrics
Rajendra Krishan, a celebrated lyricist, was renowned for his ability to craft exceptionally witty and humorous lyrics. In this song, his mastery of clever wordplay and satire shines through as he comments on the changing times. His verses keenly observe societal transformations and the inherent human capacity to adapt to new circumstances.
The song humorously centers on the theme of evolving times and the significant changes in currency. The lyrics comically illustrate the transition from the traditional monetary system, with its “anna” and “paisa,” to a more modern one. Through playful comparisons, such as the diminished value of a “chavanni” (25 paise) and the introduction of novel coins, the song effectively highlights this monetary shift. The lyrics also offer a satirical yet nostalgic look at how people have embraced these changes, even while fondly recalling the old ways.
S.D. Burman’s Lively Composition
Sachin Dev Burman, a legendary music director, was celebrated for his innate ability to craft melodies that perfectly matched the lyrical mood. For “Aaha Badla Zamana, Wah Wah Badla Zamana,” he orchestrated a vibrant and rhythmic composition, blending traditional and contemporary instruments to forge a festive and energetic atmosphere. The melody itself is undeniably catchy and upbeat, mirroring the song’s playful and satirical essence.
Mohammad Rafi’s Energetic Vocal Charisma
Mohammad Rafi, widely acclaimed as one of Indian cinema’s greatest playback singers, delivers a wonderfully vibrant and energetic performance in this song. His voice, brimming with playfulness and charm, perfectly captures the humor and satire embedded in the lyrics. Rafi’s rendition truly defines the song’s appeal, and his subtle emotional nuances elevate it into a delightful experience. Let’s delve into the vocal expressions he brings forth, line by line, for each stanza.
Initial Stanza: Celebrating Change
- Aaha badla zamana, wah wah badla zamana (Oh, the times have changed, wow, the times have changed): Rafi’s opening vocalization bursts with lively enthusiasm, conveying genuine excitement and wonder about the evolving times. His stretched delivery of “badla zamana” suggests a sense of amazement and amusement at the transformation.
- Chhe naye paison ka, purana ek aana (Six new coins for the old one anna): A distinct playful and humorous tone permeates Rafi’s delivery, reflecting the protagonist’s delight in the new currency system. His emphasis on “purana ek aana” adds a touch of nostalgia and gentle satire.
First Stanza: Recalling Old Values
- Pehle solah paison ki, to hoti thi chavanni (Earlier, sixteen paise made a chavanni): Rafi’s voice adopts a soft, reflective quality, conveying the protagonist’s fond recollection of the old monetary system. His articulation of “chavanni” hints at fondness and a knowing smile.
- Ho gayi ab barah paison ki dovanni (Now, twelve paise make a dovanni): The vocal expression becomes more playful, mirroring the protagonist’s amusement at the reduction in monetary value. He highlights “dovanni” to infuse a touch of satire and humor.
- Uth gaya aane, paai ka aabodana (The era of anna and paisa has ended): Rafi’s voice maintains a soft, reflective demeanor, communicating the protagonist’s acceptance blended with a hint of nostalgia for the bygone era. His emphasis on “aabodana” suggests a sense of finality and transition.
Second Stanza: Adopting the New
- Chhote chhote naye paise, bade pyare pyare (Small new coins, so dear and lovely): Rafi’s vocal delivery is tender and imbued with playfulness, conveying the protagonist’s affection for the newly introduced coins. His rendition of “pyare pyare” adds an element of charm and lighthearted humor.
- Gol mol nanhe munne, ankhion ke taare (Round little coins, like stars in the eyes): A whimsical quality marks Rafi’s expression, reflecting the protagonist’s delight and amusement. His phrasing of “ankhion ke taare” encapsulates a sense of wonder and joy.
- Rupaiye ke milen sau, bhar lo khazana (A hundred rupees make a treasure): Rafi’s voice becomes energetic and enthusiastic, conveying the protagonist’s excitement for the new abundance. His urging to “bhar lo khazana” adds a dash of humor and satirical bravado.
Third Stanza: Social Commentary
- Sun mai baap, rahen khush tere laal (Listen, oh father, may your children stay happy): Rafi’s vocalization is soft and tender, conveying the protagonist’s affection and underlying concern for others. His emphasis on “rahen khush tere laal” suggests warmth and genuine care.
- Fakir kare do naye paison ka sawal (The beggar asks for two new coins): A playful undertone colors Rafi’s delivery, reflecting the protagonist’s amusement at the beggar’s adapted request. His rendition of “do naye paison ka sawal” adds a touch of humor and social commentary.
- Jo do nahin lega, ek paisa purana (If you don’t give two, take one old paisa): Rafi’s voice becomes soft and reflective, conveying the protagonist’s sense of compromise and humor. The way he highlights “ek paisa purana” suggests a blend of nostalgia and pragmatic acceptance.
- Aaha badla zamana, wah wah badla zamana (Oh, the times have changed, wow, the times have changed): With each repetition of the refrain, Rafi’s voice grows more emphatic and joyful. This recurring line serves as a vibrant reminder of the inexorable march of changing times, with Rafi’s performance conveying both amusement and cheerful acceptance.
In conclusion, “Aaha Badla Zamana, Wah Wah Badla Zamana” stands as a timeless ode to societal evolution and the transformation of currency. Rajendra Krishan’s witty lyrics, Sachin Dev Burman’s lively composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s energetic rendition synergize to create a song that resonates deeply with listeners. Rafi’s extraordinary ability to convey humor, satire, and nostalgia through his singing solidifies this song as a masterpiece. It humorously reminds us of life’s ever-changing nature and the inherent charm in adapting to new circumstances.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani