Song: 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*. The song humorously comments on the changing times, particularly the transition from old to new currency systems in India. It reflects on how the value of money has evolved and how people have adapted to these changes. The lyrics, written by Rajendra Krishan, are witty and filled with clever wordplay, while the music, composed by Sachin Dev Burman, is lively and rhythmic. Mohammad Rafi’s energetic and charismatic rendition adds a layer of fun and charm, making it a memorable and enjoyable song.
The Lyrics:
Rajendra Krishan was a renowned lyricist known for his ability to craft witty and humorous lyrics. In this song, he uses clever wordplay and satire to comment on the changing times. His lyrics reflect a deep understanding of societal changes and the human tendency to adapt to new circumstances.
The song revolves around the theme of changing times and the evolution of currency. The lyrics humorously describe how the old monetary system, with its “anna” and “paisa”, has been replaced by a new system. The song uses playful comparisons, such as the reduction in the value of a “chavanni” (25 paise) and the introduction of new coins, to highlight the shift. The lyrics also reflect on how people have adapted to these changes, with a touch of satire and nostalgia for the old ways.
The Music:
Sachin Dev Burman, the legendary music director, was known for his ability to create melodies that perfectly complemented the mood of the lyrics. In “Aaha Badla Zamana, Wah Wah Badla Zamana,” he uses a lively and rhythmic orchestration, with a mix of traditional and contemporary instruments, to create a festive and energetic atmosphere. The melody is catchy and upbeat, reflecting the playful and satirical nature of the song.
The Singer:
Mohammad Rafi, one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema, delivers a vibrant and energetic performance in this song. His voice carries a blend of playfulness and charm, perfectly capturing the humor and satire of the lyrics. Rafi’s rendition is the heart of the song and ability to convey subtle emotions through his singing elevates the song to a delightful experience. Let’s explore his vocal expressions, line-by-line for each stanza.
Initial Stanza:
Aaha badla zamana, wah wah badla zamana (Oh, the times have changed, wow, the times have changed): Rafi’s voice is lively and enthusiastic, conveying the excitement and wonder of the changing times. The way he elongates “badla zamana” (changed times) suggests a sense of amazement and amusement.
Chhe naye paison ka, purana ek aana (Six new coins for the old one anna): Rafi’s tone is playful and humorous, reflecting the protagonist’s amusement at the new currency system. The way he stresses “purana ek aana” (old one anna) adds a touch of nostalgia and satire.
1st Stanza:
Pehle solah paison ki, to hoti thi chavanni (Earlier, sixteen paise made a chavanni): Rafi’s voice is soft and reflective, conveying the protagonist’s nostalgia for the old system. His way of stressing “chavanni” (25 paise) suggests a sense of fondness and humor.
Ho gayi ab barah paison ki dovanni (Now, twelve paise make a dovanni): Rafi’s tone becomes more playful, reflecting the protagonist’s amusement at the reduction in value. He stresses “dovanni” (12 paise) to add a touch of satire and humor.
Uth gaya aane, paai ka aabodana (The era of anna and paisa has ended): Rafi’s voice is soft and reflective, conveying the protagonist’s sense of nostalgia and acceptance. The way he stresses “aabodana” (era) suggests a sense of finality and change.
2nd Stanza:
Chhote chhote naye paise, bade pyare pyare (Small new coins, so dear and lovely): Rafi’s voice is tender and playful, reflecting the protagonist’s affection for the new coins. His rendition of “pyare pyare” (dear and lovely) adds a touch of charm and humor.
Gol mol nanhe munne, ankhion ke taare (Round little coins, like stars in the eyes): Rafi’s tone becomes more whimsical, reflecting the protagonist’s delight and amusement. His expression in “ankhion ke taare” (stars in the eyes) conveys a sense of wonder and joy.
Rupaiye ke milen sau, bhar lo khazana (A hundred rupees make a treasure): Rafi’s voice is lively and enthusiastic, reflecting the protagonist’s excitement at the new wealth. His expression of “bhar lo khazana” (fill the treasure) adds a touch of humor and satire.
3rd Stanza:
Sun mai baap, rahen khush tere laal (Listen, oh father, may your children stay happy): Rafi’s voice is soft and tender, conveying the protagonist’s affection and concern. His emphasis on “rahen khush tere laal” (may your children stay happy) suggests a sense of warmth and care.
Fakir kare do naye paison ka sawal (The beggar asks for two new coins): Rafi’s tone becomes more playful, reflecting the protagonist’s amusement at the beggar’s request. His rendition of “do naye paison ka sawal” (ask for two new coins) adds a touch of humor and satire.
Jo do nahin lega, ek paisa purana (If you don’t give two, take one old paisa): Rafi’s voice is soft and reflective, conveying the protagonist’s sense of compromise and humor. The way he stresses *”ek paisa purana”* (one old paisa) suggests a sense of nostalgia and acceptance.
Aaha badla zamana, wah wah badla zamana (Oh, the times have changed, wow, the times have changed): While repeating the refrain, Rafi’s voice becomes more emphatic and joyful with each repetition. The refrain serves as a reminder of the changing times, and Rafi’s delivery conveys a sense of both amusement and acceptance.
Conclusion:
“Aaha Badla Zamana, Wah Wah Badla Zamana” is a timeless ode to the changing times and the evolution of currency. Rajendra Krishan’s witty lyrics, Sachin Dev Burman’s lively composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s energetic rendition come together to create a song that resonates deeply with listeners. Rafi’s ability to convey humor, satire, and nostalgia through his singing makes this song a masterpiece. It is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of life and the humor 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