Song Title: Aaj Kal Humse Roothe Huve Hain Sanam
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Film: Aamne Saamne (1967)
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
Music Composers: Kalyanji-Anandji
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“Aaj Kal Humse Roothe Huve Hain Sanam” is a classic Hindi film song from Aamne Saamne (1967) that beautifully captures the pain and longing of a lover whose beloved is upset with them. The song features a melodious tune, heartfelt lyrics, and Mohammed Rafi’s soulful rendition. It evokes both sadness and hope, as the singer expresses his belief that misunderstandings will resolve when they meet face-to-face.
Lyrical Brilliance by Anand Bakshi
Anand Bakshi, a well-respected Indian lyricist known for his simple yet profound lyrics, masterfully conveys emotions of love, longing, and hope in this composition. The lyrics revolve around a lover lamenting their beloved’s displeasure. They express the pain endured due to this estrangement but remain optimistic that all grievances will vanish upon confrontation. The song also touches upon themes of admiration, pride, and love’s powerful influence.
Kalyanji-Anandji’s Harmonious Composition
Kalyanji-Anandji, a highly acclaimed Indian film music composer duo, crafted the memorable music for this song. Their ability to create melodies that resonate with the audience’s emotions is evident in this composition. The music is a perfect blend of gentle melody and deep emotion. The tune is soft and melancholic, complementing the song’s theme of longing. The use of traditional Indian instruments adds a touch of classicism to the composition.
Mohammed Rafi’s Expressive Singing: A Masterclass in Emotion
Mohammed Rafi’s singing in “Aaj Kal Humse Roothe Huve Hain Sanam” is a masterclass in conveying emotion through vocal delivery. His ability to infuse every word with genuine feeling, combined with his impeccable vocal control and soulful delivery, solidifies this song as a timeless classic.
Initial Verse: Hope Amidst Hurt
Aajkal humse roothe huve hain sanam (Lately, my beloved is upset with me): Mohammed Rafi’s voice carries a tinge of sadness and longing in the opening lines, immediately setting the song’s tone. The repetition emphasizes the singer’s preoccupation with his beloved’s displeasure.
Pyar mein ho rahe hain sitam pe sitam, lekin khuda ki kasam (There are many cruelties happening in love. But I swear by God): The slight increase in volume and intensity in Rafi’s voice conveys the increasing pain and frustration the singer is experiencing. Then, with “Lekin, khuda ki kasam,” his voice expresses unwavering conviction and hope.
Honge jis roz hum aamne saamne, saare shikwe giley door ho jaayenge (The day we come face to face, all complaints and grievances will be resolved): There’s a subtle lift in the melody and Rafi’s tone, suggesting a glimmer of hope and anticipation. In “saare shikwe…,” his voice pronounces optimism and conveys a sense of certainty and relief.
1st Stanza: Unrequited Efforts and Disappointment
Unke har nazar ki humne taarif ki (I have praised every whim of hers): The legend’s voice softens with a touch of gentle reproach, suggesting the singer has always been accommodating.
Shukriya bhi na kehne ki takleef ki (She didn’t even bother to say thank you): Here, the voice changes to give a hint of disappointment, highlighting the lack of reciprocation.
Humne dekha to parde mein wo chhup gaye (When I looked, she hid behind a curtain): Here, the singer’s voice reflects a sense of confusion and hurt at being avoided by the beloved.
Kya pata tha wo magroor ho jaayenge (Little did I know she would become so arrogant): With a slight increase in intensity, Mohammed Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of surprise and perhaps a touch of bitterness.
2nd Stanza: Admiration and Apprehension
Khubsurat hai wo aur masoom hai, ab ye baatein kahan maloom hain (She is beautiful and innocent, but who knows what these words mean): Rafi’s voice, filled with admiration and fondness, expresses happiness, and then with “Ab ye baatein…,” his voice questions to reflect sadness at the unknown.
Jo fasaane faqat apne hothon pe hain, har gali mein ye mashhoor ho jaayenge (The tales that are just traps on our lips, it will be known to everyone): In the opening line here, the singer’s voice conveys a hint of apprehension and concern. In the second line “har gali mein…,” he slightly increases the intensity of his voice, suggesting that their personal matters might become public knowledge.
3rd Stanza: Confidence and Vulnerability
Humko apni nigahon pe hai aitbaar, ek din unko kar denge hum beqaraar (I have faith in my gaze, one day I will make her restless): With the tone of the opening line, the singer is confident and determined, and in the second line “Ek din unko…,” the voice carries a sense of assurance and conviction.
Jis tarah hum mohabbat mein majboor hain, is tarah wo bhi majboor ho jaayenge (Just as I am compelled by love, she too will be compelled): In the first line, a touch of vulnerability enters the singer’s voice, acknowledging his own helplessness in love, while in the second line, the voice is filled with hope and anticipation.
The song then concludes with a repetition of the opening lines, reinforcing the central theme of longing and hope for reconciliation. Mohammed Rafi’s masterful rendition, combined with the beautiful melody and poignant lyrics, makes “Aaj Kal Humse Roothe Huve Hain Sanam” a timeless classic.
Overall Analysis of Rafi’s Vocal Delivery
Mohammed Rafi’s singing in this song is a masterclass in conveying emotion through vocal delivery.
- Emotional Depth: Rafi’s greatest strength here is his ability to convey a wide range of emotions with nuance and sincerity. He effortlessly transitions between sadness, longing, hope, disappointment, and even a touch of playful reproach. This emotional depth makes the song incredibly relatable and touching.
- Vocal Control and Modulation: Rafi demonstrates exceptional control over his voice, modulating his tone and volume to perfectly match the sentiment of each line. He uses subtle variations in his delivery to emphasize certain words or phrases, adding depth and meaning to the lyrics.
- Expressiveness and Phrasing: Rafi’s phrasing is impeccable, with each word and line delivered with clarity and precision. He pays close attention to the lyrics, ensuring the emotional weight of each word is conveyed effectively. His expressiveness brings the lyrics to life, making the listener feel the singer’s pain and longing.
- Melody and Intonation: Rafi’s rendition is melodically perfect, with each note sung with accuracy and feeling. His intonation is flawless, ensuring the melody flows smoothly and naturally.
- Soulful Rendition: Above all, Rafi’s singing in this song is deeply soulful. He sings with genuine emotion, making the listener feel the depth of the singer’s love and longing. His voice has a unique quality that resonates with the listener’s heart, making the song an unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, this song’s rendition is a testament to Mohammed Rafi’s legendary status as one of Indian cinema’s greatest singers. His ability to infuse every word with emotion, combined with his impeccable vocal control and soulful delivery, makes this song a timeless classic that continues to touch the hearts of listeners.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani