Analysis of Song: 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 Hue Hain Sanam” is a classic Hindi film song that beautifully captures the pain and longing of a lover whose beloved is upset with them. The song is characterized by its melodious tune, heartfelt lyrics, and Mohammad Rafi’s soulful rendition. It evokes a sense of both sadness and hope, as the singer expresses his belief that their misunderstandings will be resolved when they meet face-to-face.
Lyrics
Anand Bakshi, a well respected Indian lyricist known for his simple yet profound lyrics, masterfully conveys the emotions of love, longing, and hope in this composition.
The lyrics revolve around a lover lamenting their beloved’s displeasure. They express the pain they are enduring due to this estrangement but remain optimistic that all grievances will vanish when they finally confront each other. The song also touches upon themes of admiration, pride, and the power of love.
Musical 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 emotions. 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.
Emotional Expressions and Singing Intricacies
Initial Stanza
Aajkal humse roothe huve hain sanam (Lately, my beloved is upset with me): Mohd. Rafi’s voice carries a tinge of sadness and longing in the opening lines, immediately setting the tone for the song. 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 firmness in 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
Unke har nazar ki humne taarif ki (I have praised every whim of hers): The legend’s voice soften 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 dekhs 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 slight increase in intensity of the voice, Mohd. Rafi conveys a sense of surprise and perhaps a touch of bitterness.
2nd Stanza
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 increase in intensity of voice, suggesting that their personal matters might become public knowledge.
3rd Stanza
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. Mohammad Rafi’s masterful rendition, combined with the beautiful melody and poignant lyrics, makes “Aaj Kal Humse Roothe Hue Hain Sanam” a timeless classic.
Mohammad Rafi’s singing of this song is a masterclass in conveying emotion through vocal delivery. Here’s an overall analysis of his singing in this song:
Emotional Depth: Rafi’s greatest strength in this song 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 that 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 that 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, the rendition of this song is a testament to Mohammad Rafi’s legendary status as one of the greatest singers in Indian cinema. 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