Song: Aaj Ki Raat Badi Shokh Badi Natkhat Hai
Singer: Mohammad Rafi | Film: Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal (1967)
Lyricist: Neeraj (Gopaldas Saxena) | Music Composer: Roshan
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This song is a romantic masterpiece that captures the essence of a playful, enchanting night. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting vivid imagery of a monsoon night filled with longing, beauty, and desire. The composition is melodious and rich, blending classical and contemporary elements to create a dreamy atmosphere. Mohammed Rafi’s soulful and expressive rendition brings the lyrics to life, making the song a timeless classic.
The Lyrics:
The song describes a night that is mischievous, lively, and full of romantic energy. The singer expresses his longing for his beloved, emphasizing how the night feels incomplete without her. The lyrics are filled with metaphors and imagery, comparing the beloved’s beauty to the natural splendor of the monsoon season. The song conveys a mix of yearning, admiration, and playful anticipation, making it a celebration of love and the magic of the night.
The Lyricist:
Neeraj, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated poets, was known for his lyrical depth and romanticism. His ability to weave emotions with vivid imagery is evident in this song. The lyrics are rich with metaphors, drawing parallels between the beloved’s beauty and the enchanting monsoon night. Neeraj’s poetic brilliance shines through in every line, making the song a lyrical gem.
The Music Director:
Roshan, a maestro of melody, composed this song with a blend of classical ragas and light orchestration. The use of instruments like the flute, sitar, and tabla creates a mesmerizing and romantic ambiance. The composition perfectly complements the lyrical content, enhancing the song’s emotional depth and beauty.
The Singer:
Mohammed Rafi’s rendition of this song is nothing short of magical. His voice captures the playful, romantic, and yearning tones of the lyrics with remarkable finesse. Rafi’s ability to convey subtle emotions through his singing adds layers of meaning to the song, making it an unforgettable listening experience. We attempt to explore the vocal expressions packed in each line of the song.
Initial Verse:
Aaj Ki Raat, Badi Shokh Badi, Natkhat Hai (Tonight is very playful, very mischievous): The singer describes the night as mischievous and lively. The tone is playful and excited, setting the mood for the song.
Aaj To Tere Bina, Neend Na Aayegi (Today, without you, sleep will not come): The singer expresses his longing, stating that sleep is impossible without his beloved. The vocals convey a sense of yearning and restlessness.
1st Verse:
Ab To Tere Hi Yahan Aane Ka Ye Mausam Hai (Now is the season for you to come here): The singer declares that the season is perfect for his beloved to arrive. The tone is hopeful and anticipatory.
Ab Tabiyat Na Khayalon Se Bahal Payegi (Now, my heart cannot be consoled by thoughts alone): The singer admits that his heart cannot be consoled by mere thoughts. The vocals reflect a deep sense of longing and impatience.
Dekh Wo Chhat Pe, Utar Aayi Hai Saawan Ki Ghata (Look, the monsoon clouds have descended on the roof): The singer observes the monsoon clouds descending, symbolizing the arrival of romance. The tone is filled with wonder and admiration.
De Rahi Dwar Pe, Awaaz Khadi Purvai (The eastern breeze is calling at the door): The gentle breeze at the door feels like an invitation. The vocals carry a sense of warmth and anticipation.
Bijli Rah Rah Ke, Paharon Pe Chamak Uthti Hai (The lightning flashes repeatedly on the mountains): The lightning on the mountains adds to the night’s enchantment. The tone is vibrant and electrifying.
Sooni Aankhon Mein Koi, Khwab Le Jaise Angdai (In my lonely eyes, a dream seems to stretch and awaken): The singer compares his sleepless eyes to a dream stretching out. The vocals convey a mix of restlessness and imagination.
Kaise Samjhaun? Kaise Samjhaun Ki Is, Waqt Ka Matlab Kya Hai (How can I explain? How can I explain what this moment means?): The singer struggles to explain the significance of this moment. The tone is introspective and filled with emotion.
Dil Ki Hai Baat, Ho Dil Ki Hai Baat Na Hothon Se Kahi Jayegi (It is a matter of the heart. Oh, the heart’s matter cannot be spoken by the lips): The singer admits that his feelings cannot be expressed in words. The vocals are heartfelt and poignant.
2nd Verse:
Ye Bhatakte Hue, Jugnu Ye Diye Awara (These wandering fireflies, these stray lamps): The wandering fireflies and lamps symbolize the night’s playful energy. The tone is whimsical and romantic.
Bheegte Ped Pe, Bujh-Bujhke Chamak Uthte Hain (On the wet trees, they flicker and glow): The fireflies flicker on the wet trees, adding to the night’s magic. The vocals are filled with admiration and wonder.
Tere Aanchal Mein Tuke Salame Sitare Jaise (Like stars caught in your scarf): The singer compares the stars to decorations on his beloved’s scarf. The tone is tender and affectionate.
Mujhse Milne Ko Bina, Baat Damak Uthte Hain (They glow without reason, as if to meet me): The stars seem to sparkle in anticipation of meeting the singer. The vocals convey a sense of longing and connection.
Sara Aalam, Sara Aalam Hai Girftar Tere, Husn Mein Jab (The entire world. When the entire world is captivated by your beauty): The singer declares that the entire world is captivated by his beloved’s beauty. The tone is filled with awe and admiration.
Mujhse Hi Kaise, Hay Mujhse Hi Kaise Ye Barsaat Sahi Jayegi (How can I alone? Oh, how can I bear this rain alone?): The singer wonders how he will endure the monsoon’s romantic spell alone. The vocals are tinged with longing and vulnerability.
3rd Verse:
Raat Rani Ki Ye Bhini Si Nashili Khushbu (The intoxicating fragrance of the night-blooming jasmine): The intoxicating fragrance of the night adds to its allure. The tone is sensual and enchanting.
Aa Rahi Hai Ke Jo, Chhan Chhanke Ghani Dalo Se (It comes, filtering through the dense branches): The fragrance wafts through the dense branches, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The vocals are filled with wonder.
Aisa Lagta Hai, Kisi Dheeth Jhakhore Se Lipat (It feels as if it has embraced a mischievous breeze): The singer imagines the night clinging to him like a mischievous breeze. The tone is playful and romantic.
Khel Aayi Hai Tere, Uljhe Hue Baalon Se (It has come to play with your tangled hair): The singer compares the night’s playfulness to his beloved’s tangled hair. The vocals are filled with affection and admiration.
Aur Bezar, Aur Bezar Na Kar, Mere Tadapte Dil Ko (And do not torment. Do not torment my aching heart anymore): The singer pleads with the night not to torment his restless heart. The tone is heartfelt and pleading.
Aisi Rangeen, Ho, Aisi Rangeen Ghazal Raat Na Phir, Gayegi (Such a colorful. Oh, such a colorful night will not sing a ghazal again): The singer declares that such a colorful and enchanting night will not come again. The vocals are filled with a sense of urgency and longing.
Aaj To Tere Bina Neend Nahin Aayegi (Today, without you, sleep will not come): The singer reiterates that sleep is impossible without his beloved. The tone is filled with yearning and finality.
Aaj Ki Raat Badi Shokh Badi Natkhat Hai (Tonight is very playful, very mischievous): The song concludes by reaffirming the night’s playful and mischievous nature. The vocals leave the listener with a sense of enchantment and longing.
In conclusion, “Aaj Ki Raat Badi Shokh Badi Natkhat Hai” is a romantic gem that beautifully captures the magic of a monsoon night. Neeraj’s poetic lyrics, Roshan’s melodious composition, and Mohammed Rafi’s soulful rendition come together to create a timeless ode to love and longing. The song’s vivid imagery, emotional depth, and playful tone make it a cherished classic in Indian cinema’s musical legacy.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani