Song: Aayi Bahaaron Ki Shaam
Singer: Mohammad Rafi | Film: Wapas (1969)
Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Music Composers: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
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Mohammed Rafi’s rendition of “Aayi Baharon Ki Sham” is a timeless classic that encapsulates the essence of romantic longing and anticipation. Penned by the renowned lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri and composed by the iconic duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, this song continues to captivate audiences with its evocative imagery and Rafi’s soulful voice.
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s Poetic Imagery
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary heart longing for love. The recurring phrase “Aayi baharon ki sham” (the evening of spring has arrived) serves as a metaphor for the arrival of love into one’s life. The poet masterfully uses imagery of nature – the cool breeze, the wet air, the blooming flowers, and the starry night – to create a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere.
Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s Melodic Mastery
Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s composition perfectly complements the lyrics. The melody, with its gentle rhythm and melancholic undertones, evokes a sense of longing and anticipation. The use of instruments like the flute and the sitar further enhances the romantic and nostalgic mood of the song.
The Legend’s Vocals
Initial Stanza
Aayi baharon ki sham (The evening of spring has come): Rafi’s voice starts with a sense of anticipation and hope. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the cyclical nature of seasons and, metaphorically, the cyclical nature of love and loss.
Kya jaane, fir kiske naam (I wonder, for whose name): Here, Mohammad Rafi’s voice turns introspective, conveying a sense of uncertainty and longing. The question, “For whom has this spring arrived?” suggests a feeling of solitude and a yearning for companionship.
Thandi hawa, bheegi fiza, laayi hai, kiska salaam (The cool breeze and damp atmosphere have brought, whose greeting): Rafi’s voice here is soft and gentle, almost like a whisper. The intonation suggests a sense of longing and anticipation. The repetition of “kiski” (whose) highlights the uncertainty and curiosity in his voice. The imagery of the breeze carrying a “salaam” (greeting) creates a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.
1st Stanza
Sitaron ne baandha gagan par, samaan jaise khilte gulon ka (The stars have adorned the sky, like blooming flowers): Rafi’s voice paints a serene picture, expressing a sense of peace and tranquility. The comparison of the starry sky to a blooming garden suggests a romantic and hopeful outlook.
Sunsaan sapnon, bhari waadiyon mein (In the silent dreams, in the full valleys): Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of solitude and introspection. The image of empty valleys filled with dreams suggests a longing for fulfillment.
Chandni se sazhe raston ka, ghata ne kiya intzaam (The clouds have arranged the paths with moonlight): Rafi’s voice becomes more hopeful, suggesting a sense of anticipation. The moonlight-lit path symbolizes a journey towards love and happiness. Here the voice conveys a sense of serendipity. The clouds have conspired to create a perfect romantic setting.
2nd Stanza
Main gaata hoon kis dilruba ki, mohabbat ke rangin tarane (I sing songs of love for which beloved): Rafi’s voice is filled with a sense of longing and desire. He sings love songs, hoping to attract the attention of a beloved.
Kaun aane wala, hai tanhaiyon mein (Who is coming, in the loneliness): Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of anticipation and excitement. He wonders who will come to fill the void in his life.
Chupke chupke yeh dil mein na jaane, dhadakta hai kiska payaam, Kya jaane, fir kiske naam (Quietly, I don’t know whose message is beating in this heart): Rafi’s voice becomes introspective, as he reflects on the mysterious workings of his heart. He suggests a sense of hope and excitement. He feels a connection with someone, a hint of love in the air. Rafi’s voice repeats the question “In whose name?” emphasizing the uncertainty and mystery surrounding his emotions.
Aayi baharon ki sham (The evening of spring has come): The repetition of this phrase reinforces the central theme of the song.
Thandi hawa, bhigi fiza, layi hai fir, kiska salaam (The cool breeze and damp atmosphere have brought, whose greeting): The singer’s voice here is soft and gentle, almost like a whisper. The intonation suggests a sense of longing and anticipation. The repetition of “kiska” (whose) highlights the uncertainty and curiosity in his voice. The imagery of the breeze carrying a “salaam” (greeting) creates a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.
3rd Stanza
Kisine pukara hai jaise, mujhiko dhadakte labon se (As if someone has called out to me with trembling lips): Rafi’s voice becomes more intense and passionate here. The word “dhadakte” (trembling) suggests a sense of urgency and excitement. The imagery of being called out by someone with trembling lips creates a feeling of intimacy and longing.
Leharake aanchal, khushbu udake, mehendiwali ungliyon se (With her swaying pallu, spreading fragrance, with henna-stained fingers): Rafi’s voice becomes more vivid and descriptive. The imagery of a woman swaying her pallu and spreading fragrance paints a beautiful and romantic picture. The mention of henna-stained fingers adds a touch of sensuality and tradition.
Badhaya tamanna ka jaam (Has increased the cup of desire): Rafi’s voice deepens here, conveying a sense of longing and intensity with the arrival of spring and the hope of love. The metaphor of increasing the cup of desire suggests that his yearning has grown stronger.
Emotional Analysis
Throughout the song, Rafi’s voice conveys a range of emotions.
Longing and anticipation: The protagonist is eagerly awaiting the arrival of someone special.
Hope and optimism: Despite the uncertainty, there is a sense of hope that his desires will be fulfilled.
Solitude and introspection: The protagonist reflects on his feelings and the beauty of nature.
Romantic idealism: The song is filled with romantic imagery and a sense of longing for love.
In summary, one of the evergreen songs, “Aayi Baharon Ki Sham” is a timeless Classic Bollywood Music that captures the essence of romantic longing. Rafi’s soulful voice, combined with Majrooh Sultanpuri’s poetic lyrics and Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s melodious composition, creates a masterpiece that continues to resonate with listeners. The song’s themes of love, hope, and anticipation remain as relevant today as they were when it was first released.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani