Song: Apna Ghar Aur Apni Kahani
Singer: Mohammed Rafi | Film: Apna Ghar Apni Kahani (1974)
Lyricist: Qamar Jalalabadi | Music Director: N. Datta
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“Apna Ghar Aur Apni Kahani” is a deeply moving song that explores themes of loss, longing, and the search for identity in the face of heartbreak. Qamar Jalalabadi’s poetic lyrics, N. Datta’s melancholic composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s soulful rendition come together to create a timeless masterpiece. Rafi’s ability to convey the protagonist’s pain, vulnerability, and quiet strength through his singing makes this song a profound emotional experience. It is a reminder that some stories of love and loss are too personal for the world to understand, yet they resonate deeply with those who have lived them.
Let’s explore the emotions expressed in the song, line-by-line.
Initial Verse:
Aaj kehti hai kisi ki zindagi, rote hue (Today, someone’s life speaks, while crying): Rafi’s voice is soft and trembling, conveying a sense of deep sorrow. The way he elongates “rote hue” (while crying) adds a layer of vulnerability, as if the pain is too overwhelming to bear.
Maang suni ho gayi, sindoor ke hote hue (The parting of her hair is empty, even though the vermilion is still there): Rafi’s tone here is poignant and reflective. The emphasis on “suni” (empty) and “sindoor” (vermilion) conveys a sense of irony and loss. The vermilion, a symbol of marital bliss, remains, but the joy it represents is gone.
Apna ghar aur apni kahani, kya samjhe duniya deewani (Our home and our story, what does the crazy world understand?): The way he stresses “duniya deewani” (crazy world) conveys a sense of frustration and isolation. There’s a quiet anger in his tone, as if he is questioning the world’s inability to understand his pain.
1st Verse:
Manzil ko paaar laut aaye, raahi ki hai itni kahani (The traveler returned after reaching the destination, this is his story): Rafi’s delivery here is reflective and somber. The way he sings “raahi” (traveler) and “kahani” (story) conveys a sense of futility and disillusionment. There’s a quiet sadness in his tone, as if the journey has lost its meaning.
Kya samjhe duniya deewani, apna ghar aur, apni kahani (How can the foolish world understand, our home and our story): The chorus returns, reinforcing the themes of loss and isolation.
2nd Verse:
Jiske liye jeena seekha tha, us bairi ne kadar na jaani (The one for whom I learned to live, that enemy didn’t recognize my worth): Rafi’s voice is filled with bitterness and heartbreak. The way he stresses “bairi” (enemy) and “kadar na jaani” (didn’t recognize my worth) conveys a sense of betrayal and deep emotional pain. There’s a quiet anger and sorrow in his tone.
3rd Verse:
Unki nishani god mein lekar, kah na sakoon ise unki nishani (Holding their memento in my lap, I cannot call it their memento): Rafi’s tone here is tender and filled with longing. The way he softly sings “nishani” (memento) and “god mein lekar” (holding in my lap) conveys a sense of helplessness and unfulfilled love. There’s a quiet desperation in his voice, as if he is clinging to a memory that is slipping away.
Apna ghar aur apni kahani, kya samjhe duniya deewani (Our home and our story, what does the crazy world understand?): Rafi’s voice becomes more emphatic and poignant with each repetition. The refrain serves as a reminder of the protagonist’s isolation and the world’s indifference. There’s a sense of resignation and quiet defiance in his tone.
The song “Apna Ghar Aur Apni Kahani” delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. It portrays the emotional turmoil of a man who has faced betrayal and heartbreak. The song’s title, “Apna Ghar Aur Apni Kahani,” signifies the personal and intimate nature of each individual’s life story, emphasizing the unique experiences and emotions that shape us. The repetitive chorus highlights the idea that the world often fails to understand the nuances of human experiences.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani