Song: Aye Jaan-e-Tamanna Aa Bhi Ja
Singers: Mohammad Rafi | Film: Dastan-e-Laila Majnu (1974)
Lyricist: Jan Nisar Akhtar | Music Director: Iqbal Qureshi
***********************************************************************
“Aaja Aaja Aa Bhi Ja …” is a soulful and romantic duet from the 1974 film “Dastan-E-Laila Majnu”. The song is a heartfelt plea for love and union, expressing the longing and passion of the lovers. It beautifully captures the essence of unfulfilled desire and the yearning for togetherness. The lyrics, penned by Jan Nisar Akhtar, are poetic and filled with emotional depth, while the music, composed by Iqbal Qureshi, is melodious and evocative. The rendition by Mohammad Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur adds a layer of intensity and tenderness, making it a timeless classic.
The Lyrics:
Jan Nisar Akhtar was a renowned Urdu poet and lyricist known for his ability to craft deeply emotional and poetic lyrics. In this song, he uses rich imagery and metaphors like “husn ka dariya” and “kaaba-e-dil” to convey the protagonist’s longing and devotion. His lyrics reflect a deep understanding of human emotions, particularly the pain of separation and the joy of union.
The song revolves around the theme of longing and the desire for union. The protagonist pleads with their beloved to come closer, expressing how every part of their being—eyes, heart, and soul—is thirsty for love. The lyrics use metaphors like “husn ka dariya” (river of beauty) and “kaaba-e-dil” (the heart’s Kaaba) to convey the depth of their devotion and passion. The song is a celebration of love’s power to unite and fulfill.
Musical Composition:
Iqbal Qureshi, the music director, was known for his ability to create melodies that perfectly complemented the mood of the lyrics.
His composition is soft and romantic, with a mix of traditional and contemporary instruments. The melody is soothing and intense, perfectly complementing the emotional mood of the song. The use of strings and light percussion adds a dreamy touch, while the rhythm reflects the longing and passion of the lyrics.
The Singing:
Mohammad Rafi delivers a mesmerizing performance in this song. Rafi’s voice carries a blend of passion and tenderness, perfectly capturing the protagonist’s longing and devotion. His ability to convey subtle emotions through his singing elevates the song to a masterpiece. Let’s analyse the emotions expressed in the singing, line by line.
Initial Verse:
Aaja aaja aa bhi ja, aaja aaja aa bhi ja (Come, come, come to me, come, come, come to me): Rafi’s voice is soft and pleading, conveying the urgency and longing of the protagonist. The repetition of “aaja” (come) suggests a deep desire for union.
Aye jaan-e-tamanna aa bhi ja, ae jaan-e-tamanna aa bhi ja (Oh, beloved of my desires, come to me): The tone is tender and passionate, reflecting the protagonist’s deep affection and yearning. The way he stressrd “jaan-e-tamanna” (beloved of my desires) conveys a sense of devotion and longing.
Aa bhi ja, aa bhi ja (Come to me, come to me): The voice becomes more intense and emotional, reflecting the protagonist’s desperation and longing. The repetition adds a sense of urgency and passion.
1st Stanza:
Aa pyaar ki raahein pyaasi hain, kab se meri baahon pyaasi hain (The paths of love are thirsty, and my arms have been thirsty for so long): Rafi’s voice is soft and reflective, conveying the protagonist’s longing and emptiness. The way they stress *”pyaasi”* (thirsty) suggests a deep emotional need.
Pyaasi hai nazar, pyaasa hai jigar, pyaasi hai nazar, pyaasa hai jigar (My eyes are thirsty, my heart is thirsty): The tone becomes more intense and emotional, reflecting the protagonist’s deep yearning. The repetition of “pyaasi” and “pyaasa” conveys a sense of desperation and passion.
Aye husn ka dariya, aa bhi ja, aa bhi ja, aa bhi ja (Oh, river of beauty, come to me): The voice is tender and pleading, reflecting the protagonist’s admiration and longing. The way he stresses “husn ka dariya” (river of beauty) adds a sense of wonder and enchantment.
2nd Verse:
Ye jaan teri ye dil bhi tera, kuch bhi to nahin mujhmein mera (This life is yours, this heart is yours, there is nothing of mine in me): Rafi’s voice is both, soft and devoted, conveying the protagonist’s complete surrender to his beloved. The way he stresses “tera” (yours) suggests a deep sense of belonging and devotion
Tu gair nahin main gair nahin, hum ek hain, aa bhi ja, aa bhi ja (You are not a stranger, I am not a stranger, we are one, come to me): The tone is tender and passionate, reflecting the protagonist’s belief in the unity. The way he stresses “hum ek hain” (we are one) conveys a sense of oneness and completeness.
3rd Verse:
Tu kaaba-e-dil hai mere liye, betaab hain sajde tere liye (You are the Kaaba of my heart, and I am restless to bow before you): Rafi’s voice is soft and reverent, conveying the protagonist’s devotion and passion. The way he stresses “kaaba-e-dil” (Kaaba of the heart) suggests a deep sense of worship and love.
Aye jaan-e-wafa imaan-e-wafa, aye jaan-e-wafa imaan-e-wafa (Oh, beloved of loyalty, the faith of loyalty): The tone is tender and passionate, reflecting the protagonist’s deep affection and devotion. The way they stress “jaan-e-wafa” (beloved of loyalty) conveys a sense of trust and commitment.
Kar loon tujhe sajde, aa bhi ja, aa bhi ja, aa bhi ja (Let me bow before you, come to me): The voice becomes more intense and emotional, reflecting the protagonist’s desperation and longing. The repetition adds a sense of urgency and passion.
Aaja aaja aa bhi ja (Come, come, come to me.): While repeating the refrain, Rafi’s voice becomes more emphatic and emotional with each repetition. It refrain serves as a reminder of the protagonist’s longing and desire for union, and his delivery conveys a sense of both vulnerability and triumph.
In conclusion, “Aaja Aaja Aa Bhi Ja” is a timeless ode to the power of love and the longing for union. Jan Nisar Akhtar’s poetic lyrics, Iqbal Qureshi’s melodious composition, and Mohammad Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur’s soulful rendition come together to create a song that resonates deeply with listeners. Their ability to convey longing, devotion, and passion through their singing makes this song a masterpiece. It is a reminder of the beauty of love and the joy of togetherness.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani