Song Title: Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Film: Ab Dilli Door Nahin (1967)
Lyricist: Shailendra
Music Composer: Dattaram Wadkar
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“Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya” is a delightfully playful and light-hearted song from the 1967 film Ab Dilli Door Nahin. This charming children’s number uses whimsical animal characters and a simple narrative to evoke pure joy and innocence. The song revolves around a little bird (chidiya) bringing a grain of lentils (daal ka daana), which in turn attracts various animals like a peacock (mor), crow (kawwa), mouse (chuha), and monkey (bandar). The lyrics, penned by Shailendra, are simple yet charming, while the music, composed by Dattaram Wadkar, is cheerful and rhythmic. Mohammad Rafi’s lively and animated rendition adds an undeniable layer of fun and energy, making it a truly memorable and endearing Bollywood classic for kids.
The Whimsical Charm of Shailendra’s Lyrics
The song unfolds as a whimsical tale of a small bird bringing a single grain of lentils, an act that initiates a delightful chain of events as various animals eagerly join the fun. The lyrics are rich with playful imagery and gentle repetitive phrases, making it effortlessly engaging for children to sing along. This charming narrative celebrates simplicity, togetherness, and the sheer joy of sharing. It subtly conveys the profound idea that even the most modest actions, like a bird bringing a grain of lentils, possess the power to bring happiness and unite everyone.
Shailendra was one of the most celebrated lyricists in Hindi cinema, renowned for his ability to craft simple yet deeply profound lyrics. His work frequently mirrored a keen understanding of human emotions and the nuances of everyday life. In “Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya,” he masterfully employs playful and childlike language to evoke a sense of innocence and pure joy, ensuring its appeal and relatability for both children and adults.
Dattaram Wadkar’s Cheerful Musical Composition
Dattaram Wadkar, the adept music director, was consistently known for his ability to create melodies that perfectly complemented the mood of the lyrics. In “Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya,” he orchestrates a cheerful and rhythmic composition, utilizing light percussion and playful instrumentation to forge a lively and fun atmosphere. The melody itself is notably simple yet incredibly catchy, allowing listeners of all ages to effortlessly hum along.
Mohammad Rafi’s Animated Vocal Performance
Mohammad Rafi, widely acknowledged as one of Indian cinema’s greatest playback singers, delivers a wonderfully lively and animated performance in this song. His voice carries an impeccable blend of playfulness and boundless energy, perfectly capturing the childlike innocence and pure joy expressed in the lyrics. Rafi’s remarkable ability to convey subtle emotions through his singing elevates this song into a truly delightful experience. Let’s delve into a line-by-line analysis of the emotions wonderfully expressed by the singer.
Initial Verse: The Chirping Arrival
- Chhun chhun karti aayi chidiya (The little bird came chirping): Rafi’s voice is light and imbued with playfulness, immediately conveying a sense of joy and innocence. His elongated pronunciation of “chhun chhun” suggests a cheerful and carefree mood, like the very sound of a bird.
- Daal ka daana layi chidiya (The little bird brought a grain of lentils): Rafi’s tone becomes soft and tender, reflecting the charming simplicity of the small bird’s action. His emphasis on “daal ka daana” suggests a feeling of wonder and delightful surprise at such a humble gift.
- Mor bhi aaya, kawwa bhi aaya, chuha bhi aaya, bandar bhi aaya (The peacock came, the crow came, the mouse came, the monkey came): Rafi’s voice becomes more animated and exceptionally lively here, capturing the excitement as various animals join the scene. His slight vocal variations for each animal’s name add a distinct playful and engaging touch.
- Khaun, khaun, khaun khaun khaun (Chirp, chirp, chirp chirp chirp): Rafi’s delivery here is playful and wonderfully rhythmic, expertly mimicking the sound of the little bird. The repetition of “khaun” adds a layer of pure fun and vibrant energy to the song.
First Verse: Anticipation and Care
- Bhookh lagi to chidiya rani, moong ki daal pakayegi (If you’re hungry, the little bird queen will cook moong lentils): Rafi’s voice is soft and tender, conveying a sense of gentle care and nurturing. His emphasis on “moong ki daal” suggests a simple yet heartfelt gesture of generosity.
- Kauwa roti layega, laake tujhe khilayega (The crow will bring bread and feed you): Rafi’s tone becomes more lively and animated, reflecting the crow’s helpful nature. His singing of “khilayega” communicates a genuine sense of generosity and fostering togetherness.
Second Verse: Playful Encounters
- Chalte chalte milega bhaloo, hum bole nachega kaalu (While walking, you’ll meet a bear, we’ll say, “Dance, Kaalu”): Rafi’s voice is playful and rhythmic, perfectly capturing the fun and excitement of encountering the bear. His emphasis on “nachega kaalu” imbues the line with a sense of joy and cheerful celebration.
- Munna dhol bajayega, bhaloo naach dikhayega (Munna will play the drum, the bear will dance): Rafi’s tone becomes more animated and wonderfully lively, reflecting the festive atmosphere being created. His singing of “naach dikhayega” conveys an unmistakable sense of fun and shared merriment.
Third Verse: A Joyous Journey
- Saath hamare chale barati (Join our wedding procession): Rafi’s voice is warm and inviting, conveying a strong sense of togetherness and grand celebration. His emphasis on “barati” suggests a truly festive and joyous occasion unfolding.
- Main to hoon munne ka haathi (I am Munna’s elephant): Rafi’s tone is playful and imbued with pride, reflecting the elephant’s important role in the procession. His singing of “munne ka haathi” adds a unique sense of charm and innocent playfulness.
- Seedhe Dilli jaunga, teri dulhaniya launga (I will go straight to Delhi and bring your bride): Rafi’s voice is cheerful and determined, conveying a clear sense of purpose and excitement for the journey. His emphasis on “dulhaniya launga” suggests a deeply joyful and celebratory mood.
- Chhun chhun karti aayi chidiya (The little bird came chirping): With each repetition of the refrain, Rafi’s voice becomes more emphatic and wonderfully joyful. This recurring line serves as a constant reminder of the song’s playful and cheerful core theme, with Rafi’s delivery consistently conveying a strong sense of unadulterated fun and vibrant energy.
In summary, “Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya” is a truly delightful and playful song that celebrates simplicity, togetherness, and the universal joy of sharing. Shailendra’s charming lyrics, Dattaram Wadkar’s cheerful composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s lively rendition seamlessly unite to create a song that resonates deeply with listeners of all ages. Rafi’s extraordinary ability to convey the song’s childlike innocence and pure joy through his singing solidifies its status as a timeless and endearing classic. It serves as a gentle reminder that even the smallest actions possess the power to bring immense happiness and unite everyone in celebration.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani