Song: Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya
Singer: Mohammed Rafi | Film: Ab Dilli Door Nahin (1967)
Lyricist: Shailendra | Composer: Dattaram Wadkar
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“Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya” is a playful and light-hearted song from the 1967 film Ab Dilli Dur Nahin. The song is a delightful children’s number that uses animal characters and a simple narrative to create a sense of joy and innocence. It revolves around a little bird (chidiya) that brings a grain of lentils (daal ka daana), attracting various animals like a peacock (mor), crow (kawwa), mouse (chuha), and monkey (bandar). The lyrics, written by Shailendra, are simple yet charming, while the music, composed by Dattaram, is cheerful and rhythmic. Mohammad Rafi’s lively and animated rendition adds a layer of fun and energy, making it a memorable and endearing song.
The Lyrics:
The song is a whimsical tale of a little bird that brings a grain of lentils, setting off a chain of events where various animals join in the fun. The lyrics are filled with playful imagery and repetitive phrases, making it easy for children to sing along. The song celebrates simplicity, togetherness, and the joy of sharing. It also subtly conveys the idea that even the smallest actions (like bringing a grain of lentils) can bring happiness and unite everyone.
The Lyricist:
Shailendra was one of the most celebrated lyricists in Hindi cinema, known for his ability to craft simple yet profound lyrics. His work often reflected a deep understanding of human emotions and everyday life. In this song, he uses playful and childlike language to create a sense of innocence and joy, making it relatable and enjoyable for children and adults alike.
The Musical Composition:
Dattaram, the music director, was known for his ability to create melodies that perfectly complemented the mood of the lyrics. In “Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya,” he uses a cheerful and rhythmic orchestration, with light percussion and playful instrumentation, to create a lively and fun atmosphere. The melody is simple yet catchy, making it easy for listeners to hum along.
The Singer:
Mohammad Rafi, one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema, delivers a lively and animated performance in this song. His voice carries a blend of playfulness and energy, perfectly capturing the childlike innocence and joy of the lyrics. Rafi’s ability to convey subtle emotions through his singing elevates the song to a delightful experience. Let’s do the line-by-line analysis of emotions expressed by the singer.
Initial Verse:
Chhun chhun karti aayi chidiya (The little bird came chirping): Rafi’s voice is light and playful, conveying a sense of joy and innocence. The way he elongates “chhun chhun” (chirping) suggests a cheerful and carefree mood.
Daal ka daana layi chidiya (The little bird brought a grain of lentils): Rafi’s tone is soft and tender, reflecting the simplicity and charm of the little bird’s action. The way he stresses “daal ka daana” (grain of lentils) conveys a sense of wonder and delight.
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 lively here, reflecting the excitement of the animals joining in. The way he sings each animal’s name with a slight variation in tone adds a playful touch.
Khaun, khaun, khaun khaun khaun (Chirp, chirp, chirp chirp chirp): Rafi’s tone is playful and rhythmic, mimicking the sound of the little bird. The repetition of “khaun” adds a sense of fun and energy to the song.
1st Verse:
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 care and nurturing. The way he stresses “moong ki daal” (moong lentils) suggests a simple yet heartfelt gesture.
Kauwa roti layega, laake tujhe khilayega (The crow will bring bread and feed you): Rafi’s tone becomes more lively and animated here, reflecting the crow’s helpfulness. The way he sings “khilayega” (will feed you) conveys a sense of generosity and togetherness.
2nd Verse:
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, reflecting the fun and excitement of meeting the bear. The way he stresses “nachega kaalu” (dance, Kaalu) adds a sense of joy and celebration.
Munna dhol bajayega, bhaloo naach dikhayega (Munna will play the drum, the bear will dance): Rafi’s tone becomes more animated and lively here, reflecting the festive mood. The way he sings “naach dikhayega” (will dance) conveys a sense of fun and merriment.
3rd Verse:
Saath hamare chale barati (Join our wedding procession): Rafi’s voice is warm and inviting, conveying a sense of togetherness and celebration. The way he stresses “barati” (wedding procession) suggests a festive and joyous occasion.
Main to hoon munne ka haathi (I am Munna’s elephant): Rafi’s tone is playful and proud, reflecting the elephant’s role in the procession. The way he sings “munne ka haathi” (Munna’s elephant) adds a sense of charm and innocence.
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 sense of purpose and excitement. The way he stresses “dulhaniya launga” (bring your bride) suggests a joyful and celebratory mood.
Chhun chhun karti aayi chidiya (The little bird came chirping): Rafi’s voice becomes more emphatic and joyful with each repetition. The refrain serves as a reminder of the song’s playful and cheerful theme, and Rafi’s delivery conveys a sense of fun and energy.
In summary, “Chhun Chhun Karti Aayi Chidiya” is a delightful and playful song that celebrates simplicity, togetherness, and the joy of sharing. Shailendra’s charming lyrics, Dattaram’s cheerful composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s lively rendition come together to create a song that resonates with listeners of all ages. Rafi’s ability to convey the song’s childlike innocence and joy through his singing makes it a timeless and endearing classic. It is a reminder that even the smallest actions can bring 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