Song Title: Jeena To Hai Usika
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Movie: Adhikar (1971)
Lyricist: Ramesh Pant
Music Director: Rahul Dev Burman
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“Jeena To Hai Usika” is a soulful and philosophical Bollywood song from the 1971 film Adhikar. It’s a profound blend of wisdom, joy, and moral guidance, delivered through a playful yet deeply meaningful narrative. The song beautifully reflects the cultural ethos of its time, emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful life, serving others, and embracing love and truth. Ramesh Pant’s lyrics are rich with metaphors and timeless life lessons, while Rahul Dev Burman’s music complements this lyrical depth with a lively yet contemplative melody. Mohammed Rafi’s emotive singing truly brings the song to life, infusing it with warmth, joy, and a strong sense of purpose.
The Lyrical Wisdom of Ramesh Pant
Ramesh Pant, a prolific lyricist, was renowned for his ability to weave profound messages into simple, relatable words. In “Jeena To Hai Usika,” he uses a conversational tone to deliver timeless wisdom, particularly to a younger generation. His lyrics are poetic yet accessible, blending humor, affection, and essential moral guidance. Pant’s work often reflected the core values of Indian culture, and this song is a prime example, emphasizing duty, unconditional love, and the relentless pursuit of truth in one’s life. The song imparts crucial life lessons and blessings, underscoring the importance of living with purpose, serving humanity, and staying true to one’s intrinsic self. It radiates optimism, urging listeners to embrace joy, continuous progress, and boundless love. The recurring central theme is that true life is meaningful only for those who truly understand its “secret”: selfless service, unwavering truthfulness, and unconditional affection.
Rahul Dev Burman’s Uplifting Composition
Rahul Dev Burman, affectionately known as the “Maestro of Indian Film Music,” composed the vibrant and introspective music for “Jeena To Hai Usika.” Celebrated for his exceptional versatility, Burman crafts a melody that is both uplifting and deeply contemplative. The strategic use of traditional Indian instruments, harmoniously combined with a light, rhythmic structure, imbues the song with a celebratory yet thoughtful tone. As the music director, Burman meticulously ensures that the song’s arrangement perfectly aligns with its profound lyrical and emotional depth. The orchestration is lively yet subtle, allowing Rafi’s unparalleled voice to effortlessly take center stage. The intricate interplay of instruments, such as the tabla, flute, and harmonium, adds layers of musical and philosophical meaning, making the song a delightful experience for both the ears and the soul.
Mohammed Rafi’s Emotive and Purposeful Vocals
Mohammed Rafi’s singing in “Jeena To Hai Usika” is a masterclass in conveying complex emotions and profound philosophy with a seamless blend of energy, warmth, and sincerity. He effortlessly transitions between playful banter, heartfelt blessings, and deep wisdom. His vocal delivery is characterized by an energetic and uplifting tone, capturing the song’s celebratory spirit, while maintaining genuine care and affection in his words of encouragement. Rafi’s emphatic delivery of key messages, particularly the importance of selfless service, is firm and convincing, showcasing his impressive emotional range from playful humor to heartfelt sincerity and profound insight. His rendition is perfectly synchronized with R.D. Burman’s lively and memorable composition, making it truly impactful.
In-depth Line-by-Line Analysis (Emotional Expressions and Singing Intricacies):
Initial Stanza: Engaging the Audience and Offering Blessings
- Aisi cheez sunaye ki mehfil de taali pe taali (Tell me something that will make the gathering clap their hands): Rafi starts with a playful, almost challenging tone, directly engaging the audience. His rhythmic emphasis on “taali pe taali” (clap after clap) adds to the lively and inviting atmosphere.
- Varna apna naam nahi hai Banney Khan Bhopal (Otherwise, my name isn’t Banney Khan of Bhopal): This line is delivered with humorous bravado and lighthearted boastfulness, injecting personality into the introduction.
- Munne miyan badhai bano, khoob honhaar (Become a worthy son, very intelligent): The tone shifts markedly to one of blessing and warm encouragement. Rafi’s voice becomes distinctly paternal and gentle, conveying a genuine desire for the young person’s success.
- Dono jahan ki nemate ho aap pe nisaar (May all the blessings of both worlds be upon you): This is a heartfelt and sincere blessing. Rafi’s voice is filled with goodwill and earnestness, wishing immense prosperity.
- Haan, bachpan ho khushgawaar, jawani sadabahaar (May your childhood be joyful and your youth everlasting): The blessings continue, focusing on enduring happiness and longevity. Rafi’s voice maintains its warm and encouraging tone, extending wishes for a fulfilling life.
- Allah kare ye din yunhi, aaye hazaar baar (May God make days like this come a thousand times): This line is a prayer for continuous happiness and prosperity. Rafi’s voice expresses hope and faith, envisioning a lifetime of celebration.
- Ha, ha ha ha, aa aa aa, jeena to hai usi ka (Ha, ha, ha, oh oh oh, life is only for him): The laughter and spontaneous vocalizations contribute to a joyful and anticipatory mood. Rafi’s voice is full of exuberance, signaling a transition to the song’s core message.
- Arre jeena, to hai usi ka, jisne ye raaz jaana (Life is only for him who knows this secret): The core philosophical message is introduced. Rafi’s voice becomes more emphatic and resolute, highlighting the profound importance of understanding this “secret” to a truly fulfilling life.
- Haan jeena to hai usi ka, jisne ye raaz jaana (Yes, life is only for him who knows this secret): The line is repeated for emphasis and reinforcement, underscoring the central theme of wisdom in living.
- Hai kaam aadmi ka, auron ke kaam aana (It’s a man’s duty to be of service to others): This line reveals the fundamental “secret” of life. Rafi’s voice is firm and deeply conviction-filled, conveying the absolute importance of selfless service to humanity.
- Jeena to hai usi ka, jisne ye raaz jaana (Life is only for him who knows this secret): The refrain returns, summarizing the song’s enduring philosophical message and reinforcing its key teaching.
First Stanza: Receiving Admiration and the Call to Service
- Kisi ne kaha tu hai, taaron ka raja (Someone said you are the king of stars): Rafi’s voice takes on a slightly narrative, appreciative tone, recounting the praise and admiration the young person receives, painting a picture of widespread affection.
- Kisi ne kaha aaja, mere paas aaja (Someone said come to me): This line is delivered with a gentle, almost tender and inviting tone, suggesting the deep affection and magnetic charm the young person inspires in others.
- Kisi ne dua di kisi ne badhai (Someone gave you blessings, someone congratulated you): The blessings and congratulations are sung with warmth and sincerity, conveying a collective outpouring of goodwill towards the individual.
- Sabki aankhon tu ka tara bane (May you be the star in everyone’s eyes): This is a heartfelt and optimistic blessing. Rafi’s voice is filled with hope and benevolent good wishes, desiring universal appeal and admiration for the person.
- Teri hi roshni mein, chamke tera gharana (May your family shine in your light): This blessing extends the individual’s impact to their lineage, sung with a sense of pride and hopeful anticipation for the positive influence they will have on their family’s reputation.
- Hai kaam aadmi ka, auron ke kaam aana (It’s a man’s duty to be of service to others): The refrain returns here, reinforcing the central importance of selfless service as the key to a meaningful existence, even amidst personal accolades.
- Jeena to hai usi ka, jisne ye raaz jaana (Life is only for him who knows this secret): The refrain concludes the stanza, emphasizing that all recognition and family pride are secondary to understanding this core truth of life.
Second Stanza: Principles of Integrity, Righteousness, and Universal Love
- Dil lagaakar tu padhna, hamesha aage badhna (Study with dedication, always progress): This line is delivered with a tone of earnest encouragement and gentle guidance. Rafi’s voice is firm yet tender, urging the young person to pursue knowledge and continuous self-improvement with sincerity.
- Sach ka daman na chhote, chahe ye duniya ruthe (Never let go of truth, even if the world is against you): This line is sung with strong conviction and moral fortitude. Rafi’s voice conveys the paramount importance of integrity and courageously upholding truth, regardless of external opposition.
- Kaam tu acche karna, sirf Allah se darna (Do good deeds, fear only God): This line emphasizes the dual importance of righteous actions and unwavering faith. Rafi’s voice is filled with sincerity and reverence, promoting a life guided by divine principle.
- Sabhi ko gale lagana, mohabbat mein lut jana (Embrace everyone, lose yourself in love): This line beautifully promotes universal love and boundless compassion. Rafi’s voice is warm and inviting, conveying the transformative beauty and liberating nature of selfless affection.
- Mohabbat wo khazana hai, kabhi jo kam nahin hota (Love is a treasure that never diminishes): This line emphasizes the enduring and inexhaustible nature of love. Rafi’s voice is filled with wonder and deep conviction, highlighting love as an ultimate, limitless virtue.
Summary of Singing Qualities:
Mohammed Rafi’s singing in “Jeena To Hai Usika” is a perfect blend of energy, warmth, and sincerity. He effortlessly transitions between playful banter, heartfelt blessings, and profound wisdom. His vocal delivery is characterized by:
- Energetic and Uplifting Tone: Rafi’s voice is full of life and enthusiasm, perfectly capturing the song’s celebratory spirit.
- Warmth and Sincerity: He conveys genuine care and affection in his blessings and words of encouragement.
- Emphatic Delivery: He emphasizes key messages, particularly the importance of selfless service, with firmness and conviction.
- Emotional Range: He subtly conveys a range of emotions, from playful humor to heartfelt sincerity and profound wisdom.
- Perfect Sync with the Music: His rendition is perfectly synchronized with R.D. Burman’s lively and catchy composition.
Overall, Rafi’s singing in “Jeena To Hai Usika” is a magnificent expression of life’s essential virtues. His soulful rendition, combined with the insightful lyrics and melodious music, firmly establishes this song as a timeless classic.
Conclusion: A Timeless Testament to Meaningful Living
“Jeena To Hai Usika” stands as a true masterpiece, seamlessly combining Ramesh Pant’s insightful lyrical wisdom, Rahul Dev Burman’s musical brilliance, and Mohammed Rafi’s incredibly emotive and purposeful singing. The song beautifully captures the profound essence of living a meaningful life, emphasizing selfless service, truthfulness, and universal love. Each line is imbued with deep, relatable lessons, cementing its status as an enduring ode to virtue and compassion. Rafi’s legendary rendition elevates the song to an unparalleled level, leaving an indelible impact on the listener’s heart and mind.
Our valued non-Hindi readers are advised to go through the translation for better understanding of the song.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani