Song Title: Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar
Singer(s): Mohammed Rafi
Film: Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963)
Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music Director: Sachin Dev Burman
***************************************************************
English Translation of Lyrics
The heart’s eddy calls out, listen to the tune of love
Listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
You are a rose flower, what is your answer, the charm you possess is like spring
Today the heart’s restlessness, has come onto my tongue, the truth is I love you
I have given my heart to you, listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
The heart’s eddy calls out, listen to the tune of love
Listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
Whether you wish to erase me, but don’t drop me, like a tear from your gaze
The height of love, the depth of passion, ask it from my sighs
I have touched the sky, listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
The heart’s eddy calls out, listen to the tune of love
Listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
On this beautiful descent (of life), we have not given up, we walk along like a shadow
Today with me, the heart’s desire resonates, when my eyes met yours
Don’t know what you’ve done, listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
The heart’s eddy calls out, listen to the tune of love
Listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
Your Aanchal (saree-end), this cloud of love, has brought us back to earth
Now hold my hand, give me a glance like a goblet, for the sake of this new journey
You are my beloved (saakiya), listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo
The heart’s eddy calls out, listen to the tune of love
Listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo, Ooo ooo ooo, Ooo ooo ooo, Ooo ooo ooo
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
In-Depth Song Analysis
Film’s Context and Song’s Placement
“Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar” is a quintessential romantic number from the 1963 film Tere Ghar Ke Samne, starring the iconic Dev Anand and Nutan. The film is a charming romantic comedy where an architect (Dev Anand) falls in love with a girl (Nutan) whose house is directly opposite his own, leading to humorous and heartfelt interactions. This song is picturized on Dev Anand as he explores the Qutub Minar, expressing his burgeoning feelings for Nutan. The architectural beauty of the monument subtly parallels the grandeur of his burgeoning love. The song perfectly captures the feeling of a heart yearning for connection, making it a pivotal moment in the narrative where the hero openly acknowledges his affection.
Lyrical Quality and Thematic Alignment
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics for “Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar” are poetic and evocative, masterfully blending classic romantic metaphors with a contemporary sensibility. The opening line itself, “Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar, pyaar ka raag suno,” establishes a beautiful image of the heart as a restless vortex calling out for the melody of love. The lyrics progress from simple expressions of admiration (“Phool tum gulaab ka, kya jawab aapka”) to deeper declarations of devotion and vulnerability (“Chahe tum mitana, par na tum giraana, aansoo ki tarah nigah se”). They perfectly align with the film’s romantic theme, depicting the hero’s gentle yet persistent pursuit and the blossoming of profound affection. The words convey sincerity and a timeless appeal, characteristic of Majrooh Sultanpuri’s ability to craft lyrics that resonate across generations.
Musical Composition: A Harmonious Blend
Sachin Dev Burman’s iconic composition, “Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar,” stands as a testament to his unparalleled musical talent. This timeless piece effortlessly fuses the rich traditions of Indian classical music with a delicate, accessible Western melodic style.
The song’s core evokes a sense of profound devotion and yearning, achieved through its carefully chosen melodic framework. The use of specific flattened notes creates a melancholic yet deeply romantic atmosphere, drawing the listener into its emotional depth. The rhythmic foundation, often a gentle, swaying pattern, perfectly complements the song’s introspective and romantic mood, allowing the melody to unfold with grace and ease.
This brilliant compositional choice subtly underscores the inherent longing and emotional richness of love, while maintaining a light and inviting overall sound. The exquisite instrumentation, featuring ethereal flute, subtle strings, and gentle percussion, crafts a captivating sonic backdrop that beautifully supports Mohammed Rafi’s legendary vocals. The result is a song that continues to resonate with audiences, a true masterpiece of musical fusion.
Vocal Nuances and Expressive Delivery
Mohammed Rafi’s rendition of “Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar” is a masterclass in controlled passion and tender expression. He infuses the song with a sublime blend of longing, admiration, and heartfelt plea, making it eternally captivating.
Initial Verse
Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar, pyaar ka raag suno (The heart’s eddy calls out, listen to the tune of love): Mohammed Rafi begins with a soft, almost ethereal hum, his voice gliding smoothly, embodying the gentle churning of a heart stirred by love.
Pyaar ka raag suno re, Oo oo oo (Listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo): The “Ooo oo oo” is delivered with a tender, lingering quality, a pure melodic expression that transcends words, drawing the listener in.
1st Stanza
Phool tum gulaab ka, kya jawab aapka, jo ada wo bahar hai (You are a rose flower, what is your answer, the charm you possess is like spring): He delivers these lines with an admiring tone, a gentle lilt that conveys profound appreciation for the beloved’s beauty and charm.
Aaj dil ki bekhudi, aa gayi zabaan par, baat ye hai tumse pyaar hai (Today the heart’s restlessness, has come onto my tongue, the truth is I love you): There’s a subtle increase in intensity, a heartfelt confession where his voice becomes more direct and earnest, revealing the depth of his feelings.
Dil tumhin ko diya re, pyaar ka raag suno re, Oo oo oo (I have given my heart to you, listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo): The conviction in “dil tumhi ko diya re” is palpable, followed by a sighing melodic release that emphasizes complete surrender.
2nd Stanza
Chahe tum mitana, par na tum giraana, aansoo ki tarah nigah se (Whether you wish to erase me, but don’t drop me, like a tear from your gaze): Mohammed Rafi’s voice here carries a poignant vulnerability, a plea delivered with tender pathos, emphasizing fear of rejection.
Pyaar ki unchai, ishq ki gehrai, pooch lo humari aah se (The height of love, the depth of passion, ask it from my sighs): He uses a slight tremor in his voice to convey the intensity of “aah” (sigh), suggesting a love so profound it can only be expressed through deep emotion.
Aasman chhoo liya re, pyaar ka raag suno re, Oo oo oo (I have touched the sky, listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo): The feeling of elation is clear, as if his voice literally ascends, expressing the joy of reaching the pinnacle of love.
3rd Stanza
Is haseen utar pe, hum na baithe harke, saya ban ke saath hum chale (On this beautiful descent (of life), we have not given up, we walk along like a shadow): Mohammed Rafi imbues these lines with quiet resolve and dedication, promising unwavering companionship.
Aaj mere sang tu, goonje dil ki aarzoo, tujhse meri aankh jab mile (Today with me, the heart’s desire resonates, when my eyes met yours): His voice brightens with renewed hope and a sense of destiny, highlighting the transformative power of the beloved’s presence.
Jaane kya kar diya re, pyaar ka raag suno re, Oo oo oo (Don’t know what you’ve done, listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo): A touch of delightful bewilderment enters his tone, acknowledging the profound and magical impact of love.
4th Stanza
Aap ka ye aanchal, pyaar ka ye badal, phir humein zameen pe le chala (Your aanchal (saree-end), this cloud of love, has brought us back to earth): He conveys a sense of grounding and comforting intimacy, as if the beloved’s presence brings him back from ecstatic heights to a tangible reality.
Ab to haath tham lo, ik nazar ka jaam do, is naye safar ka wasta (Now hold my hand, give me a glance like a goblet, for the sake of this new journey): The request is delivered with gentle urgency and sincere longing, a hopeful invitation for shared destiny.
Tum mere saakiya re, pyaar ka raag suno re, Oo oo oo (You are my beloved (saakiya), listen to the tune of love, Ooo ooo ooo): The final lines are a declaration of complete adoration, positioning the beloved as the giver of life’s intoxicating elixir, delivered with profound devotion.
Overall Summary
“Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar” stands as a timeless gem in the annals of Hindi cinema, a testament to the combined brilliance of Majrooh Sultanpuri, Sachin Dev Burman, and Mohammed Rafi. Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrical artistry paints a vivid picture of a heart consumed by love, while S.D. Burman’s composition, rooted in the soulful Raag Bhimpalasi and a gentle rhythm, creates an enchanting melodic backdrop. It is, however, Mohammed Rafi’s unparalleled vocal expressiveness—his ability to convey profound longing, tender admiration, and heartfelt devotion—that truly elevates the song to an iconic status. Perfectly complementing Dev Anand’s charming screen presence, this song remains a definitive romantic classic, resonating with listeners through its lyrical depth, musical elegance, and timeless vocal delivery.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani