Song Title: Isharon Isharon Mein
Singer(s): Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle
Film: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
Lyricist: S.H. Bihari
Music Director: O.P. Nayyar
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English Translation of Lyrics
Oh oh oh, oh oh oh, ha aa aa aa
Alas, you who steal hearts with just gestures, tell me where you learned this skill.
Casting magic with just glances, my love, you learned that from where I learned.
Aa ha aa aa, aa ha aa aa
Oh, my heart was captivated by you, what fault was it of mine in this?
The very cruel charm that tormented me, (that was that cruel charm – 2)
These tales of Ranjha, these stories of Majnu, my story is not different from theirs.
You who steal hearts with just gestures, tell me where you learned this skill.
Oh, those who truly love, they don’t express their love.
They never let anyone hear, (the beats of their heart – 2)
What fun is there when one has already declared,
The expression of love through one’s own words?
Casting magic with just glances, my love, you learned that from where I learned.
Oh, I agree, my beloved, you are one in a million.
But give some credit also, (to our gazes – 2)
The same flower that even springs were proud of, that very flower we chose from the garden.
You who steal hearts with just gestures, tell me where you learned this skill.
Casting magic with just glances, my love, you learned that from where I learned.
(Tell me where you learned this skill, my love, you learned that from where I learned – 3)
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
In-Depth Song Analysis
The Film’s Romantic Narrative and Song Placement
The captivating duet, “Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein”, is a delightful cornerstone of the 1964 romantic comedy Kashmir Ki Kali, directed by Shakti Samanta. Starring the effervescent Shammi Kapoor and the charming Sharmila Tagore, the film is set against the picturesque backdrop of Kashmir. This song is a playful yet profound exchange between the lead characters as they navigate their blossoming romance. It perfectly captures the essence of early courtship – the unspoken attraction, the flirtatious banter, and the undeniable chemistry. The song appears at a point where the protagonists are acknowledging their mutual affection through subtle cues and indirect expressions, making it a pivotal moment in their cinematic love story.
Lyrical Quality and Alignment
S.H. Bihari’s lyrics for “Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein” are a masterclass in elegant flirtation and poetic expression. The words are not overtly passionate but rather imbued with a charming wit and a delicate sense of playful challenge. The lyrics perfectly align with the film’s lighthearted and romantic theme, where love unfolds through glances and gestures rather than grand declarations. Bihari’s genius lies in crafting lines that are both conversational and poetic, capturing the essence of unspoken understanding between lovers. The clever exchange of attributing the “skill” of captivating hearts and casting magic creates a beautiful lyrical tennis match that is both engaging and endearing.
Musical Composition Analysis
The musical arrangement for “Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein” perfectly showcases O.P. Nayyar’s distinctive compositional flair: it’s lively, tuneful, and incredibly catchy.
The song primarily uses a brisk, six-beat rhythmic pattern, which gives it a cheerful and energetic feel. This lively tempo perfectly complements the playful interaction between the vocalists. While Nayyar was known for his innovative approach to melody, often stepping outside strict classical frameworks, there’s a subtle yet undeniable brightness in the song’s ascending melodic lines, particularly through the prominent use of a sharpened fourth note. This contributes significantly to its joyful and uplifting character.
The combination of a fast tempo and a largely major scale tonality ensures the song’s vibrant and optimistic atmosphere. This makes it an ideal sonic backdrop for the lighthearted romantic teasing depicted in the film.
Vocal Nuances and Expressions (Line-by-Line)
Initial Verse
Ho o o, ho o o, ha aa aa aa (Oh oh oh, oh oh oh, ha aa aa aa): This opening musical improvisation by Mohammed Rafi sets a light, almost teasing, tone, inviting the listener into the song’s playful mood even before the lyrics begin. His humming is full of warmth and anticipation.
Hay, isharon isharon mein dil lene wale, bata ye hunar tune seekha kahaan se (Alas, you who steal hearts with just gestures, tell me where you learned this skill): Asha Bhosle delivers this line with a charming mix of playful accusation and genuine admiration. Her voice is bright and witty, conveying a sense of being pleasantly captivated. The slight elongation of words like “kahaan se” adds to the inquisitive, flirtatious tone.
Nigahon nigahon mein jaadu chalaana, meri jaan seekha hai tumne jahaan se (Casting magic with just glances, my love, you learned that from where I learned): Mohammed Rafi’s response is equally charming and confident. His voice is smooth and melodious, turning the compliment back on Asha with an elegant twist. He sounds self-assured, acknowledging his charm while subtly praising hers.
1st Stanza
Aa Ha AaAa Aa Aa Ha AaAa Aa (Aa Ha AaAa Aa, Aa Ha AaAa Aa) The first half of this musical improvisation (“Ho o o, ho o o”) is sung by Mohammed Rafi, setting a light, inviting tone. The second “ha aa aa aa” is sung by Asha Bhosle, adding her playful touch.
Ho, mere dil ko tum bha gaye, meri kya thi is mein khata (Oh, my heart was captivated by you, what fault was it of mine in this?): Mohammed Rafi sings with a delightful blend of innocence and slyness. He playfully denies responsibility for falling in love, implying it was her captivating presence that was irresistible. His delivery is light and engaging.
Mujhe jisne tadpa diya, yehi thi wo zaalim ada (The very cruel charm that tormented me, that was that cruel charm): His voice here carries a dramatic yet still playful emphasis on “zaalim ada” (cruel charm), conveying that he was willingly tormented by her allure. The repetition underscores the playful complaint.
Ye Ranjha ki baatein, ye Majnu ke kisse, alag to nahi hain meri daastaan se (These tales of Ranjha, these stories of Majnu, my story is not different from theirs): Mohammed Rafi’s voice becomes slightly more earnest here, drawing a parallel between their budding romance and legendary love stories, suggesting a timeless connection while still maintaining a charming, conversational tone.
Isharon isharon mein dil lene wale, bata ye hunar tune seekha kahaan se (You who steal hearts with just gestures, tell me where you learned this skill): Asha Bhosle returns with the main line, her voice echoing the admiration and playful inquiry, clearly enjoying the lyrical back-and-forth.
2nd Stanza
Ho, muhabbat jo karte hain wo, muhabbat jataate nahin (Oh, those who truly love, they don’t express their love): Asha Bhosle’s tone here is wise and philosophical, yet still imbued with an underlying romantic sentiment. She delivers this with a calm, assured voice, suggesting a deeper understanding of love.
Dhadkane apne dil ki kabhi, kisi ko sunate nahin (They never let anyone hear, (the beats of their heart): Her voice becomes more intimate and hushed, emphasizing the private nature of true affection. The repetition highlights the idea of a guarded heart.
Maza kya raha jab ki khud kar liya ho, muhabbat ka izhaar apni zubaan se (What fun is there when one has already declared, the expression of love through one’s own words?): Asha Bhosle challenges the direct expression of love, advocating for the thrill of unspoken understanding. Her voice is slightly mischievous, enjoying the game of indirect romance.
Nigahon nigahon mein jaadu chalaana, meri jaan seekha hai tumne jahaan se (Casting magic with just glances, my love, you learned that from where I learned): Mohammed Rafi’s playful retort reiterates his earlier stand, affirming that true magic lies in the subtle, non-verbal cues, matching her philosophy with his own charming response.
3rd Stanza
Ho, maana ki jaan-e-jahaan, laakhon mein tum ek ho (Oh, I agree, my beloved, you are one in a million): Mohammed Rafi begins with a concession, acknowledging her exceptional beauty and uniqueness. His voice is gentle and admiring.
Hamaari nigahon ki bhi, kuchh to magar daad do (But give some credit also, to my gazes): Here, his tone shifts to a humble yet firm request for acknowledgment. He subtly asserts his own charm, suggesting his gaze played a part in their connection. The repetition underscores his playful insistence.
Bahaaron ko bhi naaz jis phool par tha, wahi phool humne chuna gulsitaan se (The same flower that even springs were proud of, that very flower we chose from the garden): This line is delivered with a sense of pride and triumph. Mohammed Rafi’s voice swells with satisfaction, comparing his beloved to the most beautiful flower, indicating his discerning choice.
Isharon isharon mein dil lene wale, bata ye hunar tune seekha kahaan se (You who steal hearts with just gestures, tell me where you learned this skill): Asha Bhosle’s voice remains charming and inquisitive, maintaining the song’s central theme.
Nigahon nigahon mein jaadu chalaana, meri jaan seekha hai tumne jahaan se (Casting magic with just glances, my love, you learned that from where I learned): Mohammed Rafi’s counter, delivered with his characteristic sparkle, reaffirms the playful dynamic.
Bata ye hunar tune seekha kahaan se, meri jaan seekha hai tumne jahaan se (Tell me where you learned this skill, my love, you learned that from where I learned): The song fades with this delightful back-and-forth, with the first part “Bata ye hunar tune seekha kahaan se” sung by Asha Bhosle and the second part “meri jaan seekha hai tumne jahaan se” by Mohammed Rafi in a charming, never-ending playful argument, leaving the listener with a smile.
Overall Summary
“Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein” is a quintessential O.P. Nayyar masterpiece, brought to life by the enchanting voices of Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle. S.H. Bihari’s witty lyrics, set to a lively Dadra taal with hints of Raag Yaman, perfectly capture the essence of a blossoming romance characterized by subtle flirtation and unspoken understanding. Rafi’s smooth, admiring tones are beautifully complemented by Asha’s bright, confident retorts, creating a vocal duet that is both playful and deeply engaging.
The song remains a beloved classic, emblematic of Kashmir Ki Kali‘s charming narrative and a highlight in the illustrious careers of all its creators.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani