Song Title: Jane Walon Zara Mud Ke Dekho
Singer(s): Mohammad Rafi
Film: Dosti (1964)
Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music Directors: Laxmikant Pyarelal
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English Translation of Lyrics
O o o o, o o o o
Passersby, please turn around and look at me, I am a human, just like you
Passersby, please turn around and look at me, I am a human, just like you
The One who created everyone, in His own likeness, I am His image
I am just like you, passersby, please
(I am the destiny of this unique world – 2)
I am the painting in the hands of the Creator, just a painting
For this world, for Mother Earth, I am Shiva’s blessing
I am just like you, passersby, please
Within the heart lies the hidden desire for union
Within the heart lies the hidden desire for union
I am a detached ray from my sun, a lost ray
Wandering here and there, troubled and restless
I am just like you, passersby, please
(Come to me, leave all illusions behind – 2)
My sorrow is your sorrow too, your sorrow too
I see you, I know you, though I am a stranger, I am just like you
Passersby, please turn around and look at me, I am a human, just like you
The One who created everyone, in His own likeness, I am His image
I am just like you, passersby, please
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
In-Depth Song Analysis
Film’s Context
“Dosti” (1964) is a landmark film exploring friendships, human dignity, and social equality. The song “Jane Walon Zara Mud Ke Dekho” offers a powerful humanistic appeal, directly addressing society’s indifference. Positioned at a moment of emotional vulnerability, Mohammad Rafi’s voice conveys the plea of the marginalized, reminding the world of shared humanity. The song’s narrative relevance lies in evoking empathy and urging recognition of equality beyond superficial differences.
Lyrical Quality & Alignment
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics excel in simplicity and profound meaning. The song’s refrain challenges passersby to see others as equals, highlighting universal identity through divine creation imagery. The lyrical construction balances humility with a strong call for recognition. The lines about the Creator and Shiva’s blessing reinforce spiritual equality, closely aligned with the film’s messages of unity and human dignity.
Musical Composition Analysis
Laxmikant Pyarelal’s composition is melodic yet restrained, allowing the message’s weight to take precedence. The tune draws from Raag Bhimpalasi, known for its contemplative mood, lending a breadth of emotion fitting the song’s theme. The rhythmic cycle is Dadra taal (6 beats), providing a steady, flowing rhythm that supports Rafi’s earnest vocal delivery. Instrumentation is gentle, ensuring the lyrics remain central, enhancing the song’s evocative and heartfelt tone.
Initial Verse
Jane walon zara, mud ke dekho mujhe, ek insaan hoon, main tumhari tarah (Passersby, please turn around and look at me, I am a human, just like you): Mohammad Rafi opens this line with a warm, imploring tone that captures vulnerability and strength. His voice engages listeners directly, creating an intimate, urgent appeal. The phrasing conveys both a plea and dignity, making the audience reflect on empathy and shared humanity.
Jisne sabko racha, apne hi roop se, uski pehchan hoon (The One who created everyone, in His own likeness, I am His image): Rafi’s steady voice projects a profound spiritual affirmation, highlighting universal equality. His articulation is clear and deliberate, emphasizing the divine connection among all humans, which powers the message of unity and respect.
Main tumhari tarah, jane walon zara (I am just like you, passersby, please): The repetition is soft yet persuasive, his tone gentle but firm, insisting on recognition and compassion. The melodic ebb in his voice suggests longing and hope.
1st Stanza
Main vidhata ke haathon ki, tasveer hoon, ek tasveer hoon (I am the painting in the hands of the Creator, just a painting): Rafi’s voice takes on a poetic grace, blending humility with philosophical depth. His tender delivery reflects surrender to divine will, evoking the delicate balance between individuality and universality.
Is jahan ke liye, dharti maa ke liye, shiv ka vardaan hoon (For this world, for Mother Earth, I am Shiva’s blessing): The vocal tone gains reverence and warmth, reverberating with pride in being part of life’s grand design. Rafi balances softness and strength, underscoring value and sanctity in existence.
Main tumhari tarah, jane walon zara (I am just like you, passersby, please): He reiterates the refrain with a mix of gentle insistence and hopeful appeal, enhancing the emotional connective tissue of the song.
2nd Stanza
Man ke andar chhupaye milan ki lagan (Within the heart lies the hidden desire for union): Rafi conveys the inner yearning with a soft yet fervent vocal quality. His phrasing simulates introspection and quiet longing, drawing listeners into the emotional core of human connection.
Apne suraj se hoon, ek bichhdi kiran, ek bichhdi kiran (I am a detached ray from my sun, a lost ray): The tone adopts a wistful melancholy, reflecting separation and isolation. Rafi’s delicate vibrato and stretched vowels lend a haunting and emotive quality to the imagery of detachment.
Phir raha hoon bhatakta, main yahan se wahan, aur pareshaan hoon (Wandering here and there, troubled and restless): His voice conveys genuine confusion and frustration, expressing an unsettled soul’s restless journey. The tempo here slightly quickens as his voice reflects agitation.
Main tumhari tarah, jane walon zara (I am just like you, passersby, please): This line returns with softness, a soothing balm amid the turmoil, asking again for connection and empathy.
3rd Stanza
Mere paas aao chhodo ye, sara bharam (Come to me, leave all illusions behind): Rafi’s voice is persuasive and tender with a slight urgency, encouraging openness and release of false perceptions. The phrasing feels like an invitation towards honesty and togetherness.
Jo mera dukh wahi, hai tumhara bhi gham (My sorrow is your sorrow too): The vocal embraces heartfelt solidarity, reminding of shared pain. The tone expands, and each word is pronounced with sincere emotional weight.
Dekhta hoon tumhe, jaanta hoon tumhe, laakh anjaan hoon (I see you, I know you, though I am a stranger): Rafi balances familiarity and estrangement, his voice conveying the paradox of human experience—both known and unknown, connected and distant.
Main tumhari tarah, jane walon zara (I am just like you, passersby, please): This refrain closes the stanza with a gentle but unmistakable call for empathy and recognition.
Summary
“Jane Walon Zara Mud Ke Dekho” embodies an eloquent call for human empathy and unity, voiced through Majrooh Sultanpuri’s spiritually rich lyrics, Laxmikant Pyarelal’s melodious yet unobtrusive composition, and Mohammad Rafi’s deeply expressive vocals. The lyrics emphasize shared humanity and divine likeness, urging listeners to acknowledge the dignity in every individual.
Rafi’s vocal performances bring warmth and genuine emotion to this message, while the soothing Raag Bhimpalasi and Dadra taal support an atmosphere of reflection and heartfelt connection. The song remains a timeless reminder of compassion’s power in Hindi cinema’s musical heritage.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani