Song: Aaj Ki Raat Badi Shokh Badi Natkhat Hai
Singer: Mohammad Rafi | Film: Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal (1967)
Lyricist: Neeraj (Gopaldas Saxena) | Music Composer: Roshan
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Tonight is very playful, very mischievous
Today, without you, sleep will not come
Now is the season for you to come here
Now, my heart cannot be consoled by thoughts alone
Look, the monsoon clouds have descended on the roof
The eastern breeze is calling at the door
The lightning flashes repeatedly on the mountains
In my lonely eyes, a dream seems to stretch and awaken
How can I explain?
How can I explain what this moment means?
It is a matter of the heart
Oh, the heart’s matter cannot be spoken by the lips
Tonight.
These wandering fireflies, these stray lamps
On the wet trees, they flicker and glow
Like stars caught in your scarf
They glow without reason, as if to meet me
The entire world
The entire world is captivated by your beauty when
How can I alone
Oh, how can I bear this rain alone?
Tonight.
The intoxicating fragrance of the night-blooming jasmine
It comes, filtering through the dense branches
It feels as if it has embraced a mischievous breeze
It has come to play with your tangled hair
And do not torment
Do not torment my aching heart anymore
Such a colorful
Oh, such a colorful night will not sing a ghazal again
Today, without you, sleep will not come
Tonight is very playful, very mischievous
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
The song “Aaj Ki Raat Badi Shokh Badi Natkhat Hai” is a romantic and poetic expression of longing and desire. The singer describes the night as lively and mischievous, filled with natural beauty like monsoon clouds, fireflies, and fragrant flowers. However, the singer’s heart aches for the beloved, and they struggle to express their deep emotions. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors, capturing the essence of love, longing, and the magic of the night. The recurring refrain emphasizes the playful yet restless nature of the night, making the song a timeless ode to romance.
For deeper insight into the song, review the detailed analysis of the lyrics, composition and singing.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani