Song Title: Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar
Singers: Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhosle
Film: Hum Dono (1961)
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Jaidev
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Don’t leave yet—my heart’s still unfulfilled,
Don’t leave yet—my heart’s still unfulfilled.
You just arrived, just now,
You just arrived, like spring in full bloom.
Let the breeze savor your fragrance,
Let my gaze linger in trance.
(Let this evening fade slowly—x2),
Let my heart steady slowly.
Let me live a moment more,
(Let me drink this intoxication—x2).
I have said nothing yet,
I have heard nothing yet.
Don’t leave yet—my heart’s still unfulfilled.
(The stars have begun to twinkle—x2),
The lamps have begun to sparkle.
(Don’t stop me now—x2),
Don’t block my path ahead.
If I stay back now, I will never be able to leave,
You will always say, “My heart is unfulfilled.”
What ends somewhere
Is no endless affair.
Not yet, not yet…
No, no, no, no …
Don’t leave yet—my heart’s still unfulfilled.
Don’t go with hopes half-met,
With thirst half-quenched.
If you leave like this daily,
How will this love survive?
On life’s winding path,
Where young hearts crave love,
Many trials will come, that will test us—
Don’t take this to heart,
It is love, not complaint.
Yes, you’ll always say,
“My heart’s still unfulfilled.”
Yes, my heart’s still unfulfilled.
No, no, no, no …
Note: For the most authentic experience and deeper appreciation of the lyrical nuances, Hindi readers should always refer to the original lyrics of “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar,” not this translated version.
Understanding the Emotions in “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar”
“Abhi Na Jaao Chhodkar” is a timeless duet of longing and reluctance, where Mohammed Rafi’s voice passionately pleads for more time, while Asha Bhosle’s replies gently, yet firmly, express a pragmatic resistance.
The lyrics, penned by Sahir Ludhianvi, beautifully paint this emotional exchange:
- His Side (Mohammed Rafi): “Let the evening linger” — this represents the lover bargaining for cherished moments, unwilling to let the blissful encounter end.
- Her Side (Asha Bhosle): “If I stay now, I’ll never leave” — this reveals a pragmatic yet tender conflict, acknowledging the intensity of the connection and the difficulty of breaking away once fully immersed.
Key Theme: Love’s Sweet Tension Between Desire and Reality. The song perfectly captures the universal struggle between the heart’s yearning for eternal togetherness and the practicalities or unspoken fears that compel a temporary parting.
Summary: Why Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar Endures
In summary, “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar” is a perfect recipe for lovers of classic Bollywood melancholy. It combines Sahir Ludhianvi’s profound yet simple poetry, the magical vocal interplay of Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle, and Jaidev’s timeless music. This makes it an enduring favorite among romantic Hindi songs and a prime example of Hum Dono’s musical legacy.
For deeper insight into the song’s intricate details, including a detailed analysis of the lyrics, the unique composition by Jaidev, and the iconic singing performances by both Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle, review the main article on analysis of “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar”.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani