Song: Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost
Singer: Mohammad Rafi | Film: Aas Paas (1981)
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi | Composers: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
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Literal translation:
There’s hope of your coming, friend
Why is the evening sad again, friend?
This fragrant breeze is saying
That you are somewhere nearby, friend
That you are somewhere nearby, friend.
Poetic translation to convey the essence and emotions accurately.
I’m filled with hope, dear friend, you’ll soon arrive
Why does the evening feel so forlorn and alive?
This fragrant air whispers, with a gentle sigh
That you’re somewhere near, oh, my friend, oh, my friend.
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
In-depth Analysis:
“Tere Aane Ki Aas Hai Dost …” is the last ever song, or rather verse, recorded by Mohammad Rafi just hours before his passing away. It’s a poignant and evocative song that captures the essence of longing and anticipation. Penned by the prolific lyricist Anand Bakshi, and composed by the iconic music composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, this song remains a timeless classic.
Let’s delve deep into the lyrics, composition, and Rafi’s masterful performance in this gem of a Classic Bollywood Music to understand why this one-verse song continues to resonate with the listeners across the world.
Lyrics and Lyricist
Anand Bakshi, known for his evocative and poignant lyrics, masterfully captures the essence of yearning in this song. The simplicity of the words belies their profound emotional impact. The repetition of “Tere aane ki aas hai dost” creates a sense of longing and anticipation that permeates the entire song.
Composition and Music Director
Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the renowned music director duo, has crafted a haunting melody that perfectly complements the lyrics. The composition, with its minor key and use of instruments like the flute, creates a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. The music effectively captures the protagonist’s emotional state – a blend of sadness and anticipation.
Rafi’s Vocal Mastery
Tere aane ki aas hai dost (There’s hope of your coming, friend): Rafi’s voice begins with a sense of longing and anticipation. The repetition of “aas” (hope) emphasizes the protagonist’s fervent desire for his friend’s arrival.
Sham phir kyun udas hai dost (Why is the evening sad again, friend?): Rafi’s voice carries a hint of sadness. He questions why the evening, a time often associated with tranquility, feels melancholic in his friend’s absence.
Mehki mehki fiza ye kehti hai (This fragrant breeze is saying): Rafi’s voice becomes more hopeful, suggesting that the very air seems to whisper of his friend’s imminent arrival.
Tu kahin aas pas hai dost (That you are somewhere nearby, friend): Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of optimism and excitement. The protagonist feels a subtle presence, a sense that his friend is near.
Tu kahin aas pas hai dost (That you are somewhere nearby, friend): The repetition of this line intensifies the feeling of anticipation and hope. Rafi’s voice conveys a sense of quiet confidence that his friend is indeed close by.
Emotional Analysis
Longing and Anticipation: Rafi’s voice masterfully conveys the protagonist’s intense longing for his friend’s arrival. His voice is filled with a sense of hope and excitement, yet tinged with a hint of melancholy.
The Power of Suggestion: Rafi’s voice subtly suggests that the protagonist is sensing his friend’s presence, even though they are not physically together. He conveys a sense of heightened awareness, as if the world around him is whispering secrets about his friend’s whereabouts.
The Beauty of Friendship: The song beautifully captures the essence of true friendship – the joy of anticipation, the comfort of companionship, and the enduring power of human connection.
In conclusion, “Tere Aane Ki Aas Hai Dost …” is a timeless classic that showcases the brilliance of Rafi, Anand Bakshi, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke universal emotions of longing, anticipation, and the joy of friendship. Rafi’s soulful rendition, combined with the evocative lyrics and the melancholic melody, creates a listening experience that is both poignant and uplifting.
This song serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of human connection and the profound impact that friends have on our lives.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani