Song Title: Maine Poocha Chaand Se
Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Film: Abdullah (1980)
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
Music Director: Rahul Dev Burman
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I asked the moon, “have you seen anywhere, someone as beautiful as my beloved?”
The moon said, “by the moonlight, no, no, no.”
I searched for your veil,
I searched for your beauty everywhere.
I asked the buds for your example,
I searched for your answer among the flowers.
I asked the garden, “in the sky or on earth, is there such a flower anywhere?”
The garden said, “by the oath of every bud, no, no, no.”
Your walk is like the flow of a wave,
Your hair is like the story of the night.
Your lips are like lotus mirrors,
Your eyes are like the queen of fragrances.
I asked the wine, “Whether in the sky or on earth, is there such wine anywhere?”
The wine said, “by the fragrant one, no, no, no.”
I asked the moon.
The beauty that you possess,
has surpassed even God’s creation.
Should I call you Mir’s ghazal,
Or should I call you Khayyam’s rubai?
When I ask the poets, “Is there any verse as heart-stealing as you?”
The poets say, “by poetry, no, no, no.”
I asked the moon, “have you seen anywhere, someone as beautiful as my beloved?”
The moon said, “by the moonlight, no, no, no.”
Note: Hindi readers should refer to the original lyrics, not the translated version.
“Maine Poocha Chaand Se” is a deeply romantic and profound Bollywood song from the 1980 film Abdullah, featuring the legendary voice of Mohammad Rafi. It’s a passionate exploration of a lover’s quest to find a beauty comparable to their beloved, searching across nature, the cosmos, and even art. The lyrics, penned by Anand Bakshi, use rich celestial and poetic imagery, beautifully complemented by R.D. Burman’s captivating music. The repeated refrain emphasizes the unparalleled uniqueness of the beloved, making this a timeless Hindi love anthem that transcends earthly bounds.
For deeper insight into the song, review the detailed analysis of the lyrics, composition and singing.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani