Song: 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.
The song expresses a deep and passionate love for the beloved. The singer’s search for a comparable beauty in the natural world and in art only highlights the uniqueness of their love. The celestial imagery of the moon and stars adds a sense of wonder and romance to the song. The repeated refrain “Maine poochha chaand se” emphasizes the universal nature of love and the longing for a connection that transcends earthly boundaries.
For deeper insight into the song, review the detailed analysis of the lyrics, composition and singing.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani