Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu...

Sahir Ludhianvi

Today’s post is a song that I revisited after a long time. The song was part of that meaningful exchange of music and art between friends that conveys the truth of our current circumstances - in this case both private and public. I’ve been listening to it on loop for the past couple of days. It is an old Hindi song from the film Waqt (1965). It’s lyrics have been penned by the poet, Abdul Hayee, who’s better known by his takhallus - Sahir Ludhianvi. Ludhianvi’s outlook was political and he was concerned with the question of social justice and freedom. He wrote many songs in the Indian film industry, songs that lightened the burden of life and struggle with simplicity and cadence. A famous verse that he wrote could be a statement of his philosophy:

"मैं पल दो पल का शायर हूँ, पल दो पल मेरी कहानी है
पल दो पल मेरी हस्ती है, पल दो पल मेरी जवानी है
मुझसे पहले कितने शायर, आए और आकर चले गए,
कुछ आहें भरकर लौट गए, कुछ नग़मे गाकर चले गए
वो भी एक पल का किस्सा थे, मै भी एक पल का किस्सा हूँ
कल तुमसे जुदा हो जाऊँगा, जो आज तुम्हारा हिस्सा हूँ"

The words talk of transience, and the awareness of one’s place in the universe. Poets come, poets go, he says. The song I’m sharing with you today is a beautiful melody composed by Ravi and sung by Asha Bhosle. It’s a song that is particularly apt for the moment, and I implore you to revisit it, and let its gentle rhythm wash over you. It talks about the joy of this moment, of living so completely in the present that everything else starts to slowly fade out. One doesn’t know what is to come, one doesn’t really know the past, it is best to make the most of the present. The melody is heady, and there is so much itminaan in its airy pathways, that it felt like the perfect song to momentarily lay one’s head down in, and find repose from all that is happening.

I have shared the original lyrics in Devnagri and Roman, and I have shared below a somewhat shaky translation that nevertheless conveys a gist of the song. There’s a Youtube link to the song and its picturisation in Waqt.

You don't know what lies ahead of you
You don't know what lies behind you
Whatever is there, is only in this moment

Unknown shadows set camps in our paths
Unseen arms have embraced us all
This moment is shining, the rest is darkness
Don't waste this moment, this moment is yours
O breathing spirit, think about it
This is the time to fulfil your heart’s desires

The joy of this moment has graced this party
The heat of this moment has made my heart race
Because this moment exists, the world is ours
This moment is more valuable then ages
O breathing soul, think about it
This is the time to fulfil your heart’s desires

Our place is in the shadows of this moment
Beyond this moment everything is a story
Who has seen tomorrow, who knows about it?
In this moment you'll attain all that you want
O breathing soul, think fast
This is the time to fulfil your heart’s desires

You don't know what lies ahead of you
You don't know what lies behind you
Whatever is there, is only in this moment