Year: 1961 Movie: Kabuliwala Singer: Hemant Kumar Lyricist: Prem Dhawan Music Director: Salil Choudhary Lyrics: here
A beautiful song by Prem Dhawan from the movie Kabuliwala (1961). Its theme is oneness. Each couplet of this song is special. Simple and meaningful lyrics, just like Kabir poetry.
Some believe that the song was penned by Gulzar. However, Gulzar's biography states that his first song was 'Mora Gora Ang Lei Le' in the movie Bandini (1963). And the movie Kabuliwala is from 1961.
Roman Script
Ganga Aaye Kahaan Se, Ganga Jaaye Kahaan Re
Lehraaye Paani Mein Jaise Dhoop Chhanv Re
Hindi
गंगा आये कहाँ से, गंगा जाये कहाँ रे
लहराये पानी में जैसे धूप-छाँव रे
Translation
Where does (river) Ganges come from? Where does (river) Ganges go?
Like sunshine and shade ride the waves of water.
Interpretation
The opening lines remind me of impermanence. Everything is changing. The river continues to flow. However, at no two instants is the river the same. The river is always in flux.
The second line fortifies the idea of impermanence. The imagery of धूप-छाँव (sunshine and shade) riding the crests and troughs of waves reminds me of ups and downs of life. Everything is changing.
Roman Script
Raat Kaari Din Ujiyaara Mil Gaye Dono Saaye
Saanjh Ne Dekho Rang Roop Ke Kaise Bhed Mitaaye
Hindi
रात कारी दिन उजियारा मिल गये दोनों साये
साँझ ने देखो रंग रुप के कैसे भेद मिटाये
Translation
Dark night and bright day: both projections meet.
Look how dusk erases differences of form and color.
Interpretation
Dusk is special. Dusk are moments when a bright day meets a dark night, when the past meets the future, when differences dissolve into oneness.
Roman Script
Kaanch Koi Maati Koi Rang Birange Pyaale
Pyaas Lage To Ek Baraabar Jis Mein Paani Daale
Hindi
काँच कोई माटी कोई रंग-बिरंगे प्याले
प्यास लगे तो एक बराबर जिस में पानी डाले
Translation
Multi colored cups, some made of glass, some made of clay.
When thirsy, they are the same: vessels for holding water.
Interpretation
Both a glitzy glass cup and a simple clay cup are containers. They are vessels for holding water.
Roman Script
Naam Koi Boli Koi, Laakhon Roop Aur Chehre
Khol Ke Dekho Pyar Ki Aankhein, Sab Tere Sab Mere
Hindi
नाम कोई बोली कोई लाखों रूप और चेहरे
खोल के देखो प्यार की आँखें सब तेरे सब मेरे
Translation
Many names, myriad languages. Millions of forms and faces.
(If you) see with love in your eyes, (then) everybody is yours, everybody is mine.
Interpretation
Millions of forms thread our world. Millions of faces we see. With love in our heart, we see all as one.