Mora Gora Ang Lei Le

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Love Poetry

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Mora Gora Ang Lei Le

Gateways To Joy

Love Poetry

Mora Gora Ang Lei Le

22 Mar 2013

Year: 1963
Movie: Bandini
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyricist: Gulzar
Music Director: S D Burman

'Mora Gora Ang Lei Le' is a playful piece of poetry by Gulzar which appeared in the movie Bandini (1963). It was Gulzar's very first composition!

For me, the song is special for a number of reasons. The lyrics are playful, joyful. The commingling of one's beloved with the divine is reminiscent of Sufi poetry. Lata Mangeshkar is my favorite singer. And the song is picturized on Nutan, one of my favorite actresses. Her face exudes calmness.

The song reminds me of four other songs:

Chhupa Lo Yu Dil Mein Pyar Mera (1966, Mamta) — a song exuding devotion to one's beloved, seeking acceptance.
Apne Suron Mein Mere Suron Ko Basa Lo (1973, Dil Ki Rahein) — lovers implore each other for acceptance.
In Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho (1964, Sati Savitri) — lovers take turns in admiring each other through a series of beautiful metaphors.
In Tu Jo Mere SurMein (1976, Chitchor) — both partners seek the presence of the other person in their lives.

Roman Script

Mora Gora Ang Lei Le, Mohe Shyam Rang Dei De
Chhup Jaaoongi Raat Hi Mein, Mohe Pee Ka Sang Dei De

Translation

Take my fair body, color me dark like Shyam (Krishna).
By merging with the night, I'll become unnoticed. Grant me my beloved's company.

Interpretation

The opening couplet is awesome:

Physical interpretation: The context of the song in the movie is that a girl walks at night to meet her beloved secretly. She wishes to proceed unnoticed. So she desires to merge with the night, letting her body be colored dark.

Metaphysical interpretation: Shyam is another name for dark skinned Krishna. The girl seeks a union with the divine. To be colored in Shyam's colors means that she seeks an immersion in His qualities. Hiding in the night is a metaphor for losing herself, her ego, as she merges with Oneness.

Roman Script

Ek Laaj Roke Paiyaan, Ek Moh Kheenche Baiyaan
Jaaoon Kidhar Na Jaaoo, Humka Ko Batai De

Translation

Propriety stops my feet while desire tugs at my arms.
May somebody guide me: which way should I go?

Roman Script

Badari Hata Ke Chanda, Chupke Se Jhaanke Chanda
Tohe Raahu Laagi Bairi, Muskaaye Jee Jalai Ke

Translation

O moon! You peep at me dicreetly through a window in the clouds.
Your mocking gaze singes me. May an eclipse hide you!

Roman Script

Kuchh Kho Diya Hai Pai Ke, Kuchh Pa Liya Ganwaayi Ke
Kahaan Le Chala Hai Manwa, Mohe Baavari Banai Ke

Translation

I lost something by getting you, I got something by losing myself.
Where is my heart taking me, having made me crazy in love?

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