Year: 1964
Movie: Sati Savitri
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey
Lyricist: Bharat Vyas
Music Director: Laxmikant, Pyarelal
A duet by Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey from 1960s, the golden era of Hindi film music. The singers take turns in admiring their beloved through a series of beautiful metaphors. Each verse is also a conversation with the divine. The song is in Roopak (7 beats: 1-2-3-1-2-1-2), which is rarely heard these days. Compositions in modern music are predominantly in 4, 6 and 8 beats.
Connection with Sufi poetry: Yesterday, I was reminded of 'Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho' by hearing the first verse of the Sufi song Kithe Meher Ali by Abida Parveen. Its opening verse is spectacular: 'Kithe Meher Ali, Kithe Teri Sana! Gustakh Akhiyan, Kithe Ja Ladiyan!'. Translation: 'Who am I (the poet, Pir Meher Ali) to admire you or to praise you? How presumptious and impudent are my eyes. They got a glimpse of you and started aspiring for your love and acceptance!' A detailed article that traces the historical development of love for one's beloved and love for the divine over the last several centuries: Love in Sufi Poetry by Matthew Kelley, Fountain Magazine, Issue 87, May - June 2012.
Spiritual Love: A wikipedia article explains Types of Love between partners. The most enduring love style is "Agape" or spiritual love. From my childhood days, I remember reading Gift of the Magi by O Henry, a short story showcasing Agape. An audio version is available here.
Ocean and waves: The line 'Tum Mahaasaagar Ki Seemaa, Main Kinaare Ki Leher' contrasts the everpresence of the ocean with the transience of waves. The example of ocean and waves is commonly chosen by spiritual teachers to explain oneness. Quoting a friend of mine: "Just as a wave in the ocean has no existence as a separate entity, self is a part of Brahman (the Universe) and has no meaning by itself. When the self is conscious of distinctive individuality, then it is like a wave. But when the wave nature of the self subsides, it experiences oneness with the universal ocean of Brahman (the Universe)."
Translation: A literal translation felt insipid to me, so I added flavor by creating full sentences. Still, the beauty and devotion in original Hindi is difficult to capture in English translations. Verses that I find particularly delightful are (a) 'Tum khshama, main bhool hu' (you are imbued with great forgiveness; you accept me with all my faults) and (b) 'Tum Sudha Main Pyaas Hu' (you are the nectar that quenches my thirst).
Other songs: Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho reminds me of four other songs:
- Ye Kaun Chitrakaar Hai (1967, Boond Jo Ban Gayi Moti) — the poet admires nature by posing an innocent question: Who is the painter of lush green valleys, icy mountains, blue skies, tall trees and beautiful spring flowers?
- Chand Si Mehbooba (1965, Himalay Ki God Mein) — the poet is enamored by his beloved who is perfect for him!
- 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.
- Mora Gora Ang Lei Le (1963, Bandini) — the opening couplet seeks merger with Shyam, which means both night and Krishna.
Roman Script
Tum Pranay Ke Devataa Ho, Main Samarpit Phool Hoon
Tum Ho Poojaa Main Pujaari, Tum Sudhaa Main Pyaas Hoon
Hindi
तुम प्रणय के देवता हो, मैं समर्पित फूल हूँ
तुम हो पूजा, मैं पुजारी, तुम सुधा मैं प्यास हूँ
Translation
You are the god who radiates love. I am merely an offering of flowers.
You are the prayer; I am merely a seeker. You are the nectar that quenches my thirst.
Roman Script
Tum Mahaasangeet Ke Swar, Main Adhoori Saans Bhar
Tum Ho Kaayaa Main Hoon Chhaayaa, Tum Kshamaa Main Bhool Hoon
Hindi
तुम महासंगीत के स्वर, मैं अधूरी सांस भर
तुम हो काया, मैं हूँ छाया, तुम क्षमा मैं भूल हूँ
Translation
You are the notes of exquisite symphonies. I am barely half a breath.
You are the body, I am your shadow. You are forgiveness! One who accepts me with all my faults.
Roman Script
Mere Praanon Ki Ho Gunjan, Mere Man Kaa Mayoor Ho
Tum Ho Poojaa Main Pujaari, Tum Sudhaa Main Pyaas Hoon
Hindi
मेरे प्राणों की हो गुंजन, मेरे मन का मयूर हो
तुम हो पूजा, मैं पुजारी, तुम सुधा मैं प्यास हूँ
Translation
You are the melody in my breath and the joy in my heart.
You are the prayer; I am merely a seeker. You are the nectar that quenches my thirst.
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