I posted a version of this song with lyrics translated into English (along with the actual film clip) over two and a half years ago, and it started a nice discussion. But, of course, the clips disappeared. Fortunately, now I have found this clever video of the Hindi words and English translation both appearing on the screen. It’s done in a funny way, and since I have recently been learning some Devanagari, at first glance, I actually thought that the Hindi words were written in Devanagari. But, of course, that is not the case. That’s cute, and I also like the way the pics are floating around. I’m not crazy about the hipster company URL, or whatever that is. But overall, it’s still worthwhile… And there is a note at the end, showing exactly when Meena lived, reminding us that this is her 40th death anniversary… Which is why I’ve been indulging in Meena mania the past couple of days.
I’ve said elsewhere that Meena Kumari is my favorite actress just for being an actress. I know she danced a little and wasn’t so bad at it back in the day (and she also sang too, a long time ago), but I do have one favorite actress who is a favorite mostly for her dancing as well as one who is a favorite for her singing voice (or maybe two who are favorites mostly for their singing voices)… While Meena Kumari is just a favorite for the things that most people look for in an actress – she was such a good actress! And such a beauty, too (which is why she goes above Nargis on my list, though Nargis was also very good – sorry…). I’m not sure I understand the Meena Kumari of real life, but that’s another matter, and whether or not I try to ponder her tragic decline, it will make no difference in my admiration of her for her presence on the screen. (Plus, I would like to see more of her poetry, which is something else very interesting that she did.)
So, in memory of the great Meena Kumari:
Agree with what you have said about this great actress’ life and art!
The translation for ‘sambhalo hame tum’ is given as ‘handle me with care’, in my opinion ‘give me support’ would be more appropriate.
Noticed for the first time the short chuckle given by Lata (1:54) when she sings ‘ham hai tayyar chalo’. It gives the song a certain… I don’t know how to say it, but it makes it somewhat down-to-earth.
Quite suited for today’s occasion ‘zindagi khatam bhi ho jaye agar, na kabhi khatam ho ulfat ka safar’ (even if this life ends, never may end the journey of love).
Thank you Meena Kumari for your art and artistry, it has enriched our lives!
Richard, I should’ve known you would remember Meena Kumari’s death anniversary! It is interesting that you should choose Pakeezah and, specifically, this song, in memory of her. The song, for exactly the reason that harvey gave above – there is a certain (sweet) irony in those lines.
And the film because I think, more than anything else, it was the one film which tracked the downward trajectory of her life. It was begun in 1956, when she was at her peak – a labour of love for both her husband and for her. Then, their estrangement shelved the film for more than a decade.
I first read her poetry when Pritish Nandy translated it for the Illustrated Weekly in the 80s. Here is one clip of her reciting her own verses. (She had such a fantastic speaking voice.)
ps: Apart from the fact that the translations make the beautiful lyrics totally stilted, my pet peeve is there: ‘loose’ for ‘lose’. Aaaargh! :(
Chalo dildar chalo was the ‘lesser’ song from Pakeezah, but I loved it a lot. It is intensely romantic, and I love the echo effect. For a while, in this song and the other ‘Mausam hai ashiqana’ Sahibjaan allows herself to think that love is possible.
Oh god! I love this movie too much, mention Pakeezah and I start blathering.
Thanks to all for the comments, improvements on the translation :) , and thoughts about Meena Kumari that I totally agree with.
Harvey and Anu, yes, I noticed those lines as well.
Harvey, your closing words are perfect – yes, it has enriched our lives.
Anu, it is so nice to listen to Meena’s voice reciting her poetry in that clip. And yes, re. Pakeezah “tracking” that trajectory from 1956. Have you seen this scene from the 1956 beginning of Pakeezah that has been sitting on YouTube?
Regarding your P.S., I don’t like seeing “loose” instead of “lose” either. I’ve got a few other pet peeves… Like “effect” instead of “affect.” I see that mistake everywhere, even in supposedly intellectual publications.
Ava, you are inspiring me to watch Pakeezah yet again. :)
Richard, thank you for that clip. No, I hadn’t seen it before. She looks excruciatingly lovely, doesn’t she?
‘affect’ for ‘effect’ , ‘your’ for ‘you’re’ are other peeves. :(
As always, when I am unable to visit your blog for a while, I come back to find some beautiful posts to enjoy.
She was sooooo beautiful in this version.
I missed commenting yesterday.
Not only have you chosen a lovely song but posted the novel way it has been presented in the clip.
I love this film a lot. Everything in it was gorgeous, starting with Meena, the music, and the poetry of it.
I still watch it to listen to those snatches of thumris about which you once posted here.
I have a collector’s edition of Pakeezah where one can hear Meena Kumari reciting/singing the ghazals written by her.
I’ve been watching Footpath (with breaks, because of being very busy).
The story reminds me a bit/in parts of ‘deewar’.
@harvey
That’s a nice last line you’ve written.
Forgot to comment on the black and white ‘inhi logon ne’.
Thank you for it. Didn’t know about it.
Meena Kumari looks breathtakingly beautiful there. I wish the whole song was available.