Seene mein jalan
Posted on: October 25, 2008
This ghazal was from the movie Gaman (1978). It was an art movie, and art movies those days tended to have ghazals in them. In fact, art movies often had lots of ghazals which became quite popular.
This particular ghazal “seene mein jalan” in fact has become almost a byword among the ghazals of those days. Sung by Suresh Wadkar then a newcomer, this ghazal is still very popular. People hum it without realising which movie this song is from, or who has composed it. It was composed by the veteran music director Jaidev who was most of the time jobless despite having some impressive music under his belt, most notably in “Hum Dono”, “Prem Parbat” and “Gharonda”.
Now that I have realised that Jaidev has composed some well loved songs, I will post some of them in my blog in the coming days.
Here is one of his well known ghazals- “seene me jalan”. Lyrics is by Shahariyar, who was then making quite a name for himself as a lyricist.
This particular song is on the farmaish of Indyana, and I think she may have triggered something. You can expect quite a few ghazals in the coming days. And also some more Jaidev songs. They are wonderful. Meanwhile, enjoy this ghazal.
PS-On popular demand, Sudhir jee has now provided the translation of this ghazal. so now we can appreciate this ghazal more knowledgeably than ever before.
Audio
Video
Song- Seene me jalan (Gaman) (1978) Singer-Suresh Wadkar, Lyrics-Shahariar, MD- Jaidev
Lyrics
seene mein jalan aankhon mein toofaan sa kyon hai
seene mein jalan aankhon mein toofaan sa kyon hai
is shahar mein har shaks pareshaan saa kyon hai
is shahar mein har shaks pareshaan saa kyon hai
seene mein jalan
dil hai to dhadakne ka bahaanaa koi dhoondhe
dil hai to
dil hai to dhadakne ka bahaanaa koi dhoondhe
patthar ki tarah behis-o-bejaan sa kyon hai
patthar ki tarah behis-o-bejaan sa kyon hai
seene mein jalan
tanahaai ki ye kaun si manzil hai rafeeqon
tanahaai ki
tanahaai ki ye kaun si manzil hai rafeeqon
taahadd-e-nazar ek bayaabaan saa kyon hai
taahadd-e-nazar ek bayaabaan saa kyon hai
seene me jalan
kyaa koi nai baat nazar aati hai ham mein
kyaa koi
kyaa koi nai baat nazar aati hai ham mein
aainaa hamen dekh ke hairaan sa kyon hai
aainaa hamen dekh ke hairaan sa kyon hai
seene mein jalan aankhon mein toofaan sa kyon hai
is shahar mein har shaks pareshaan saa kyon hai
seene me jalan
——————————–
Translation(Provided by Sudhir)
——————————–
seene mein jalan aankhon mein toofaan sa kyun hai
is shehar mein har shakhs pareshaan saa kyun hai
A fire burns inside
And a storm rages in the eyes
Oh tell me why?
Every person, every heart in this city
Is restive, edgy
Oh tell me why?
dil hai to dhadakne ka bahaanaa koi dhoondhe
patthar ki tarah behis-o-bejaan sa kyun hai
Just for that there is a heart inside
One searches a pretext to be alive
Else, like a stone
It is just numb, lifeless
Oh tell me why?
(NOTE: behis = numb, insensate, unconscious)
tanahaai ki ye kaun si manzil hai rafeeqon
ta-hadd-e-nazar ek bayaabaan saa kyon hai
What is this new intensity of loneliness, my friends
A bleak emptiness pervades
As far as eyes can see
Oh tell me why?
(NOTE: tanhaai = loneliness, isolation
manzil = literal meaning is destination, or level; in context, the poet talks about a new level, a new intensity he feels
rafeeq = friend, companion
hadd = limit, boundary
ta-hadd = as far as the limit is
ta-hadd-e-nazar = as far as the limit of seeing; or as far as the eyes can see
bayaabaan = bleakness, desolation
kyaa koi nai baat nazar aati hai ham mein
aainaa hamen dekh ke hairaan sa kyon hai
Is there something new, something bizarre
Evident on my person
The mirror seems startled
On seeing me today
Oh tell me why?
20 Responses to "Seene mein jalan"
October 25, 2008 at 5:59 am
[…] I would also like to Thank Atul for taking the time to accept my “farmaish”…that is request,on his blog !I am […]
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October 25, 2008 at 6:15 am
My pleasure, Indyana. In fact, as I mentioned, your farmaish has reminded me of the ghazals of those days and also about the calibre of Jaidev. That way, I am myself so thankful for this “farmaish” of yours.
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October 26, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Sursh wadkar was a newcomer those days, and I am surprised that he did not get to sing too many ghazals after this one.
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April 9, 2009 at 11:51 am
Beautiful song (Ghazal)
One of frequently played songs of eightees and still can be heard on FM Gold and Vividh Bharti.
One more popular song from the film, I recall, was by “Chhaya Ganguli” – “Aapki Yaad Aati Rahi”.
If my memory is correct “A.Hariharan” who was also a new comer sung a beautiful ghazal “Kal Raat Sanneha Guzar Gaya Yaaro”.
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November 2, 2009 at 3:47 am
Fantastic words..a bygone era of my childhood, when the art films were a raging hit with the masses..even after 30 years, they evince a feeling of futility in today’s rush rush world. Another song I remember is “Ek Akela is shehr mein, raat ho dopahar mein..”. The line..:Din khali khali bartan hai, aur raat hai jaise andha kuan” gives goose pimples, and a lump in the throat!!
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February 12, 2010 at 3:25 pm
stumbled upon your site while searching for this hauntingly beautiful number by one of the best singers of our times Sureshji.
Brings back pleasant memories of a bygone era when the rats were not in a race !!!
Thank you
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August 5, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Video link for this song :
I suggest that audio link be retained as it has some beautiful montage keeping with the mood of the song.
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February 22, 2012 at 11:27 am
Sudhirji
Translation pleeeeeeeeese
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February 24, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Prakash ji,
The translation for this ghazal is posted.
Also started to work on ‘Dikhayee Diye Yoon’ – hope to post it soon.
🙂
Rgds
Sudhir
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February 24, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Sudhirji
God Bless you, really you are MAGNANIMOUS.
Ek line ki farmaaish, aur aapki translation haazir,
You have touched my heart.I am poor at english usage, so please excuse me, If my english usage is wrong.
with regards
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May 15, 2019 at 8:59 pm
Thanks alot for explaining the Urdu wordy and the poetry.
It understanding and pronunciation was an burgeoning issue though I loved it for decades.
Just keep it up. All the best.🙏👏👏👏
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May 16, 2019 at 11:41 am
audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjiEOc8Bvw4
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Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
October 25, 2008 at 6:02 am
Thank you so very much!!! I love the words and the pathos with which it is sung! I hope readers that remember the song like it too!
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