Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs

This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a contributor to this blog. This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in other sites without the knowledge and consent of the web administrator of atulsongaday.me, then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.

Missing Films of 1960s – 96
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In this series, the film being introduced today is of certain significance in the history of Hindi film music. The film is ‘Ziarat Gahe Hind’. Translating this phrase – it means – “हिन्दोस्तान के दर्शनीय इस्लामिक धार्मिक स्थल” – or important pilgrimage centers of Islamic religion in India. ‘Ziarat’ means to see, to visit – “दर्शन करना”; ‘gahe’ means a dargah (“दरगाह”), a place of religious pilgrimage; and ‘Hind’ refers to “हिन्दोस्तान”, India. In a manner of speaking this film is the Islamic equivalent of films like ‘Sampooran Teerht Yatra’ which presents the travelogue of centers of Hindu pilgrimages.

This film also has an alternate title – ‘Zeenat’. The film is produced under the banner of Roopesh Films, Bombay, and is directed by A Shamsheer. The star cast of this film is listed as Tabassum, Tabrez, Shatrujeet, Johnny Whisky, Baby Guddi, Sadiq, Shukla, Murad, Shakeela Bano Bhopali, Shareen, Husn Bano, Pratap Kumar, Satish, Munshi Munakka, Moosa Kaleem, Dinesh Dubey, Shashi, Bihari, Bamalhari, Meera, Master Zafar, Master Vijay, Master Basheer, Rupendra, and Dalda.

The film is a Muslim social story, depicting the fortunes of a family that is passing through testing times both because of external circumstances and strained relations within. The family turns to the Almighty, and they resolve to go on a pilgrimage to various important centers of worship. Even during their travels, there are difficulties that come in their way, but with prayers to Allah (SWT) [SWT – “Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala,” or “Glory to Him, the Exalted.”], and by his kindness and beneficence, the family is able to overcome all difficulties and comes to see better times in life.

There are four songs listed for this film. All the songs are from the pen of a poet whose name is completely new to this blog – Abdur Rab Chaush.
[Editor’s Note: As per inputs from Sadanand ji, Abdur Rab Chaush is a qawwali singer, who has been active since about 1970. He has also written the lyrics for the film “Dayaar e Medina’ (1975).]

The thing that I mentioned about this film being of certain importance – that is because of the music direction. The name of the music director is listed as Mustafa-Yusuf. Mustafa is the son of the renowned music director Sajjad Husain. This name is for the duo MD, both of whom are sons of the renowned music director Sajjad Husain – Mustafa and Yusuf. In fact the title credits of this film also list Sajjad Sb’s name as the ‘Supervisor’ for music. After troubled times early on in his career, there was literally no work for the temperamental Sajjad Sb in the 1960s. No producer was ready to engage him, on account of his reputation as a brusque and inflexible team player. So for this film, although the prime mover in the music direction department is Sajjad Sb, but his sons’ names are pushed forward, to keep Sajjad Sb away from limelight. Mustafa himself is a musician of certain standing. However, we do not see his or Sajjad Sb’s name appear any more in films beyond this one.

The song is an appeal to the Almighty – “ओ आसमान वाले” – with prayers for His benevolence and help in this journey of life. The words of this song refer to many important names in the history of Islam. All these names are of the historical figures who are acknowledged to be Prophets in Islamic history, who have appeared before Prophet Mohammed (SAW) [SAW – “Sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam”, translates as “The graces of Allah be upon him, and peace,” or “Allah bless him and grant him peace.”].

In the chronicles of Islamic history, Mohammed (SAW) is the last Prophet of this religion. Before him, a list of 24 Prophets is acknowledged. In today’s song, the lyrics contain the names of some of these Prophets. The mention is included in the lyrics, almost as a reminder to Him, that He has helped and rescued, and brought fame, prosperity and privilege to these men of faith. And so, the prayer is that we are seeking similar favors and blessings from Him.

The first name mentioned in the lyrics is that of Adam – “आदम”. I refer to the following lines in the lyrics –

aadam ko di muaafi
shaitaan ko sazaa di

As per the traditions that are common to the Jewish, Islamic and Christian religions, Adam is the first human being created by the Almighty, and the father of all mankind on this earth. Adam is seen as an archetype of humanity and as a symbol for the emergence of humankind. According to the Islamic narrative of Adam, humankind has learnt everything from Adam. He was the first to learn to plant, harvest, and bake as well as the first to be told how to repent and how to properly bury someone. God also revealed the various food restrictions and the alphabet to Adam. He was made the first prophet and he was taught 21 scrolls and was able to write them himself.

As per the scriptures, Allah (SWT) fashioned Adam out of clay of this earth, as also his feminine counterpart – Hawwa “हव्वा”, also known as Eve in the Jewish and Christian traditions. When God created Adam and Eve, He sent them to Eden, the garden of paradise, to enjoy as they would please, with one instruction – not to pluck and partake the fruit of a particular tree (the apple tree). For a time, this instruction was followed. As the narrative goes, Satan, who wanted to take revenge for an earlier insult and punishment, entices and leads astray the primal couple, and induces them to eat the fruit of the apple tree. For this digression, the primal couple seeks forgiveness from God, which is granted, albeit with the condition that they are banished from Eden and put down on the earth. The Islamic tradition does not ascribe mankind’s life on earth as a punishment, rather as part of God’s plan. God had already decided before the creation of Adam that mankind (Adam and his progeny) would be placed on earth.

The narrative of the punishment of “शैतान” goes like this. When God fashioned Adam from clay, and breathed life into him, He announced to His Archangels, the plan for placing Adam and his progeny on earth. The angels expressed doubt whether Adam and his progeny, with their limited knowledge would be able to maintain earth without animosity and bloodshed. God then taught the knowledge to Adam. Then, in a gathering of angels, He commanded Adam to call out each of angels by their names. With this accomplished, God instructed the angels to bow down in front of Adam. All the angels followed this instruction, except for Iblis, who claimed that he, being born of fire, will not bow down in front of one born of clay. At this, God was offended and He punished Iblis by banishing him from paradise, and into hell. After this episode, Iblis is known as Satan or “शैतान”.

The second name mentioned in the verses is that of ‘Isa’, who is known as Jesus in Jewish and Christian traditions.

takhte se daar ke bhi
isaa ki jaan bacha di

Islam acknowledges Yesua or Isa, Ibn e Mariam (Son of Mary) (PBUH) as the penultimate Prophet who came before Prophet Mohammed. In Islam, it is noted that Isa attributed the name Ahmad, to the One who would follow him.

The Islamic tradition does not concur with the Christian view that Jesus died on the cross. The narrative in Qur’an states that Isa, being sentenced to the gallows (daar, “दार”) was rescued by God. The belief in Qur’an is that Isa did not physically die, but was raised alive to heavens. A very interesting thing to note is that in the Qur’an, Isa is the most mentioned personality – his name appears 187 times in the Qur’aanic text, more than any other personality.

The third name mentioned in these lyrics is that of Yunus, who is known as Jonah in Jewish and Christian traditions.

machhli ke pet mein bhi
yunus ki jaan bakhshi

Yunus is one of the Prophets in the Islamic tradition. God commands him to go to the city of Nineveh to prophesy against it for their great wickedness.  Instead, he attempts to flee from “the presence of the Lord” by going to Jaffa and sailing to Tarshish. A huge storm arises and the sailors, realizing that it is no ordinary storm, cast lots and discover that Yunus is to blame. He admits this and states that if he is thrown overboard, the storm will cease. The sailors refuse to do this and continue rowing, but all their efforts fail and they are eventually forced to throw him overboard. As a result, the storm calms and the sailors then offer sacrifices to God. Yunus is miraculously saved by being swallowed by a large fish, in whose belly he spends three days and three nights. While inside the great fish, he prays to God in his affliction and commits to thanksgiving and to paying what he has vowed. God then commands the fish to vomit Yunus out.

The next names mentioned in lyrics are Ayyub, Yusuf and Yaqub. In the Jewish and Christian traditions, they are known as Job, Joseph and Jacob respectively.

ayyub ko shifa di
tujhko taras jo aaya
yusuf ko ek pal mein
yaqoob se milaaya

The name of Ayyub is also present in the list of Prophets in the Qur’an.  He is described as a righteous servant of Allah, who was afflicted by suffering for a lengthy period of time. It is the time when Satan is trying to turn Ayyub away from God. However, Ayyub never lost faith in God and forever called to Him in prayer, asking Him to remove his affliction.  The narrative goes on to state that after many years of suffering, God ordered Job to “Strike with thy foot!”. At once, Job struck the ground with his foot and God caused a cool spring of water to gush forth from the Earth, from which Job could replenish himself. The Qur’an states that it was then that God removed his pain and suffering and He returned Job’s family to him, blessed him with many generations of children and granted him great wealth.

Yusuf (Joseph) is the son of Yaqub (Jacob). Yaqub had twelve sons who are the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Yusuf was the eleventh son. Of all the siblings, Yusuf was the one given the gift of prophesy. He reveals one prophecy to his father, Yaqub, who recognizes it and understands the gift this child has. He foresees that Yusuf would be one through whom the prophecy of his grandfather, Ibrahim (Abraham), would be fulfilled, in that his offspring would keep the light of Abraham’s house alive and spread God’s message to mankind. In addition for being very handsome, Yusuf was of gentle temperament. He was respectful, kind and considerate. Yusuf becomes the favorite son of Yaqub, much to envy and anger of his other brothers.

One day, the brothers hatch a conspiracy. They ask their father to let them take Joseph out to the desert to play and promise to watch him. Jacob, not thrilled with the idea knowing how much the brothers disliked Joseph, hesitates. But the brothers insist. When they have Joseph alone they throw him into a well and leave him there. They return with a blood stained shirt and lie that he had been attacked by a wolf, but their father does not believe them, as he was a sincere man who loves his son.

A passing caravan stops by the well, to draw water and quench their thirst. They see the boy inside. They retrieve him and sell him into slavery in Egypt, to a rich man, Al-‘Aziz. Yusuf is taken into Azīz’s home. Zulaikha, the wife of Al Aziz, is smitten by this young slave, and tries to seduce him. Yusuf does not succumb to her advances – when they are alone the vision of Yaqub appears to him, biting his fingers, and warning Yusuf not to become involved. Yusuf prays to God and says he would prefer to be in prison, than to face such circumstances. Al Aziz knows that Yusuf is innocent, but under influence from his wife, has Yusuf put into prison.

In course of time, inside the prison, Yusuf becomes known for interpretation of dreams. Based on a dream of a fellow prisoner, he foretells his release, which turns out to be true. The news reaches the king, who is seeking interpretation for his own recurrent dream. Yusuf is summoned to the court, and after listening to the dream, explains that the kingdom will enjoy seven years of plenty and prosperity, which will be followed by seven years of great famine. He adds that if the king ensures that enough is stored during the years of plenty, then the suffering in the years of famine will be avoided. The king is pleased to hear this. He orders release of Yusuf and makes him the keeper of warehouses in his kingdom.

Elsewhere in the region, people are suffering due to the famine. Yusuf’s brothers travel to Egypt in search of relief and food. They come to the kingdom, not knowing that Yusuf is a very important member of the king’s court. More events transpire. Yusuf meets his brothers, who fail to recognize him. After testing their sincerity, he reveals his true identity. The family is once again reunited, with Yusuf getting true respect and adoration from all his brothers.

One more name mentioned in the lyrics is that of Nuh, who is known as Noah in the Jewish and Christian traditions.

toofaan se tu ne yaarab
jab nooh ko bachaaya

Nuh is recognized in Islam as a prophet and apostle of God. According to the Islamic tradition, Nuh’s mission is to warn his people, who were plunged in depravity and sin. God charged Nuh with the duty of preaching to his people, advising them to worship only God and to live good and pure lives. Although he preached the Message of God with zeal, his people refused to mend their ways, leading to the Great Flood and the building of the Ark.

So we see, behind just the names mentioned in the verses, there are complete histories and narrations, which document important historical passages and events. That is just like reading and following the verses in the text ‘Vishnu Sahasranaam’. Each name of the Lord has a very important story behind it, and explains why the Lord is (also) known by this name.

[Acknowledgements: Material for the above write up has been adapted from various sources on the internet, including Wikipedia etc.]

Song – Ae Aasmaan Waale, Is Waqt Tu Kahaan Hai  (Ziarat Gahe Hind) (1970) Singer – Mohammed Rafi, Lyrics – Abdur Rab Chaush, MD – Mustafa-Yusuf

Lyrics

ae aasmaan waale

ae aasmaan waale
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ujda hua chaman hai
barbaad aashiaan hai
ae aasmaan waale
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ujda hua chaman hai
barbaad aashiaan hai
ae aasmaan waale. . .

aadam ko di muaafi
shaitaan ko sazaa di
takhte se daar ke bhi
isaa ki jaan bacha di
aadam ko di muaafi
shaitaan ko sazaa di
takhte se daar ke bhi
isaa ki jaan bacha di
har cheez pe tu qaadir
mukhtaar e do jahaan
is waqt tu kahaan hai
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ae aasmaan waale
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ujda hua chaman hai
barbaad aashiaan hai
ae aasmaan waale. . .

jis ne tujhe pukaara
usko amaan bakhshi
machhli ke pet mein bhi
yunus ki jaan bakhshi
jis ne tujhe pukaara
usko amaan bakhshi
machhli ke pet mein bhi
yunus ki jaan bakhshi
har haal mein tu apne
bandon pe meharbaan hai
is waqt tu kahaan hai
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ae aasmaan waale
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ujda hua chaman hai
barbaad aashiaan hai
ae aasmaan waale. . .

ayyub ko shifa di
tujhko taras jo aaya
yusuf ko ek pal mein
yaqoob se milaaya
ayyub ko shifa di
tujhko taras jo aaya
yusuf ko ek pal mein
yaqoob se milaaya
mushqil mein aaj tere
bandon ka karvaan hai
is waqt tu kahaan hai
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ae aasmaan waale
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ujda hua chaman hai
barbaad aashiaan hai
ae aasmaan waale. . .

toofaan se tu ne yaarab
jab nooh ko bachaaya
tere siwa hamaara
ab kaun hai khudaaya
toofaan se tu ne yaarab
jab nooh ko bachaaya
tere siwa hamaara
ab kaun hai khudaaya
hum ko bhi paar kar de
ye waqt e imtihaan hai
is waqt tu kahaan hai
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ae aasmaan waale
is waqt tu kahaan hai
ujda hua chaman hai
barbaad aashiaan hai
ae aasmaan waale

ae aasmaan waale. . .

ae aasmaan waale. . .

———————————————————-
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
———————————————————-

ए आसमान वाले

ए आसमान वाले
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
उजड़ा हुआ चमन है
बर्बाद आशियाँ है
ए आसमान वाले
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
उजड़ा हुआ चमन है
बर्बाद आशियाँ है
ए आसमान वाले॰ ॰ ॰

आदम को दी मुआफी
शैतान को सज़ा दी
तख्ते से दार के भी
ईसा की जाँ बचा दी
आदम को दी मुआफी
शैतान को सज़ा दी
तख्ते से दार के भी
ईसा की जाँ बचा दी
हर चीज़ पे तू क़ादिर
मुख्तार ए दो जहाँ है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
ए आसमान वाले
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
उजड़ा हुआ चमन है
बर्बाद आशियाँ है
ए आसमान वाले॰ ॰ ॰

जिसने तुझे पुकारा
उसको अमान बख्शी
मछली के पेट में भी
युनूस की जाँ बख्शी
जिसने तुझे पुकारा
उसको अमान बख्शी
मछली के पेट में भी
युनूस की जाँ बख्शी
हर हाल में तू अपने
बंदों पे मेहरबाँ है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
ए आसमान वाले
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
उजड़ा हुआ चमन है
बर्बाद आशियाँ है
ए आसमान वाले॰ ॰ ॰

अय्यूब को शिफ़ा दी
तुझको तरस जो आया
युसुफ को एक पल में
याक़ूब से मिलाया
अय्यूब को शिफ़ा दी
तुझको तरस जो आया
युसुफ को एक पल में
याक़ूब से मिलाया
मुश्किल में आज तेरे
बंदों का कारवां है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
ए आसमान वाले
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
उजड़ा हुआ चमन है
बर्बाद आशियाँ है
ए आसमान वाले॰ ॰ ॰

तूफ़ान से तूने यारब्ब
जब नूह को बचाया
तेरे सिवा हमारा
अब कौन है खुदाया
तूफ़ान से तूने यारब्ब
जब नूह को बचाया
तेरे सिवा हमारा
अब कौन है खुदाया
हमको भी पार कर दे
ये वक़्त ए इम्तिहान है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
ए आसमान वाले
इस वक़्त तू कहाँ है
उजड़ा हुआ चमन है
बर्बाद आशियाँ है
ए आसमान वाले

ए आसमान वाले॰ ॰ ॰

ए आसमान वाले॰ ॰ ॰