This is a song from the collection of poems of Tagore titled as Nature (Prokriti). It greets the arrival of rains (Borsho) and describes how the Earth gets prepared to receive it. Its music has been composed by Tagore in the vibrant Raag Desh and set to Tritaal!

And the meaning of the song goes like this:-

Come Oh, dark-blue splendour!
Allaying heat, slaking thirst
Grace with your cooling presence
Gazing longingly at skies
Awaits you this lovelorn earth

Her pained heart the earth has offered
Laying it down on pathways
In moist shades of Tamal trees
A doleful tune in her eyes

The blossoms of Bakul she has wreathed
Love songs of togetherness
Plays the flute in her courtyard

Bring with you your cymbals
To ring out with the rhythm
Of a dance so frolicsome
That – 
Bangles will tingle, girdles will jingle
And in rhyming chimes trill out the Anklets


Esho Shyamolo Shundoro - Duet with Latha Ganti

This is yet another tuneful Rabindra Sangeet song – a mystic poem penned in the year 1931 by Kavi Guru Rabindranath Tagore. It is set in a Kirtan style in Taal Dadra. The song appears under the chapter “Nature – Spring” (Prakriti / Basanta) in Geetabitaan – Collection of Songs of Tagore.

This is one of the very few Rabindra Sangeet songs rendered by our great Bharat Ratna M.S.Amma, though in her characteristic Carnatic singing style. 

The English translation of the song goes like this:

When the flowers first started to bloom in my jasmine garden
I gathered those buds to offer you only, my companion!

The dew-drops, O friend, had just begun shining in sun light at that time 
Like the garland of crimson beads on the forehead of the nascent Dawn!

The songs of the woods are far from over, my friend,
Even then you wish to depart now?
Oh my melancholic blooms! Oh you worn-out jasmines!
Before they all drop please utter your last words!

Hope you all will like my humble attempt of this melodious song.

Amar Mollika Bone

This is an enchanting song rendered by the acclaimed singing actress – Ms.Suraiya Jamaal Sheikh, the first Melody Queen (Malika-e-Tarannum) of this sub-continent in the 1950 Hindi movie Afsar. The music was composed by the great S.D.Burman and the lyrics by the Hindi poet Narendra Sharma.

Composers from the Bengal belt occasionally drew inspiration from Rabindra Sangeet and Burman da was no exception. Shedin Dujone Dulechinu Bone is the love song from the Rabindra Sangeet genre that inspired Nain diwane ek nahin mane. Burman da’s presentation of the song deviates from the original though especially in terms of rhythm. But it retains the essence and refreshing flavour of the sweet Rabindra Sangeet.

What I have presented here is a humble attempt in my own version of this great Hindi Song – Nain diwane ek nahin mane, more in line with the original Rabindra Sangeet song (because I had to attempt it in the K-track of Shedin Dujone). I think this song is based on the Hindustani Raag Pilu.

Sorry, Non-Hindi knowing friends… my attempt to get an English translation of the song did not succeed!

Hope you will pardon me for some diction flaws. 
(I am also sorry that there is a significant douse in my pitch at one particular place and honestly I am not myself satisfied with my rendition!)

Nain Diwane Ek Nahin Mane… An Old Hindi Film Song

I have never ever had plans of venturing to cover well known Hindi Movie songs of great and veteran masters like Md.Rafi Sahab, Kishore da or Mukesh ji. Neither I have any knowledge of proper Hindi or Urdu, nor at ease with its diction, nor have the ability to sing to match anywhere near the standard of the original versions. But I was so completely drawn to this beautiful song of Rafi Sahab [lyrics of Lalji Pandey (Anjaan), tuned by OP Nayyar Sahab in the 1966 Hindi movie – Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi ] on account of its haunting melody. Many seasoned singers and friends have beautifully sung and uploaded this popular song in this forum before. I would like to thank Thinkal ji, one of the veteran singers of this forum, who gave me inspiration and encouragement to try singing Hindi Movie songs.

Like pathos some tunes have also this great power to distil the romantic mood into the song and this is one such song. But I am sure I couldn’t do justice to that! You would notice here and there certain subtle pitch contaminations also. It’s just a mediocre attempt. But this is what I could do with this beautiful song! Whatever it is, I would feel greatly honoured if you put forth your views and feedback.

The English translation of the lyrics (as I understood) goes like this:

On your charming face, a new splendour shines today!
If my heart gets thrilled, what fault then is mine?
Your glance for sure did say something
If my heart gets thrilled, what fault then is mine?

Below the shadow of the exposed trees this beauty is blossoming up
Morning light rises as if it has percolated through the dense clouds
Wherever the glance moved around there is only joy and joy alone
If my heart gets thrilled, what fault then is mine?

In each bent-down glance there is an abundance of naughtiness
Even in the restrained chuckles there is instant flash of lightning
Your youthfulness – that is fully intoxicating
If my heart gets thrilled, what fault then is mine?

Wherever the feet touched there all the surroundings changed for good
As if the full spring got moulded into you
This attraction in someone – that is in you only honourable lady!
If my heart gets thrilled, what fault then is mine?

On your charming face, a new splendour shines today!
If my heart gets thrilled, what fault then is mine?
Your glance for sure did say something
If my heart gets thrilled, what fault then is mine?

Thanks to all.

Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe – Hindi Film Song cover

I am extremely delighted to sing this original Urdu song written ‘exclusively for me‘ by our beloved friend Naqvi ji set in the tune of the famous Malayalam movie song – Oru Mukham Maatram Kannil tuned by Salil da. This song has always been my favourite one. When I suggested this Malayalam song to Naqvi ji to learn and sing, he readily agreed and presented a beautiful cover of the tough song – Oru Mukham Maatram Kannil about a year ago. I had requested him to write a song for me in Urdu and it was so nice and thoughtful of him to have written these lyrics to be set and sung in the same tune of that famous Salil da’s song.

This is not a direct translation of the Malayalam song, but a typical Urdu poem of ‘love-lost’ theme, very imaginatively written by the poet- Naqvi ji. He had given me the meaning of the song in English and based on that I have written this rhyme-ending translation:

My friend, Oh dear! I recollect your talks
My beloved, Oh dear! I remain with your thoughts
Ever can I forget you? Never, never indeed!

In the vividness of your reminiscence, under the moonlight’s gaze
Seclusive melancholy – why everywhere on the pathways! 
How did they get lost and blown
Those sweet dreams, my very own
Memories of past are now my bane
My companion now is doleful disdain
Ever can I forget you? Never, never indeed!

Alas I’m living in a state of scorn
Like the rainy cloud, rough forlorn
When your thought arises awhile 
By God dear, it brings me to smile
I will meet you again another time
Oh my sweetheart, my love sublime
Ever can I forget you? Never, never indeed!

And Naqvi ji….! I am nowhere near what you expected, but this is what I could bring out. I realize how tough this song is – especially, kaise bhoolon ke bhool nahi sakta – very difficult to keep within the tempo and pitch!

With Naqvi ji’s permission let me fondly dedicate this humble attempt by me of his beautiful poem to the memory of the great Swargeeya Salil da who gave this awesome tune to us!

O’ Ri Sajan Teri Batein … Original Composition by Janab Muzaffar Naqvi

This is an awesome song that I first heard when Parasmani had covered it here and later by Naqvi ji some 2 years ago. It is a melancholic Geeta Dutt song, but the way Naqvi ji rendered it had really induced my liking for it a lot. He was also kind enough to send me the K-track long back.

Thank you Naqvi ji. This is a dedication to you for the great inspiration and musical knowledge that I gained from you ever since I joined this forum. Pardon me if there are some diction failings (they are bound to be, I am sure).

Hope you will all like my humble attempt of this sweet song.

Original Singer: Geeta Dutt
Music: O.P.Nayyar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Movie: Aar Paar
Year: 1954.

Ja Ja Ja Bewafa

This is an amazing Urdu Ghazal that was popularised by Mehdi Hassan Sahab. The poem was from the pen of the left-wing poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz Sahab (1911-1984). I understand from a Music Blog that one of Mehdi Hassan Sahab’s elder brothers, Ghulam Qadir set the poem to music, choosing raga Jhinjhoti for the tune. It is a perfect example of the magical connection that can occur between lyricist, composer and singer.

I had the privilege of getting introduced to this spectacular song through our friend Wazif

I dedicate this rendition of mine to you Wazif. 
It’s very rare indeed to find well-wishers like you who really encourage others with genuine interest and keen concern. I would never ever have heard such gem-like melodies, if you had not led me to them. You motivated me to attempt this wonderful Ghazal, sent me its Karaoke track and you patiently reviewed my singing before giving approval for uploading it here. Thanks a lot friend.

This is the English translation of this song gathered from the Net:

Let the blooms fill with colour, let the first zephyr of spring flow
Do come over, so the garden can resume its daily blooms!

Gloom reigns in the cage -my body; do say something to the breeze, oh my friends!
Somewhere, for God’s sake, there must be discussion about the Beloved today!

I may have endured whatever I endured, but on the night of separation
My tears left your future course adorned!

No station en route caught my fancy, Oh Faiz!
After quitting the Beloved’s lane, I walked on straight to the death’s gallows.

Hope you will like my modest attempt of this difficult Ghazal.

(And please bear with me for the improper diction at some places, I am yet to reconcile with certain Urdu sounds!)

Gulon Mein Rang Bhare - Ghazal

It was just a coincidence that when I thought today of uploading this cover of mine which I had done months ago and was checking Wikipedia to write about the great singer and musician Late Shri Hemant Kumar Mukhopadhyay that I found out to my surprise that Hemant Da left his mortal frame exactly on this day 25 years ago (on 26th September 1989) suffering a massive heart attack.

What other song can be a better dedication to a great singer like him than this amazing one which was both tuned and rendered by Hemant Da for the film Kohraa!

My humble Pranaams to the respectful memory of Hemant Da!

Hope you will like my modest attempt of his wonderful song.

Yeh Nayan Dare Dare - Hindi Film Song

This is one of the beautiful songs that is so dear to the music lovers of Kerala who grew up in the golden era when Salil da gifted wonderful melodies to the Malayalam film world. This song is from the 1978 Malayalam movie – Madanolsavam a remake of the Hollywood movie of Erich Segal’s Love Story. Later this was dubbed into Hindi too – Dil Ka Saath Dil. (It’s noteworthy that there are two different songs in Hindi and one in Bengali all in the same tune.)

This is one of the top hit songs of Dasettan under Salil da’s music direction. The lyrics are by the acclaimed Malayalam poet ONV Kurup.

My hearty thanks to Thinkal ji for encouraging me to sing this song and also for sparing this beautiful k-track.

The English translation of this song goes like this…

Come, oh pigeon, come let’s build our nest
Beckons with both hands this spring’s fest

In rains and in summer with me will you abide?
In this bamboo grove can we sleep sharing the warmth inside?
And till my death will you remain by my side?

Come, oh pigeon, come let’s build our nest
Welcomes this earth, this sky and this night at its best

Like the flowers of this field, though we may fall
Singing together, will you come with me on this stroll?
Will you escort oh dear, till death gives its call?

Hope you will like my modest attempt of this melodious, cute and sweet song.

Maada Praave Vaa - Malayalam Movie Song cover

This is yet another old classic of Salil Da from the 1978 Malayalam movie Madanolsavam soulfully rendered by Dasettan, which was a grand hit during the early 80’s. This song echoes the melancholic love of the hero for his dear wife who would be dying soon.

Thank you Harshan for sharing this lovely k-track.

The song is slow with a repeating tune, yet the lyric penned by ONV is touching. Also the sadness or despair of losing the beloved is reflected beautifully in the wonderful tune of the great Salil Da!

Hope you all will like my humble attempt. Thank you all.

Nee Maayum Nilaavo - Malayalam Movie Song cover

A song from the 2001 Tamil movie Shajahan originally rendered by Shri Unni Menon to the music of Shri. Mani Sharma. The lyricist is none other than the most prolific Tamil poet – Shri. Vairamuthu.

The beauty and uniqueness of this song is that it has a flow with a romantic cadence, especially in the enchanting voice of Shri Unni Menon. You can listen to this song in his voice here : Minnalai Pidithu. The imaginative lines of Shri.Vairamuthu have added more charm to this song.

The (poetic) English translation of the song done by me goes like this:

Grabbing the lightning and wiping it with cloud
Fashioned a damsel and dropped her in the crowd!
Drained of vision to mould a girl this sweet
Fainted the Creator with his thoughts of defeat!

Breath that enters her nostril holes
Touches her soul, returns and extols
Melody it becomes, liberated it rolls!
. .When the drops of rain drenches her in whirls
. .Descending down through her bosom in twirls
. .Get emancipated and they become pearls!

Capturing the Moon’s radiant beam
Dipping it fully in the milky cream
Designed the Lord her cheeks supreme!
. .All the world’s florets were neatly plucked
. .As pretty twin orbs sublimely decked
. .Created the Lord the femina perfect!
Masculine or feminine – what’s beauty’s gender?
Clear I’m – no doubt it’s feminine, the tender!
Is poetry the form of language’s splendour?
That notion is busted; it’s a girl’s form slender!

Picking the fireflies and making them eyes 
Oh dear! My sweetheart has bewitched my eyes
. .Like turmeric paste did she grind the gold,
. .To put on her cheeks and stole my soul!
Inciting lust in even saintly class,
Infusing manhood even to a grass,
Insane she makes as well women alas!
. .While her displayed features bestow life, 
. .And her concealed secrets rip off the life,
. .Sure, she is the one giving death and life!

This is my modest attempt of this cute song and would request you all to listen to it. Thank you.

Minnalai Pidithu Minnalai Pidithu - Tamil Movie song cover

A beautiful ever green Male Duet from the old classic Tamil Movie Padithal Matthum Pothuma.

Original Singers: P.B.Srinivas, T.M.Soundarrajan
Music Director: M.S. Viswanathan Ramamurthi
Lyricist: Kavinjar Kannadasan
Film: Padithal Mattum Pothuma (1962)
Cover by: Giridharan UR & Muzaffar Naqvi.

Pon Ondru Kanden - Pon Ondru Kanden - Tamil Movie song cover - Duet With Muzaffar Naqvi

Song : Paarvai Ondre Pothume
Movie : Yaar Nee (1966)
Singers : L.R.Easwari and T.M.Soundarrajan
Music : Vedhaa
Lyricist : Kaviyarasu Kannadasan
Cover : HamsaPriya & Giridharan UR

Paarvai Ondre Pothume - Tamil Film Song cover - Duet With Hamsapriya

This is a beautiful song Entha ghaatu premayo ( Telugu) / Ennathaan Un Premaiyo ( Tamizh) (set in rageswari raag) that would surely give all old Telugu / Tamizh Movie-song lovers an amazing trip down memory lane.

This duet is from the famous 1951 Telugu movie – Patala Bhairavi which was the first film that paved way for a new direction in South Indian Film industry by spurning the trend of folklore fantasy flicks. It was created by the late K.V.Reddy who had crafted many celebrated classics that top the list of all time greatest of Telugu movies. The film made NTR a superstar overnight and introduced S.V.Ranga Rao as a great villain. 

This song in the movie was rendered by the famous Ghantasala (1922-1974) and P.Leela (1933-2005). 

I have covered this song with Mrs.Latha Ganti who is a fabulous singer from Hyderabad.


Entha Ghatu Premayo - - Telugu Film Song cover- Duet with Latha Ganti

This is one of the most beautiful Telugu duet songs that gained enormous popularity with the result that the song’s versions in Tamil and Malayalam also came out in the respective remakes of the 1983 block buster Telugu movie Sagara Sangamam  in which this song appeared. Both SPB and S. Janaki rocked with the rich romantic sweetness of their voices in this awesome song.

I have covered this song with Mrs.Latha Ganti of Hyderabad who is an excellent singer.

English Translation of the song goes like this…

Speechless you are why, on this lively night? 
My heart’s radiance lights up my eyes with delight!
Why is this shiver on this eloquent lip?
What’s that behind it covered from slip?
The minds’ fuse or the blossoming spring’s flow?
Beguiling talks, the breeze of gentle blow?
Many a question they ignite
Speechless you are yet, this night

At moon’s hug showers the snow!
Blooming flowers in their awesome glow!
Are these seven steps of nuptial vow!
Or are they the intimacy of sweet love!
The damsel’s trifling talks of the eyes’ fright!
Yet speechless you are this night.


Mounamelanoyee - Telugu Film Song cover - Duet with Latha Ganti

Bharat Ratna Smt. M.S.Subbulakshmi became the most admired figure not only as a singer par excellence but also as one of the revered representatives of the best in traditional Indian values. Her musical renditions came straight from her heart, transporting the listener to sublime levels of consciousness.
In 1945 the classical Tamil film – Meera was made featuring the inimitable M. S. Amma in the title role. Made in Tamil and later in Hindi, Meera generated a cult following and remains a favourite with many even today. Meera, its music, visual beauty and, above all, MS, continue to charm even after sixty-plus years – that’s what makes it a classic.
This is an immortal song in an outstanding tune (close to the Raga Natabhairavi of Carnatic genre) in the divine voice of MS Amma from that Tamil movie, still revered like a sacred gem by all the singers and connoisseurs alike in South India.
The English meaning of the song goes like this…
The song that wafts in the breeze
That makes the eyes wet and
That melts even the stones!

The song that makes a dead tree blossom
That which is dandled by the chord of music
That sends even wild beast to trance
That sweet enchanting song!
Setting in the heart a fire of joyous pang 
The song that pushes to a thoughtless swoon

The bees of the stream and the birds of the woods
Are bewitched by that song!
The group of stars on the firmament
Are spell bound by that song!
Ho! What can I say about that song, 
That is produced by the conjuring child from his flute!
The song that wafts in the breeze!

On the moon-lit night,
On the riverbed where the breeze takes stroll
The boy with a blue skin tone stood playing the flute
Thinking about His love
Will my heart whine perpetually!!

Hope you all will accept this moderate attempt by me of this fabulously enchanting vintage song.


Kaatrinile Varum Geetham – Tamil Song cover

This is a typical Sufi style love song of separation. The pain and agony of separation from his beloved is too intense for the lover that he does not even hesitate to curse his beloved (in the last stanza).

I owe my special thanks to my junior colleague and friend Kanwar Preet Singh from Phagwara, Punjab who helped me in diction and meaning.

This is my humble attempt to sing this Punjabi song originally sung by Shri.Arvinder Singh from a very latest Punjabi Sufi Songs album – Rabba Mereya. The lyricist of this song is Shri.Harjinder Bal and the music score is by Shri.Babloo Kumar.

The meaning of the song goes like this…

(ਤੈਨੂ ਸਾਡੇ ਨਾਲੋ ਚੰਗੇ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਗੈਰ ਸੋਹਣੀਏ) 
You are fond of strangers more than me, dear…
Come and let me drink the poison from your hands.

How can someone teach you something which you can’t understand?
You have failed to remember all those talks and commitments you once made.
How can I spend my days without you dear…
Come and let me drink the poison from your hands.
You are fond of strangers more than me, dear…

It’s easy for you to forget me, but that is not easy for me
I had trusted you like a God, and you deceived me,
You have acquired too much of hostility on me, Oh dear! 
Come and let me drink the poison from your hands.
You are fond of strangers more than me, dear…

Whatever happens to me, I pray the same happens to you too
Then the thoughts will come to your heart,
When someone takes revenge on you, dear
Come and let me drink the poison from your hands.
You are fond of strangers more than me, dear…

I have absolutely no idea about the level of appropriateness of my diction or the accurateness of my pronouncing of certain tricky words, with which my tongue and throat are not familiar with.
Hope you will all like my attempt…


Tenu Saade Naal – Punjabi Song Cover

This is a beautiful poem from the famous Malayalam poetic play – Ramanan written in the year 1936 by the renowned Malayalam poet – Late Sri. Changampuzha Krishna Pillai (1911-1948). This belongs to the category of Pastoral Elegy (rustic mournful poem) and this particular poem (having 16 stanzas of 4 lines each) appears in Part 2 – Scene 5 of the Play. A portion of this poem (with 5 stanzas) rendered by the great singer Late Udayabhanu for the 1967 Malayalam Movie – Ramanan is still popular amongst Keralites. 

This song (that has been covered by me here) has another 4 stanzas (for the Charanams) from the original poem, set in Raga Rasikapriya, different from the tune of the film song. Both the music score and the original rendition were by the celebrated Carnatic Musician of Kerala, Sri. Sreevalsan J. Menon for an Album called Ramanan that was released recently. I am also very glad to say that I got the rare privilege of receiving his best wishes when I asked for his permission to attempt this song. He is such a magnanimous person to have so positively responded, amongst his busy schedules, to even amateur singers like me.
This is the English Translation of this beautiful poem:

Except staring at you oh Silver Star
And bouncing with ecstatic joy
In my mind even on that day
I never had any false infatuation of lust

Under the canopy of stars
Under an infinite effulgence
You placed on my neck that day
The auspicious jasmine garland

We opened that night
The mind’s auspicious sanctum 
And on that blessed moment
We saw each other in ourselves

On the next day along with my tender heart
Alas, that garland also withered!
Only with the drops of tears
Filled is my begging bowl now

You don’t want me anymore dear
And do not think of me anymore
Oh world! Adieu, adieu!
Me and my dumb music - we are leaving.

Hope you will listen to my modest attempt of this awesome song.


Velli Nakshathrame… Malayalam Song covered by Giridharan U.R.

This is my second attempt (and a better one I hope!) of the famous song originally rendered by Ghazal Maestro - Khan Sahib Mehdi Hassan, penned by the famed Pakistani poet Ahmed Faraaz) set in Raag Vasanti (Bhoopkaali in Hindustani I suppose).

This is a song with melancholic mood running behind it. It mourns for a past that is gone for ever. It echoes our inability to get out of that mirage of our wishes. When we are pushed into the ruins of all those lost love, what is left are only tears and a wish to meet that lost love at least in a dream…. in future… some time… someday… at some place, like discovering that dried out flower from a page of our old book…

Hope you will enjoy my modest attempt of this great song in a new background music track created by my friend P.D.Thomas of Thrissur, Kerala.

And please pardon me for my poor Urdu diction.
Thank you all.

Ab Ke Hum Bichde - New Version -

The 1960 Tamil Movie Paavai Vilakku was based on a novel by the noted Tamil Novelist Akilan. The hero’s role was adorned by none other than the great Sri.Sivaji Ganesan and there were 4 different heroines in this movie. The scenes for this song rendered originally by late Sri. C.S.Jayaraman and Smt.P.Susheela, were shot in Taj Mahal since film shooting in Taj Mahal was allowed in those days. The characters done by Sri.Sivaji Ganesan and Smt.M.N.Rajam get into a dream on seeing the splendour of Taj Mahal and they become Shajahan and Mumtaz. This song eulogizes the beauty and magnificence of the great Taj Mahal.

Though the novel was very popular, the movie failed in box office. There were many good songs in this movie rendered by the famous Sri.C.S.Jayaraman. He had sung the songs for Sri.Sivaji Ganesan in his first movie Parasakthi where it was felt quite matching for Sivaji’s voice. But by the time Paavai Vilakku came TMS had become the singing voice of the great actor and somehow CSJ’s voice was felt to be not suiting to Sivaji. But the song that was penned by the great lyricist late Sri.Maruthakasi and tuned by the late Sri. K.V.Mahadevan became a great hit then.
 
This particular song in the majestic golden voice of Sri. C.S.Jayaraman and the honey-laced voice of Susheela Amma continues to be relished by all Tamil song lovers even today. The song when rendered in a different male voice will be like a Kishore da song rendered in a non-Kishore da voice and style! 

However, since I like this song very much, I have dared to sing this song in my own voice and style, with my niece Vandana who learnt the Tamil lyrics very fast and sang extremely well.


Here is the English Translation of the song:-

Is this an elegiac poetry or a soul’s portrait!
Or its living spirit or a shrine of love’s eternal height!

Oh the light of the Mogul splendour
that fondles thoughts with a smiling grandeur!
Oh my Mumtaz, my darling, my consort!
Of full-moon’s lustre, the melody of my heart!

With ever-flowing rhapsodic thrill
you have owned me like an angelic spirit!
Oh nectar of love, pinnacle of beauty, 
Epitome of passion and the marvel of the universe!

Immortal and ever dynamic art thou
In this world that craves for love!
Like a dream that appears in front of the eyes,
The mind melts in your euphoric thoughts!

Precious and richer than a fruit’s nectar 
Is the ebullience that true love gives!
Times may change, bodies may perish
Immortal we’ll become in tales and ballads!

Hope you will like our modest attempt. Thank you.


Kaaviyama Nenjin Oviyama – Tamil Film Song Cover by Vandana and Giridharan U.R.

A Sanskrit version of the famous song “O Butterfly” from the 1992 Tamil film “Meera” (a masterpiece by Isaignani Ilayaraja)

Is it possible to fit Sanskrit Lyric into modern music tune without spoiling the flow?
It should be possible, if the lyrics are written by an erudite hand :)
Here is a modest singing attempt by me of the lyrics written by my friend – Shatavadhani Dr. R.Ganesh who is a great Sanskrit scholar.

He Pathaga, Pathaga! _ A Sanskrit Version of a Tamil film song

This is one of the greatest renditions of the Ghazal Maestro Jagjit Singh, whose voice could turn love into both agony and rapture, often at the same time! 

This is Kaifi Azmi’s poem which has been tuned by Jagjit ji himself for the 1982 Hindi Movie – “Arth”.

The lines of this Ghazal also echoe the real-life tragedy of the talented actor Raj Kiran, who acts for singing this song in that movie. His story reminds us of life’s unforeseen downfalls, disgraceful debacles and the immense pain and torments which one has to brace till one’s last breath. The actor simply disappeared many years ago and none knows today if he is alive or not!  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0456093/bio

A very modest attempt by me as a tribute to the Ghazal Maestro and the Lost Hero on their birth dates this month – 8th and 5th February – respectively.

Koi Ye Kaise Bataye - Ghazal Maestro Jagjit Singh's ghazal covered by Giridharan U.R.

A majestic Sufi ghazal in Punjabi popularised through his heavenly rendering by the great singer- Shahenshah-e-Qawwali late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and his noteworthy nephew Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and many other popular singers.

The song is aptly set in Charukesi which is known today as a late night melody. This Raga is known for evoking pathos, sympathy and lingering hope.

While singing it I find that this is one of those rarest of the rare songs that whips up a feel of meditative trance – may be the graceful magic of the lyrics of the great Sufi saint Baba Bulleh Shah hallowed by the Sufi lore! That’s just my personal experience. As per the pious Sufi literary tradition the beloved whose separation is lamented in this poem is none other than God Almighty.

The English translation of this song that I could build up with the help of some of my Punjabi friends goes like this:

Listen, oh the luscious sound of the spinning wheel
The memory of my sweetheart surges up
From my heart rises the cry of distress
The memory of my beloved keeps surging up

When will the new moon of my love rise up?
God knows, when my beloved will step into my entrance!
Great is my agony and forlorn is my life
The memory of you my beloved keeps surging up

Comments are hurled at me by my kinsmen
Write a letter giving the date of your arrival
Murky night pierces me with its sting
The memory of you my beloved keeps surging up

When my beloved arrives I will go on a spree in ecstasy
My glances will advance on his course
Your estrangement is hardly endurable for me 
The memory of you my beloved keeps surging up

I seek your indulgence, all my friends who know Punjabi and who are well familiar with the style of Sufi music, to give due weightage to the fact that this is an attempt by someone who is not exposed to this genre and who does not know the language. Wanted to sing this song, that’s all, with all my limitations and with whatever imperfections that may crop up finally. I thank my young friend Kanwar Preet Singh of Phagwara, Punjab who reviewed my rendition by checking diction and correcting it.

Hope you will appreciate my modest attempt. Thanks.

Giri's Other Songs

Sun Charkhe Di Mithi Mithi Kook – Punjabi Sufi Song of Baba Bulleh Shah by Giridharan U.R.

A modest attempt by me

of a classic Kishore Kumar song from the 1972 Hindi Movie "Piya ka Ghar"

Yeh Jeevan Hai - Classic song by Kishore da covered by Giridharan U.R.

"മിഴിയിൽ നിന്നും മിഴിയിലേക്കു്"
Song: Mizhiyil Ninnum Mizhiyilekku 
Movie : Mayaanadhi (2017 Malayalam Movie)
Music : Rex Vijayan 
Lyrics : Anwar Ali 
Singers : Shahabaz Aman

Unplugged Cover Version: Giridharan. U.R.

                              

Mizhiyil Ninnum Mizhiyilekku - Unplugged Cover Version by Giridharan. U.R.

This is a beautiful, yet simple song in Kirtan style and in Taal Dadra, written by Tagore in the year 1938. It is said that, though he wrote this song when he was nearing 80, it reflected his bereavement on the loss of a beloved person when the poet was in his 20’s - a bereavement that he had been carrying in his heart all those years. This song was later used in his Dance Drama - Mayar Khela.

The English translation of the song goes like this:

Which erroneous gust of wind
Made this flower to fall apart,
When the young beauty was just about to open its bud! - Alas!

Star of the early morning
Seems to lose its impetus by the evening.
Jewelled earring it was for the heavenly enchantress - Alas!

It was the beauty of the crown.
Place it on your head, if you are passionate.
Will it be drifting with the stream – to a distant unkind land,
Docking at an unknown bank! - Alas!

This is my humble tribute to the great poet, learning whose poems - lyrics and music - opened to me a new vista of understanding life!

Kon Shey Jhorer Bhul

From the 2008 Malayalam Movie – Mother’s Laptop


Music by: Sreevalsan J. Menon.
Lyricist: Rafeeq Ahamed
Original Singer: Sreevalsan J. Menon.
Covered by: Giridharan.U.R.


Rough English Translation:

The tender long eyes and 
your quivering sweet talks!
Thou art my soul’s tranquillity, 
for the coolness to settle 
come and shower near me

Which quietude came this morning,
And stood near my window!
As the golden stars bloom
And as your murmurs fade
My heart gets bruised!

Ilam Neela Neela Mizhikal - By Giridharan U.R.

A modest attempt by me 
of this famous song originally rendered by 
Ghazal Maestro - Khan Sahib Mehdi Hassan, 
penned by the famed Pakistani poet Ahmed Faraaz 
set in Raag Vasanti (Bhoopkaali in Hindustani I suppose).

This is a song with melancholic mood running behind it. It mourns for a past that is gone for ever. It echoes our inability to get out of that mirage of our wishes. When we are pushed into the ruins of all those lost love, what is left are only tears and a wish to meet that lost love at least in a dream…. in future… some time… someday… at some place, like discovering that dried out flower from a page of our old book…

Hope you will enjoy my modest attempt of this great song in a new background music track created by my friend P.D.Thomas of Thrissur, Kerala.

And please pardon me for my poor Urdu diction.
Thank you all.

Ab Ke Hum Bichde - Urdu Ghazal by Giridharan. U.R.

This is a beautiful song from an old (1968) Malayalam movie Karutha Pournami (കറുത്ത പൌര്ണമി) sung by none other than the one and only Dasettan (Shri. K.J.Yesudas). The lyrics were penned by the great Malayalam poet Late.Shri. P.Bhaskaran and the music has been scored by the noted music director Shri.M.K.Arjunan.

This is a song rated as a Ghazal in Malayalam based on Kaapi Raga (Carnatic). It is a melancholic song which conveys the agony of lost opportunities, lost love and lost hope.

The meaning of this song goes like this…

If you won’t cry heartbroken, then 
A story filled with agony – I shall narrate.
Tuning the strings of my shattered hopes 
A song of soft melody – I shall sing.

Time burnt away the floral garden of youth 
Its poem written in tears – I shall sing.
If the soaring sobs do not hamper me, then 
The poem of my heart’s heart – I shall sing.

The swan of my love’s dream in the small pool of my tears
How it drowned and died – I shall narrate that story.
Depleted of everything and wandering in a horrid jungle
That pitiful shepherd – I shall narrate his story.

Giri's Malayalam Songs

Hridayamuruki Nee – Cover by Giridharan U.R.

A cute song from the 2007 Kannada movie Milana 

originally rendered by Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam under the music direction of Mano Murthy, covered by Latha Ganthi and myself.


After the rain has stopped, a small dew drop has emerged
After all the talks are over, a voice has started to bother
There is something left to say
How to say, I do not know
After the rain has stopped, a small dew drop has emerged
After all the talks are over, a voice has started to bother

Once this life has understood pain
Where else is happiness, why this distance
I am eager to merge with my song today
Just one time you hear this tune
There is a space needed in your heart
How to ask, I do not know

The dream we dream opening our eyes is life
A small tantrum the heart has thrown today
To the ring of the phone call from the heart
Listen oh life, why this shivering
The heart is lost here itself
Should I look for it or not, I don't know

Male Ninthu Hoda Mele - Duet Cover by Giridharan U.R with Latha Ganti

A tuneful song with a wistful melody from the 2004 Malayalam Movie “Akale” (അകലെ).



The music is by Shri.M.Jayachandran for the lyrics of Shri.Girish Puthenchery and the original singer of this song is Chinmay. (I think this song didn’t appear in the movie.)

Meaning of the song goes like this…

The pigeons are softly cooing
And the love in mind is melting!
In the valleys of the tranquil sorrow
The grapevines (of fondness) are blossoming!

You resemble a feather discarded by the bird that has flown away!
Doused in mist and drenched in rain,
Cuddling you close to my bosom, I stand
Clasping you close to my mind, I stand!

You sleep with the pang like the throb that strolls in a broken conch!
Tossed by the wind and dissolved in dreams,
You sob with gushing tears
And hugging you close to my heart, I sing!

This song is based on Śubhapantuvarali, a morning Raga, that typically suggests a tone of pathos, but it also evokes a meditative mood. It is believed in the tradition of Carnatic Music that Śubhapantuvarali, with its pensive melody, cools down anger and rage in listener. It’s closest in Hindustani Music, I think, is Miya(n) ki Todi (or Gurjari Todi?)

Please listen to my modest attempt by using headphones.
Thank you.

Praavukal Kurukunnu - Cover by Giridharan U.R.

Tamil poet, writer, journalist, Freedom fighter and social reformer Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi (1882-1921) wrote innumerable poems. In the series called Kannan Paadalkal or Songs of Kanna – the great poet poured out his devotion for God Almighty in many ways – imagining him as his mother, son, daughter, master, servant, teacher, beloved – every conceivable relationship. The Kannan series contains 22 songs in all and these were written over a period of four years, starting from 1913. The poet published these 22 songs when he was alive. But there are many more songs under this series which were published after his death. They are ranked amongst the most beautiful poems in modern Tamil.

This is a beautiful poem and a shorter version of it is commonly sung in a Raagamaalika of 5 Carnatic Ragas – Kaapi, Maand, Vasantha, Tilang and Neelamani. This is one of the most popular songs, that is so dear to Tamil-speaking people. It is a song by the father (or mother), infinitely adoring the infant daughter in her toddlerhood. Kannamma is a female pet-name expressing fondness. The poet has so beautifully expressed the unbounded love of the parents for the apple of their eyes in such a touching manner. Parental love towards the girl child drips in each and every word of this poem.
This is my English translation of this song…

Little cute parrot you are, dear, a repository of riches you are!
Effacing my strives, you have arrived to uplift me in this world!

Tender nectre of fruit you are, dear, a golden portrait that has come to life! 
For me to grab you and hug, oh honey, you toddle towards me with your swaying gaits!

When you come running towards me, dear, my heart cosily cools down!
When I see you frolicking around, dear, my spirit rushes to engulf you!

When I plant a kiss on your forehead, dear, my rapturous pride soars up!
When people appreciatively praise you, dear, I get thrilled with joy!

When you kiss on my cheeks, dear, my mind gets blissfully intoxicated!
When I cuddle you, dear, I go delirious with jubilation!

When a tear flows down from your eyes, dear, my heart torrentially bleeds for you!
You are the pupil of my eye, dear; does my spirit not belong to you?

Hope you all will like my humble attempt.

Chiinanchiru Kiliye - Tamil - Bharathiyar Song

'After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music’ 
– well said by Aldous Huxley.
 
Who can live without it! 


Certainly music is the universal language of mankind.
 
Though I have had training in basics of Carnatic Music during my childhood days, I never took to learning music seriously with a result now pitch-contamination has become a tremendous challenge to me and a daunting threat most of the times!
 
I am fond of all sorts of music and like to try music and songs of all genres, but not with too much seriousness and solemnity. But I like, sing and continue to learn Bengali Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti.


Popular tracks by Giridharan UR