Recently Madan Mohan's official site posted an article about the composition of one of my all time favorite sad songs. Surprisingly, the song was composed some 20 years before it's debut in Heer Ranjha's soundtrack. A few years back I had read Gregory David Robert's Shantaram and was quite surprised to see this song mentioned in the book. There is an excellent live version on the Mohammed Rafi Live Round The World album.
Film: Heer Ranjha
Singer: Rafi
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
MD: Madan Mohan
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
This world, this gathering, is of no use to me.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Kis Ko Sunaun Haal Dil-e-Beqaraar Ka?
To whom will I tell the tale of my restless heart?
Bujhta Hua Chiragh Hoon Apne Mazaar Ka
I am an extinguishing light of my own grave/tomb.
Ae Kash Bhool Jaoon Magar Bhoolta Nahin
Oh how I wish I could forget, but I unable to forget
Kis Dhoom Se Utha Tha Janaza Bahaar Ka
the clamour with which the spring's bier/coffin was lifted up.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Apna Pata Mile Na Khabar Yaar Ki Mile
I can neither find any trace of myself nor any news of my friend (lover).
Dushman Ko Bhi Na Aaisi Saza Pyar Ki Mile
Not even on my enemy do I wish such a punishment for love.
Un Ko Khudah Mile, Hai Khudah Ki Jinhe Talash
May those who are looking for God, find God,
Mujh Ko Bas Ek Jhalak Mere Dildaar Ki Mile
let me just have one glimpse of my beloved.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Sahara Mein Aa Ke Bhi Mujh Ko Thikana Na Mila
Even after roaming the desert, I cannot find an abode,
Gham Ko Bhulane Ka Koi Bahana Na Mila
and no pretext/excuse to forget my woes.
Dil Tarse Jis Mein Pyar Ko, Kya Samjhun Us Sansar Ko?
Where a heart longs for love, what can I think of such a world?
Ek Jeeti Baazi Haar Ke Main Dhoondhun Bichre Yaar Ko
After losing a victorious battle, I search for my separted friend/love.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Door Nigahon Se, Ansoo Baha Ta Hai Koi
Out of sight, someone sheds tears.
Kaise Na Jaoun Main? Mujh Ko Bulaata Hai Koi
How can I not go? Someone calls out for me.
Yaan Toote Dil Ko Jodh Do, Yaan Saare Bandhan Tod Do
Either mend my broken heart, or break all bonds.
Ae Parbat Raasta De Mujhe, Ae Kanton Daaman Chhod Do
O Mountain, give me a pass/way. O thorns, release the edge of my shirt.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
This world, this gathering, is of no use to me.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Kis Ko Sunaun Haal Dil-e-Beqaraar Ka?
To whom will I tell the tale of my restless heart?
Bujhta Hua Chiragh Hoon Apne Mazaar Ka
I am an extinguishing light of my own grave/tomb.
Ae Kash Bhool Jaoon Magar Bhoolta Nahin
Oh how I wish I could forget, but I unable to forget
Kis Dhoom Se Utha Tha Janaza Bahaar Ka
the clamour with which the spring's bier/coffin was lifted up.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Apna Pata Mile Na Khabar Yaar Ki Mile
I can neither find any trace of myself nor any news of my friend (lover).
Dushman Ko Bhi Na Aaisi Saza Pyar Ki Mile
Not even on my enemy do I wish such a punishment for love.
Un Ko Khudah Mile, Hai Khudah Ki Jinhe Talash
May those who are looking for God, find God,
Mujh Ko Bas Ek Jhalak Mere Dildaar Ki Mile
let me just have one glimpse of my beloved.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Sahara Mein Aa Ke Bhi Mujh Ko Thikana Na Mila
Even after roaming the desert, I cannot find an abode,
Gham Ko Bhulane Ka Koi Bahana Na Mila
and no pretext/excuse to forget my woes.
Dil Tarse Jis Mein Pyar Ko, Kya Samjhun Us Sansar Ko?
Where a heart longs for love, what can I think of such a world?
Ek Jeeti Baazi Haar Ke Main Dhoondhun Bichre Yaar Ko
After losing a victorious battle, I search for my separted friend/love.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Door Nigahon Se, Ansoo Baha Ta Hai Koi
Out of sight, someone sheds tears.
Kaise Na Jaoun Main? Mujh Ko Bulaata Hai Koi
How can I not go? Someone calls out for me.
Yaan Toote Dil Ko Jodh Do, Yaan Saare Bandhan Tod Do
Either mend my broken heart, or break all bonds.
Ae Parbat Raasta De Mujhe, Ae Kanton Daaman Chhod Do
O Mountain, give me a pass/way. O thorns, release the edge of my shirt.
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil, Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
Mere Kaam Ki Nahin
