My musical journey has been a captivating one, traversing through a diverse array of genres, from the soulful melodies of Old Hindi and Punjabi, to the rhythmic fusion of Indian Folk and Sufi, and even the unique charm of Desi Country music. Yet, amidst this rich tapestry, it is the Ghazals that have always held a special place in my heart, resonating with my soul in a way that no other genre can.
Ghazals…
Reflecting on the Ghazal era of my life (also read as 2nd, 3rd, and final year of Engg; for obvious reasons), a few ghazals still evoke a flood of memories, pent-up emotions, and a myriad of feelings. One such unforgettable ghazal is Mehdi Hasan’s “Ranjish hi sahi.”
I toyed with the idea of attempting a translation but quickly dismissed it. It simply cannot be done justice. Others have tried, and their versions are easily found with a quick Google search.
Ranjish hi sahi – lyrics
While various renditions of this ghazal exist, capturing its true essence, it is crucial to understand the “bol” (lyrics) of a ghazal, as they form its core. So, as you listen to the ghazal (courtesy of YouTube), here are the “bol” (lyrics) for you.
रंजिश ही सही दिल ही दुखाने के लिए आ
आ फिर से मुझे छोड़ के जाने के लिए आ
कुछ तो मिरे पिंदार-ए-मोहब्बत का भरम रख
तू भी तो कभी मुझ को मनाने के लिए आ
पहले से मरासिम न सही फिर भी कभी तो
रस्म-ओ-रह-ए-दुनिया ही निभाने के लिए आ
किस किस को बताएँगे जुदाई का सबब हम
तू मुझ से ख़फ़ा है तो ज़माने के लिए आ
इक उम्र से हूँ लज़्ज़त-ए-गिर्या से भी महरूम
ऐ राहत-ए-जाँ मुझ को रुलाने के लिए आ
अब तक दिल-ए-ख़ुश-फ़ह्म को तुझ से हैं उमीदें
ये आख़िरी शम’एँ भी बुझाने के लिए आ
Ranjish hi sahi – Can’t only listen…feel it!
The lyrics of this ghazal are not just powerful; they are profoundly meaningful, brutally honest, and achingly full of pain and angst. They speak to a time in my life when these words resonated with me, when I found solace and understanding in their depth and beauty.
I came to understand the essence of a ghazal—its composition, rendition, and presentation. I’m glad I still listen to ghazals as they transport me back to their astounding world.
College days!
Today, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, after a hearty lunch, I yearned to relive those cherished college days. I settled into my
favorite chair, letting the cool AC air blow on my face; I hit this ghazal on my playlist.
As the mellifluous voice of Mehdi Hasan filled the room, I was instantly transported back to those unforgettable years— late-night study sessions, endless cups of chai, and deep conversations with friends. The lyrics, rich with emotion, stirred up a potent mix of nostalgia and joy, reminding me of the simpler times when life was all about dreams, friendships, and the magic of music.
