Jagjit Singh's Wo Kagaz ki Kashti, with English Translation
And just for a clarification, this one is not a Ghazal. :)
Yeh Daulat Bhi Le Lo,
Yeh Shohrat Bhi Le Lo,
Bhale Chheen Lo Mujhse Se Meri Jawani,
Magar Mujhko Lauta Do bachpan Ka Sawan..
Wo Kagaz Ki Kashti, wo Baarish Ka Paani..
Take this money,
take this fame as well,
snatch my youth from me if you so wish,
but return me those rains of childhood,
that paper boat, that rain-water..
Muhalle Ki Sabse Purani Nishani,
Wo Budhia Jise Bachche Kehte The Naani,
Wo Naani Ki Baaton Me Parion Ka Dera,
Wo Chehre Ki Jhurrion Me Sadiyon Ka pehra,
Bhulaye Nahin Bhul Sakta Hai Koi,
Bhulaye Nahin Bhool Sakta Hai Koi,
Wo Chhoti Si Raaten, Wo Lambi Kahani
the oldest sign of area,
that old lady children used to call naani (maternal grandma)
that camp of fairies in the granny's talks,
that guard of ages in the wrinkles of face,
no one can forget even on trying,
those small nights, that long story...
Kadi Dhoop Me Apne Ghar Se Nikalna,
Wo Chidia Wo Bulbul Wo Titli Pakadna ,
Wo Gudia Ki Shaadi Pe Ladna jhagadna,
Wo Jhoolon Se Girna Wo Gir Ke Sambhalna,
Wo Peetal Ke Chhalon Ke Pyare Se Tohfe,
Wo Tooti Hui Choodion Ki Nishani
Wo Kagaz Ki Kashti Wo Baarish Ka Paani,
going out of house in strong sun,
that catching birds, nightingales and butterflies,
that fighting on dolls' weddings,
that falling from swings, and be on your feet again,
those lovely gifts of brass rings,
those souvenirs of broken bangles..
that paper boat, that rain-water..
Kabhi Ret Ke Oonche teeloN Pe Jana
Gharonde Banana, Bana ke Mitana
Wo Masoom Chahat Ki Tasveer Apni
Wo KhwaboN KhilaunoN Ki Jaageer Apni
Na Duniya Ka Gam Tha Na RishtoN Ke Bandhan
Badi Khoobsurat Thi Wo Zindagani..
sometimes going on the high sand-hills,
making sand castles and destroying them,
that innocent face of love,
that estate of dreams and toys,
neither there was the sorrow of world, nor the bonds of relationships,
that life was so beautiful.. Share:
