Iktara Lyrics and English Translation

Iktara from Wake Up Sid is one of the truly beautifully written songs that I have personally heard a lot of praises for. The mesmerizing song written by Javed Akhtar, sung by Kavitha Seth & Amitabh Bhattacharya and composed by Amit Trivedi topped the charts after its release(2 years ago) and even today is an integral part of playlists at radio stations.

This is one of the songs that truly cheer me up while I listen to it. Especially the lines (in bold), I love the way they flow into one another and convey their message so romantically. One of Javed Akhtar’s finest writings.

English Translation

Here is the translation of the beautiful song:

Orey manva tu to bavra hai
Tu hi jaane tu kya sochta hai
Tu hi jaane tu kya sochta hai bavre
kyun dikhaye sapne tu sote jaagte

Oh my mind, you are like a nomad
Only you know what you are thinking
Only you know what you are thinking, oh wanderer
Why are showing me dreams while I sleep and am awake

Jo barse sapne boond boond
Nainon ko moond moond;
Kaise main chaloon
Dekh na sakoon, anjaane raastein;

When the dreams rain down in drops
Flooding my eyes
How could I walk
I can’t see the unknown paths

Gunja sa hai koi iktara iktara, gunjasa hai koi iktara
Gunjasa hai koi iktara iktara, gunjasa hai koi iktara
Dheeme bole koi iktara iktara, dheeme bole koi iktara
Gunjasa hai koi iktara iktara, gunjasa hai koi iktara

(I hear) an one string instrument playing
(I hear) an one string instrument playing
An one string instrument is saying it slowly
(I hear) an one string instrument playing

Sun rahi hoon sudh budh khoke koi main kahani
Poori kahani hai kya kise hai pata
Main to kisiki hoke yeh bhi na jaani
Ruth hai ye do pal ki ya rehgi sada

Losing my self, I am listening to that story
What is whole story, who knows
Despite becoming someone’s I didn’t realize
Is it a season for this moment or will it stay forever

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