Tere Bina Zindagi (Aandhi) – Lyrics English Meaning/Translation

Meaning of Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi: The Silence of a Soul

Written by the legendary Gulzar and composed by R.D. Burman, this song is a masterclass in ‘the poetry of the ordinary.’ It does not describe a bitter or dramatic heartbreak, but rather the heavy, quiet realization of living a life that is functional but entirely empty. The lyrics suggest that while a person can easily exist without their beloved, that existence completely lacks the ‘shikwa’ (complaint) or ‘nasha’ (intoxication) that makes a life feel truly alive.

Finally I have a Kishore Kumar song in my list :) Tere Bina Zindagi is a beautiful song that brings together some of Bollywood’s greatest musical artists of all time. You just cannot go wrong with Gulzar, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and R.D Burman!

Another reason I love this song is that it comes from a movie directed by the lyricist himself, Gulzar Saab. When ever that happens you can know for sure that there are going to be no mistakes in the interpretations of the words of the song, sometimes the bridge between words and visuals is so much its jarring to the eyes.

This song talks about finding long lost love and regrets. The line Tum agar saath ho, manzilo ki kami to nahi is one of my favorites. Also I absolutely love the last para where he talks about stopping the moon so that they can have a few more moments to spend with each other.

This translation was also taken from 100 Lyrics.

Lyrics: Gulzar
Album: Aandhi
Music: Rahul Dev Burman
Vocals: Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar

Hindi / Romanized	English Translation
Tere bina zindagi se koyi, shikwa, toh nahi Tere bina zindagi bhi lekin, zindagi, toh nahi	I have no grouse against a life without you But a life without you is hardly a life
Kaash aisa ho tere Kadmo se, Chun ke manzil chale aur kahi door kahi Tum agar saath ho, manzilo ki kami toh nahi\ Tere bina zindagi se koyi, shikwa, toh nahi	Wish we could tread our journey with your steps Pick our destinations afresh and walk someplace else, far far away When you walk along with me There’s no dearth of places to be And though I have no grouse against a life without you…
Jee mein aata hai, tere daaman mein, Sar chupake ham rote rahe, rote rahe Teri bhi aankho mein, aansuo ki nami toh nahi Tere bina zindagi se koyi, shikwa, toh nahi	All I wish to do is seek refuge in your aanchal And keep crying; keep crying Aren’t those tears too that I detect in the moistness of your eyes – A life without your is hardly any life
Tum jo keh do toh aaj ki raat, Chaand doobega nahi, raat ko rok lo Raat ki baat hai, aur zindagi baaki toh nahi Tere bina zindagi se koyi, shikwa, toh nahi	If you say so the moon will not set tonight Say it – Stop this night It’s just the matter of the night, there inst much left in life without your I have no grouse against a life without you But a life without you is hardly any life.

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Tere Bina Zindagi (Aandhi) – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the word ‘Shikwa’ in the song?

A: ‘Shikwa’ is an Urdu word meaning complaint or grievance. The lyric implies that while the speaker’s life is “fine” on the surface and they hold no grudges, it lacks emotional depth and passion without their partner.

Q: Who sang this iconic duet?

A: This timeless melody was performed by the legendary duo of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar.

Q: Is the movie Aandhi based on a true story?

A: Released in 1975, the political drama Aandhi was highly controversial because the main character’s appearance and role (played by Suchitra Sen) closely mirrored the life of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Gulzar’s unmatched ability to write about separation is also beautifully highlighted in his work for Dil Se. Check out our deep dive into the meaning of Ae Ajnabi.