Afreen Afreen – Lyrics English Translation

Meaning of Afreen Afreen: A Tribute to Breathtaking Beauty Originally written by the legendary Javed Akhtar and composed by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, ‘Afreen Afreen’ is an exquisite ode to unparalleled beauty. Re-rendered magnificently in Coke Studio by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan, the lyrics use vivid, sweeping poetic exaggerations (praise of … Read more

Iktara Lyrics & English Translation

Iktara Lyrics and English Translation

The Meaning of Iktara: The One-Stringed Soul The word ‘Iktara’ literally translates to ‘One-stringed.’ It is a traditional string instrument used in folk music across India and Pakistan, often associated with wandering minstrels and Sufi saints. In the song, the ‘Iktara’ represents the protagonist’s heart—singular, soulful, and resonating with a deep, solitary longing for a … Read more

Phir Dekhiye… (Rock On) – Lyrics English Meaning/Translation

Before Javed Akhtar wrote the beautiful poems in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, he wrote a gem of a poem in another Farhan Akhtar starrer. Rock On sent the critcs raving and won the National Award and many other awards, but I felt there wasnt much justice done to the most beautiful part of the movie. … Read more

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – Poetry Translation

Its the magical words of Javed Akhtar that bring to life the essence of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Here are the four poems that Imraan narrates in the film (along with my translations)

Pighlay neelam sa behta hua yeh sama,
Neeli neeli si khamoshiyan;
Na kahin hai zameen,
Na kahin aasmaan;
Sarsaraati hui tehniyaan, pattiyaan;
Keh rahi hain ki bas ek tum ho yahaan,
Sirf main hoon, meri saansein hain, aur meri dhadkanein;
Aisi gehraiyaan,
Aisi tanhaiyaan,
Aur main sirf main
Apne honay pe mujhko yaqeen aa gaya…

This moment flows by like liquid sapphire
Silence like the blueness of the sea
No Earth below,
No Sky above.
The rustling of the branches and leaves
Whispering that only you are here
Only me, My breath, and my heartbeat
Depth like this (moment),
Loneliness like this (moment)
And me only me
And now I believe… I exist

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