My Spin on Abhi Na Jao Chodkar from Hum Dono

“हमारे ज़माने मेंगाने बेहतर थे” (Songs were better in our times)

We have all heard our parents or grandparents say some version of the above statement. We have all probably wondered what is so great about the songs of their times? Well, I am here to introduce you to one of my favourites from yesteryear.

The movie Hum Dono, released in 1961, was known for its songs. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar. How could it not be? It was sung by two legends, Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle, whose voices exhibit a velvet like quality. They share an unbelievable vocal chemistry, giving life to every intricate emotion. If you watch the music video, it is Dev Anand who graces the screen with his impeccable acting. Even before you are swept away by the melody and the lyrics, you know you are on the precipice of greatness here.

The song opens with a trickle of notes, somewhat mimicking a waterfall. The composer, Jaidev, has weaved his magic throughout, making the melody feel like a warm hug or a cup of hot chocolate, lulling you into a sense of calm, peace and comfort. Until the last notes begin to slowly fade away, Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar puts you in a musical trance.

Despite knowing the skill of the magnificent artists at work, to me, the icing on the cake will always be the lyrics. Given that an actual poet, Sahir Ludhianvi, penned the words to this song, I was, obviously, instantly floored. This song is simply a conversation between two lovers, but it is such an amusing and endearing one. The familiarity and intimacy the couple display paints an ethereal picture. Join me as I dive into every single word and analyse it more than necessary.

“अभी ना जाओ छोड़कर के दिल अभी भरा नहीं”

The very first line sets the context – the two of them are out somewhere, probably a date. The girl is about to leave and the boy asks her to not to go as his heart is not full yet. Perhaps, he saw reluctance in her expression or perhaps, he was simply in the business of delivering romantic monologues. Either way, he continues to make his case.

“अभी-अभी तो आई हो, बहार बन के छाई हो हवा ज़रा महक तो ले, नज़र ज़रा बहक तो ले ये शाम ढल तो ले ज़रा, ये दिल सम्भल तो ले ज़रा मैं थोड़ी देर जीतो लूँ, नशे के घूँट पी तो लूँ अभी तो कुछ कहा नहीं, अभी तो कुछ सुना नहीं”

Do you know those moments in time which you wish you could stretch into eternity? You exude happiness and want to continue to experience that. The boy feels the same way except that his love is about to leave. Time seems to fly in her company. He tells her that she need not leave so soon as she has just arrived and not in any ordinary fashion. Her arrival was like the spring, lending a glow to the milieu. Her scent is such that even nature wants to absorb her fragrance. Her beauty is such that his eyes keep wandering, never being able to get their fill. He asks her to wait at least till dusk falls, giving his pounding heart a chance to still. He pleads with her to allow him to live a little, to allow him to get drunk on her intoxication. He is so enamoured by her features, possibly so lost in her eyes, that they have not had a chance to make conversation – no words were spoken, no words were heard.

“सितारे झिलमिला उठे, चराग़ जगमगा उठे बस अब न मुझको टोकना, न बढ़ के राह रोकना अगर मैं रुक गई अभी, तो जा न पाऊँगी कभी यही कहोगे तुम सदा, के दिल अभी नहीं भरा जो खत्म हो किसी जगह, ये ऐसा सिलसिला नहीं अभी नहीं, अभी नहीं,

नहीं नहीं नहीं नहीं”

No matter how romantic his monologue was, the girl is resolute in her stance. She points to the stars shining in the sky and the lamps alight in the houses, explaining that dusk has fallen. Turning his words against him, she asks him to stop asking her to leave and not even think of blocking her path. She admits that if she does not return home now, she might never be able to leave his side. He was probably about to ask her to not leave if that were the case but she does not give him a chance. Her tone turns playfully accusatory as she contends that he uses the same excuse of his heart not being full every single time. She is unable to see an end to this conversation to which he completely agrees, possibly with a grin. She cannot believe that she keeps walking into these traps and vehemently disagrees.

“अधूरी आस छोड़ के, अधूरी प्यास छोड़ के जो रोज़ यूँ ही जाओगी, तो किस तरह निभाओगी कि ज़िंदगी की राह में, जवाँ दिलों की चाह में कई मक़ाम आएंगे, जो हमको आज़माएंगे बुरा न मानो बात का, ये प्यार है गिला नहीं”

The boy is not done making his case. He resorts to theatrics and exclaims that if she leaves now, she is leaving him to yearn and that if she keeps leaving like this, how is their love to thrive? He reasons that in the path of life, especially if one is to attain what their heart desires, there are going to be a million obstacles. How is she to face them all? His lecture seems to turn the mood sour when he drops his patronising tone and adopts a tender one. He placates her by asking her to not to take him seriously. After all, he is not complaining but simply expressing his love. Mohammed Rafi does a brilliant job here, making your heart flutter as well.

"हाँ, यही कहोगे तुम सदा, के दिल अभी भरा नहीं

हाँ, दिल अभी भरा नहीं,

नहीं नहीं नहीं नहीं”

Her heart is thawed but there is no way she can stay back. She repeats herself to point out that he is still using the same excuse of his heart not being full yet. He concedes that his heart is indeed not full yet, hopeful that he might still be able to convince her. The song, just like this conversation, is full of repeated phrases that do not only aid in the singers displaying their artistic flair but also in enhancing the emotions expressed. For instance, the very last line of the song is simply one word sung four times but Asha Bhosle emotes each in a different way. The girl starts to disagree in an assertive manner but her tone mellows when she admits that her heart is not full yet either. Satisfied at last, hearts finally full, the couple walk home hand-in-hand, as they always have.