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What is Solah Singaar?
Fans of vintage Hindi films are intimately familiar with the theme of female ornamentation, which is expressed beautifully through song lyrics from this period of cinema. Countless songs from the...
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Dam Bhar Jo Udhar Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Raj Kapoor and Nargis huddle together on a love-boat in Awaara (1951). Our next lyrics and English translation is of the great love duet “Dum Bhar Jo Udhar” from the film Awaara (1951). It’s...
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Dil Cheez Kya Hai Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Rekha stars as a courtesan and poetess in Umrao Jaan (1981), based on an Urdu novel by Mirza Muhammad Hadi Ruswa Today, we continue our series on Umrao Jaan (1981) by providing the lyrics and English...
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What Killed Madhubala: A Close Look at the Death of A Bollywood Icon
Madhubala, classic Bollywood actress, (1933-1969) Madhubala was born Mumtaz Jahan Nehlavi on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1933. Perhaps was no coincidence with such a birthday that Madhubala would...
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Mata Saraswati Sharda Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and music, is worshipped each year on Basant Panchami. Basant Panchami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring through the worship of...
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Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Shashi Kapoor and Rakhee celebrate their wedding night with song in Kabhi Kabhi (1976). Happy Valentine’s Day! In honor of the occasion, we present the lyrics and full English translation to one of the...
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Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Sati Savitri (1964) portrays a Hindu myth about a wife’s unconditional devotion to her husband. Today, we present the lyrics and English translation to a beautiful duet from Sati Savitri (1964): tum...
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Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Dilip Kumar is horrified to learn of his wife Bindu’s betrayal in Dastan (1972). We now present the lyrics and English translation to the emotional Sahir Ludhianvi ghazal “Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye” from...
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Neela Aasman So Gaya Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Amitabh Bacchan plays a writer who falls for Rekha’s timeless beauty in Silsila (1981) Directed and produced by Yash Chopra, Silsila (1981) sparked controversy even before it was released. Rumors...
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Tum Pukar Lo Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Waheeda Rehman hesitates at the bottom of a staircase leading to the man she loves in Khamoshi (1968). For our next post we present the full lyrics and translation to the hauntingly beautiful “Tum...
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The Best Holi Songs of Classic Bollywood Movies
Hema Malini dances with joyful abandon in Sholay’s famous holi number “Holi Ke Din.” The festival of Holi is among Bollywood’s favorite celebrations–an occasion at last as colorful as the country of...
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Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Pre-independance Indian actor and singer, K.L. Saigal plays a Mughal-era lover in in Shahjehan (1946). Our next lyrics and English translation is of the ageless song “Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya” from...
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Inhi Logon Ne Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
The tragically beautiful film Pakeezah (1972) stars Meena Kumari in its leading role. Today, we continue our series on the eternally beautiful Pakeezah (1972) by providing the lyrics and English...
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O Duniya Ke Rakhwale Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Agonized by his fate, Bharat Bhushan entreats the Lord to heed his grievances in Baiju Bawra (1952) On April 15, 2013, an unspeakable tragedy hit my current hometown of Boston when two bombs were set...
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Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Bollywood playback legend Shamshad Begum (1919-2013) Last Wednesday, Bollywood lost another of its finest treasures: legendary playback singer Shamshad Begum. The veteran singer was 94 years old. She...
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Panchhi Banoon Udti Phiroon Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Nargis frees a bird from its cage in a symbolic representation of her unfettered joy in Chori Chori (1956) I have some good news to share with our readers: I was recently accepted to my top-choice...
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The Art of Urdu in Hindi Films: Losing A Poetic Legacy
Legendary Bollywood lyricists Jan Nisar Akhtar (far left) and Sahir Ludhianvi (left center) enjoy a birthday celebration. The language of Hindi films has evolved since the first talkie Alam Ara in...
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Hum Bekhudi Mein Tumko Pukare Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Dev Anand entrances the audience with “Hum Bekhudi Mein” in Kala Pani (1958). We now present the full lyrics and English translation to one of Mohammed Rafi’s finest solos: “Hum Bekhudi Mein Tumko...
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A Beginner’s Guide to Bollywood Tree Courtship: The Best Tree Songs of...
Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz engage in a playful treeside encounter in Aap Ki Kasam (1974). A tree is the ideal wingman. It’s an insider trick Bollywood heros and heroines learned early on that rarely...
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Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega Lyrics and Translation: Let’s Learn Urdu-Hindi
Against the stunning backdrop of the Lake Palace in Udaipur, Sunil Dutt mourns the loss of his deceased wife in Mera Saaya (1966) Today, we present the lyrics and English translation to the title...
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