Friday, November 9, 2012

A boy looks out the window.

It's raining,

A boy looks out the window,
He doesn't realise it's raining. The concept of rain is incomprehensible. The concept of a concept is incomprehensible. It thunders. His mother cuddles him in her arms. He goes to sleep.

A boy looks out the window,
He understands it's water falling from the sky. He wonders where it comes from. Who turned on the shower in the sky? Who is pouring buckets of water on the Earth? Where is this water actually coming from?

A boy looks out the window,
The rain excites him. He knows it may not last for a long time. There is only a certain amount of water in the clouds  at one time. He wants to go out in to the rain and get drenched. He begs with his mother until she allows him to out, albeit wearing his rain-coat. He agrees to this compromise quickly.

A boy looks out the window,
He has already planned to go out and play when it rains. He has planned to play football with his friends. His mother forbids him as he might get sick playing in the rain. He argues with his mother until she relents. He promises to come back soon. He goes out happy. His mother keeps worrying.

A boy looks out the window,
He has woken up early. He is getting ready to go on a trek with his friends to enjoy the monsoons. His mother packs him some sandwiches for the day. He looks ahead to an exciting day. His mother wishes him to enjoy his day, but also to be safe.

A boy looks out the window,
It's a beautiful rainy day. A perfect time to go out with his girlfriend. To have a nice stroll by the sea, enoying the cool breeze and the splash of the sea water invigorating the senses. He dreams of the future.

A boy looks out the window,
It's raining! Damn! He is going to get drenched for his interview.

A boy looks out the window,
He has come home late after work. The streets are flooded. His parents are happy to see him. He has a hot meal. His mother has prepared it. He feels grateful. He goes to sleep; exhausted.

A boy looks out the window,
The day has finally arrived. He is getting married today. It's raining. A monsoon wedding! Lot's of last minute changes due to the rains. He worries a bit. He looks forward to the day. He looks forward to his life.

A man looks out the window,
He looks in to the future.......................................




Monday, November 5, 2012

Ek ladki ko dekha to.....(When I saw her.....) (Quand je l'ai vue.......)

This song by the legend R.D. Burman has been at the top of my List of Favourites ever since it was released in 1994 in the movie, 1942: A Love Story. Sung by Kumar Sanu and written by Javed Akhtar, it is a song that transports me from the real into a world of wonderful dreams. The melody and the lyrics combine to create a piece of music, that for me shall always remain evergreen and one of the most romatic songs ever created.
 
 
Though not a professional translator, I shall try to translate it in English and in French, with my limited translation abilities:

Hindi:

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga
Jaise Khilta Gulab
Jaise Shayar ka Khwab
Jaise Ujali Kiran
Jaise Bun Mein Hiran
Jaise Chandani Raat
Jaise Narmi Ki Baat
Jaise Mandir Mein Ho
Ek Jalta Diya...
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha to Aisa Laga
Jaise Subhon Ka Roop
Jaise Sardi Ki Dhoop
Jaise Beena Ki Taan
Jaise Rangon Ki Jaan
Jaise Balkhaye Bel
Jaise Lehron Ka Khel
Jaise Khushboo Liye
Aaye Thandi Hawa....
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha to Aisa Laga
Jaise Nachata Mor
Jaise Raesham Ki Dor
Jaise Pariyon Ka Raag
Jaise Sandal Ki Aag
Jaise Solah Shringar
Jaise Ras Ki Puhaar
Jaise Aahista Aahista
Badhta Nasha
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha to Aisa Laga...


English:
When I saw her, she looked like (I felt like).......
A blossoming rose....
A poet's dream....
A brilliant ray of sunlight....
A deer in the forest...
A moonlit night....
A candle burning in the temple....
A tender word....
When I saw her, she looked like (I felt like).......
A beautiful morning....
The warm sunlight in winter....
The sweet sound of the Veena....(Veena: an Indian string instrument)
The essence of all colour....
A swirling vine....
The play of the waves....
A frangrant cool breeze....
When I saw her, she looked like (I felt like).......
A dancing peacock....
A silken thread....
The melodious song of the fairies....
The flame of the burning sandalwood....
The sixteen ornaments of beauty....
A refreshing mist....
A gently developing feeling of intoxication....
When I saw her, she looked like (I felt like).......


Français:

Quand je l'ai vue, elle avait l'air (je me suis senti qu'elle avait l'air).....
d'une rose s'épanouissant....
d'un rêve de poète.....
d'un rayon radiant de soleil....
d'une biche dans la forêt....
d'une nuit de pleine lune....
d'une bougie allumé au temple....
d'un mot tendre....
Quand je l'ai vue, elle avait l'air (je me suis senti qu'elle avait l'air).....
d'un beau matin....
de la chaleur de soleil en hiver....
du doux son du Veena....(Veena: un instrument musical d'Inde)
de l'essence des couleurs....
d'une vigne tourbillonant....
du jeu des vagues....
d'une brise parfumée....
Quand je l'ai vue, elle avait l'air (je me suis senti qu'elle avait l'air).....
d'un paon dansant....
d'un fil de soie....
d'un chant mélodieux venant des fées...
du feu du bois de santal.....
des seize ornements de beauté....
d'une brume rafraîchissante....
d'une sensation d'ivresse, développant doucement....
Quand je l'ai vue, elle avait l'air (je me suis senti qu'elle avait l'air).....
 
I hope I have been able to give justice to the lyrics. Unfortunately, there are some phrases which do not sound as beautiful as they sound in Hindi and the meaning is lost in translation. If anyone has any suggestions for improvement, please leave a comment.
It is a beautiful song and it becomes even more beautiful when there is a face that you are reminded of when you listen to it. That feeling is unsurpassable by anything else.
I hope you enjoy the song as much as I do.....