Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein – English Translation
Posted by JV on May 14, 2006
I have tried to translate the famous “Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein” for Sami.
I feel ashamed about the translation. It appears quite rude and harsh due to my shortcomings of knowledge of the languages.
I will try to provide explanation (rather excuses) where I think I am unable to do justice to the feelings .
Notes to translation :
Usages of Hindi language ,particularly in songs and ghazals, are profusely influenced by Urdu language. Urdu is language of poetry of romance and uses different words for one thing depending on the situation.
So I have tried translate the song, not literally, but tried to be more near to the feelings
I believe Kabhi Kabhi can be simply put as ‘Sometime’.
[1st verse]
In this song first line of the title verse gives me enough trouble. Now, Dil can be translated as heart. But then idea or thought comes to mind, or it can come to heart also? Again how do we translate Khayal, is it idea or thought. Here we have to remember that we are talking about love , romance, about human relations. Suppose, I see someone and I love her, then ‘feeling’ of love comes to my heart, not ‘thought’ of love comes to my mind. When you feel that someone is made for you , then that ‘feeling’ comes to your heart not in mind. So should I use ‘feeling’ for khayal instead of ‘thought’ or ‘idea’ ?
[3rd verse]
In third verse one can simply translate Badan as ‘body’. But badan really means ‘human body’, even that does not convey the feelings. Alternatively ‘Flesh” can be used for ‘Body’ . I prefer ‘Flesh’ over ‘Body’. (Please, make some suggestion here)
Next, in same verse Amanat can mean ‘property’ or ‘belongings’. But that is too harsh , here no one is claiming ownership over lover’s body or arms, and they are not be treated as tangible possession also, but it goes more deeply. It is something more like treasure, a treasure for someone, nothing for others. Like, for a child his toy, however cheap or broken, is treasure for him. Such treasure gives you feeling of being rich, not worldly but heavenly rich. So I take liberty to use ‘Treasure’ for Amanat leaving worldly meanings behind.
[5th verse]
To understandshehnahi check this out. In India this instrument is played during many auspicious occasions. However, it has been more related with marriage. So here ‘shehnai bajna‘ relates to marriage prospect.
[6th verse]
Suhag raat means first night of newly wed couple. How do I translate it? ‘Wedding night’ seems only option. (check these photographs for better understanding of an Indian weddings. When bride covers her head with red garment that is called ‘ghoonghat’)
[8th verse]
This is climax of the song. When one feels that there is someone who is made for him, and he feels intense love for her, and then he realized that she is not for him, she is stranger. Imagine the mountainous pain of the lover. This verse conveys the feeling superbly.
N.B. I enjoyed translating the song. Of course, I cant claim the translation to be perfect or near to it. But I am exhausted while translating the song. So I am posting now without putting more efforts, and request you for feedbacks and suggestions for translating it in better , with more appropriate translation. I will alter and add more description later.
(1)
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai,
ke jaise tujko banaya gaya hai mere liye.SOMETIME IDEA COMES TO MY HEART,
AS IF YOU ARE MADE FOR ME(2)
Tu ab se pehle sitaron mein bas rahi thi kahin,
tuje jamin pe bulya gaya he mere liye.
BEFORE THIS YOU WERE LIVING IN STARS SOMEWHERE ,
YOU ARE CALLED ON EARTH/LAND FOR ME(3)
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai,
ke ye badan ye nighanon meri amanat hai,
SOMETIME IDEA COMES TO MY HEART,
THIS FLESH, THESE EYES ARE MY TREASURES.(4)
Yeh geshuon ki ghani chhaon hai meri khatir,
ye hothon aur yeh bahen meri amanat hai.
THIS DENSE SHADE OF HAIR IS FOR ME,
THESE LIPS , THESE ARMS ARE MY TREASURES.(5)
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai,
ke jaise bajti hai shenhaiyan si rahon mein,
SOMETIME IDEA COMES TO MY HEART,
AS IF SHEHNAI IS PLAYING IN THE WAY(6)
Suhag raat hai ghoonghat utha raha hoon mein,
Simat rahi he tu sharma ke meri bahon mein.
ITS WEDDING NIGHT I AM REMOVING VEIL,
YOU ARE COMING TO MY ARMS BLUSHINGLY.(7)
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai,
jaise tu muje chehagi umrabhar younhi.
SOMETIME IDEA COMES TO MY HEART,
AS IF YOU WILL LOVE ME WHOLE LIFE LIKE THIS,(8)
Utthegi meri taraf pyaar ki nazar younhi,
main janta hun ke tu gair magar younhi.
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai,AFFECTIONATE GLANCE WILL LOOK UP TO ME LIKE THIS,
I KNOW YOU ARE STRANGER BUT JUST LIKE THIS,
SOMETIME IDEA COMES TO MY HEART.
William Jay said
ITS WEDDING NIGHT I AM REMOVING VEIL,
YOU ARE COMING TO MY ARMS BLUSHINGLY.
Why must he waits for the wedding night to make love?
moszez said
As the Custom in civilized Vedic culture dictates; one honors the bride, her family and his family but waiting until after they are married before making love. Western society practiced this custom once; but it now rare in today’s age.
Auto Chronicle said
You are Correct Moszez
JV said
lol . I knew this question would arise in some one’s mind, you spoke it aloud
Genreally, in India couple do not make love before wedding night. However such concept is slowly but gradually getting obsolote in new generation.
I will discuss it more at appropriate time…
Joe said
You have tried to literally translate. Sometimes when you do this the essance is lost. For eg. ‘Sometime Idea comes to my heart’ can be simply put as ‘Sometimes I feel’ which would be more apt. Like wise in third verse body and flesh reads pretty rude as rightly mentioned, beauty or appearance may be more apt.
JV said
Thanks for the participation and suggestions.
It is always difficult to translate a feelings of lyrics.
Singh said
I think this song is really goof. When you think in an indian way the lyric seems fine, but when interpretated and in English the lyrics can sound dodgy. Song is a classic though! Brilliant film too!
Aurumbo said
Hi,
I have recently heard this song and googled it up.
Your translation is very well done.
I do know hindi but not very well (I left India when I was young).
thank you.
–
Aurumbo
JV said
Thanks.
Sk. Rasul said
i love this song very much.
if i have to listen this song i will listen 100 time per day.
Richie said
your translation couldnt be better. i had one of my friends from India sing the song so i could tell a girl and thats exactly what it sound like to me. good job.
JV said
Thanks Richie for your encouraging words!!
parniyan reshad said
thank you for the meaning of this wonderful song, i was raised with hindi music, unfortunatally i do not understand hindi, i am an afghan who lives for hindi songs and ghazalz.
JV said
I am glad that you enjoyed it . You are always welcome here.
debashis jena said
just a suggestion – i think for “Badan” you could better use body than flesh
Regards…
Debashis Jena
JV said
I had also considered and discussed that alternative, but unable to decide which is better.
SR said
Hi, you’ve done a great job translating this very beautiful song. The last part “main janta hun ke tu gair magar younhi…” (in my opinion and basing this on the movie) I think has to do with arranged marriages. The groom and the bride hardly know eachother and this line conveys the hesitation, awkwardness and maybe the sadness of that very moment on the wedding night.
JV said
I am glad you enjoyed it. The lyrics can be differetly interpreted from one’s perspective.
starbreez said
If you ever watch the movie Gubra by Yasmin Ahmad, there is a rather fine-sounding translation of the song in the opening credits.
JV said
Frankly, I haven’t heard the name of movie or the director. Can you get it for me?
starbreez said
It’s a Malaysian movie, sequel to Sepet, which is a fantastic show to catch if you can.
When I checked the DVD, I found that only the first few lines of the song were translated in the subtitles! Here they are:
Sometimes this thought comes to my mind,
that you were made just for me.
That you were among the stars up in heaven,
and brought to earth just for me.
JV said
Thanks!!
Subhanshu said
Hey, have anybody heard of the english version of this song? it was something like:
sometimes sometimes I think of you…….
This was not an exact translation of the song but probably the best that can be done to this song.
as far as i remember it was sung and written by an italian artist, can anybody post those lyrics? or if possible the location from where i can get that song..
Subhanshu said
SORRY I MADE A MISTAKE IT WAS
“ALWAYS ALWAYS I THINK OF YOU……..”
JV said
Intersting find, I will try to locate the english song.
Doll said
i find this translation to be very good translation- its such a beautiful song with such beautiful words- no offence to your translation but no matter what language it is translated into it doesn’t do justice- the words are simply too beautiful.
JV said
I dont take any offence, Doll. I know any literary work, particularly a song, cannot be traslated in its full glory, somthing must be lost in translation.
Thanks for the comment.
Arun said
Good job. You may wish to polish or revise the translation and evolve it.
It seems to me the first line could also be..
Very often my heart feels that (kabi..)
Just my opinion.
JV said
Thanks for your opinion.
However, “Kabhi Kabhi” is to be translated as “sometime”, becuase if we put “very often…” then it would mean “Kai baar mere dil mein”.
Thanks again.
chadni said
luved it thnx a lot for translating the song.
lolz
^-^
JV said
I am glad you liked it.
Tracy said
Hi JV,
Thanks a lot for translating the song as I didnt know some of the meanings. Thanks again.
Cheers!
Tracy.
Hrishikesh said
Talking about the ‘Feeling of Lyrics’. Please check out my attempt.
——–
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
Ki jaise tujhko banaya gaya hai mere liye
(Often times I wonder if you were made solely for me)
Tu abse pehle sitaaron mein bas rahi thi kahin
(You were dwelling in your celestial abode…)
Tujhe zameen pe bulaya gaya hai mere liye
….before you were brought on earth, only for me)
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
(Often times I feel that….)
Ki ye badan ye nigaahein meri amaanat hain
(this body, these eyes are my prized posessions)
Ye gesuon ki ghani chhaon hain meri khatir
(this shade of dense,dark hair are mine and…. )
Ye honth aur ye baahein meri amaanat hain
(These lips and arms are there for me)
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
(often times I wonder….)
Ki jaise bajti hain shehnaaiyaan si raahon mein
(and I almost hear the sound of Shanai (compare with wedding bells))
Suhaag raat hain ghoonghat utha raha hoon main
(and as I remove the veil of my bride…
Simat rahi hai tu sharma ke apni baahon mein
she bashfully withdraws into her own arms)
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
(often times I wonder….
Ki jaise tu mujhe chaahegi umr bhar yoohin
(If your love for me is everlasting)
Uthegi meri taraf pyaar ki nazar yoohin
(If your gaze, full of love, is eternal)
Main jaanta hoon ki tu geir hai magar yoohin
(but though I know you belong to someone else now…. )
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
(I still often times wonder….)
Thanks,
Hrishikesh
Bipka said
JV,
Thanks for the translation! Hindi is such a graceful language(compared to my own — Gujarati) that key emotions can be lost in translation but no others have braved this attempt as you have. This movie and many of its songs are classics!
Piet Voordijk said
I see a lot of Hindi movies but … I dont speek a single word Hindi.
I try to understand them from the images and the songs.
There fore your translation of Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein
was a great help.
Very brave that you are also learning French!
Can you tell me how I can start to learn Hindi?
Good luck with your thinking, nothing wrong with that!
Pieter
JV said
@Hrishikesh , good attempt to translate, however we can discuss in the details if you wish.
@Bipka, thanks for encouraging words. I believe when you say ‘brave’, hopefully you dont mean ‘foolish’
Infact, believe me few months back when I listned this song, I wanted it to translate. And the translaiton came without much efforts. Thereafter, I have tried to translate other songs, but something dosen’t feel good and I drop it every time. My blog-friend, Bach, has asked me to translate a ghazal of Jagjit, and I have agreed to do so. But painfully, whenever I sit for translation cannot translate the firs line of first sher.
@Piet Voordijk , I am glad the translation helped you. Again , with learning of French, I am not sure , if I am ‘brave’ or ‘fool’. I can live my life without ever knowing the language, but still somethings push me to learn the language. Don’t ask about the progress, I am standstill from where I begun, but some day….
Gautam said
JV boss, this is great work from you. Hope to see more from you.
Keep it up!
GD
JV said
Thanks GD, for your encouraging words.
Amish Sheth said
Mates Just help me out with this small thing. Kindly tell me the name of the singer who sung this Kabhi Kabhi in English…”Always Always I think of you” I just want to know the singer’s name in correct spelling….
I hope you guys would definitely help me out on this one.
Regards,
Amish Sheth
amish4u1983@gmail.com
JV said
@Amish, sorry I have no idea about the english song itself, let alone the singer.
Rawle Juglal said
I just wanted to say thanks for the translation. I grew up in an indian family but was not exposed to Hindi. This is one of my favorite songs. My dad sang this many time. He also sang a lot of soncs from Sundar popo, Sonny Mann, Enoc Daniel and many other old classical indian songs. and I have always loved it. I appreciate your translation.
Raj said
This site helped me to know the meaning. I know Hindi a bit, with the meanings and comments, i feel this is truly a song of LOVE. The Last few lines were really awesome!brilliant! Thanks
Regards
Raj
JV said
I glad you found something helpful.
Amish Sheth said
Mates Just help me out with this small thing. Kindly tell me the name of the singer who sung this Kabhi Kabhi in English…”Always Always I think of you” I just want to know the singer’s name in correct spelling….
I hope you guys would definitely help me out on this one.
Regards,
Amish Sheth
amish4u1983@gmail.com
josiane said
remember this song from childhood, way back in Mauritius. It has a beautiful and haunting quality.I’m having it at my wedding, in the summer. Thank you for the translation.
Venkatesh said
This is one of my classic hindi song that reminds my school age cinemas, worderful translation job, hats off…
mk said
What a pathetic translation.. waste of effort.. wonder how so many have appreciated this. Its a hopeless word by word translation.. thats what is.
actionman said
Guys Pls help me aswell, need the name of the singer. Kabhi kabhi in english “always always i think of you”. I need that badly..
Thanx In Advance
RAJ said
The song that some of you are looking for – the ENglish version of kabhi kabhi is called Always Always… by Originally a Canadian – Indian group called Dil Dai Vog…..
Please reply back to me at neverlateforlove@yahoo.com if any of you ever manage the mp3 of it… I am looking for it since a long time…
Regards,
RAJ.
Chirag said
Hi,
The songs you have been looking at was sung by “Dal Dil Vog”
The lead artist in that group is Ranj Singh.
I use to listen that song when I was in college (9 Yrs back).
I’ll trace out the audio cassette and will try to provide you the mp3 link for same.
Cheers,
Chirag said
A correction here. Lead singer is “Dal Hothi”
Maneesh said
Subhanshu, the song “Always always I think of you” has been sung by Dal. Not sure if it’s the name of the band or the singer. Has both Hindi and English lyrics and is a westernized version of the song, right?
Pramod Eligeti said
great one, i personally tired to translate it but alas i wasnt successful like u. great work buddy.
Exxman said
Hi Gang,
To clear up a few things…the song in english is called “Always Always”. The original version was on Dal’s first album “Beat the Rap”. When my brothers and I formed the band to be known as Dal Dil Vog, Dal wrote some english lyrics so we could perform it in clubs. Since then, it has been on our second CD Elephant Head and subsequently on Dal’s new album as well. I think you can reach him at dilvog.com. Not sure though. Thanks for the awesome comments!
Exx
JV said
Thanks Exxman for your comment and clearing up the things.
Niree said
This is my fave song and I have always wanted to know what the words mean….your translation shows that the words are beautiful even in English
Dave said
Exxman, good to see you pop up somewhere. It’s Dave here. For those of you who don’t know me (everyone)I also played with Exx and Dal, Ranj etc… in DDV.
I just did a search to see what’s flying around out there.
Exx, get in touch. Ranj has my number.
Dave
Dave said
P.S. the second CD (with Always Always) was “The New World” the 3rd CD was Elephant Head. The song appears on Beat the Rap and The New World.
I think Dal has put it on his new CD as well. You can find it at http://www.indiangroove.com.
HEENA said
Can someone PLEASE Send me the English Translation to ” Gudiya Rani” from Lamhe? ASAP Thank you~~~
Mechelle said
I loved the translaions (I am not the best in speaking hindi) though there were some mistakes but u did the best you can. btw did u know that hindi and urdu has the most words 4 love?
RAJ said
Hello Dave, Exx, Ranj…..
Good to see u guys around here…..
I have checked out the indiangroove website and could listen to and also see the video of the song – always always.
Absolutely love that one….
Cheers to all who made it happen and also to the songs followers….
Long live music and music lovers….
Cheers !!!
RAJ.
AJ said
I would like to Thank You for writing this translation, In my opinion the best song ever written. My Wife(scottish)does apperciate it.
Thanks Again
hindifan said
the song is actually in urdu, not hindi. this is what i could do for now.. i could do better though
on the lonely night comes an idle thought
by your destiny to me you will be brought
beyond heavens among stars you once went
but now on earth and for me you are sent
on the lonely night a thought that is divine
your body slim and deep lovely eyes are mine
this silken hair red lips arms so slender
mine all to me belong to hold with wonder
on the lonely night this mind wanders away
follow the music as it entranced does play
my wait is over and i pull your veils away
you pull back hesitate blush pink and sway
on the lonely night these tears do easily flow
but i will be the one you love forever i know
on these lonely nights, my tears easily flow
i will be your one true love for ever i know
the way that you look at me be only adoration
that these are lies and you are gone, i know, i know
on these lonely nights, thoughts make an old man glow
hindifan said
another version of the second stanza:
it may have been you once dwelt in the heavens above
to this humble earth you have descent to be my love
Amish Sheth said
Hello Dave,
Thanks a lot for providing the url of http://www.indiangroove.com I got my master piece which I have been searching for one year now and thats – Always Always (Kabhi Kabhi English Version)….It’s just awesome….it was me who started the entire thingiee….and then the users added the help…thanks everyone….May God bless you all…
Peace,
Amish Sheth
FeLonG VARUN BATRA said
altough its not good to say anything about this in negative way but
:
ITS HONEYMOON NIGHT I AM REMOVING VEIL,
YOU ARE COMPACTING INTO MY ARMS BLUSHINGLY.
yaar anrezo ko pehli raat ki importance nahi pta
aur sirf coming se upar wali line contradict karegi
agar sharmana aur simatna hai to compacting suit karega
FeLonG VARUN BATRA said
aur last wali ka zawab he nahi
its out of this world
bye the way hindi fan is right
It will be more appealing
mp3 lyrics said
mp3 lyrics…
As for me the comment last month (I could not find the link now) is like my comment now that some comments are like this comment… Who advice?…
Hema said
Hey, I was searching the net for this same song. IF it’s the same one you’re looking for, check youtube at:
Ashah said
I usually dont pay attention to things on the net. This definatelly drew my attention. I have a humble request. DO NOT TRY TO TRANSLATE OR CHANGE WORDS. As it is F’uning up the legendary song which was written back in 70’s
mina said
someone couid translate “made in india ” song into English.
Thanks a lot
Abarana said
None of the above english translation fits the meaning of the beautiful hindi song Kabhi Kabhi… you have ruined it…pls if you dont know the correct mening and the most appropriate english words don’t use them in your translation. it will ruin the Hindi songs and will be a threat for the beginners who want to learn Hindi or Urdu.
For all those who don’t understand much in Hindi are advised to stay alerted………..
Nata said
I have to disagree with Abarana. Being someone learning Hindi-Urdu, I have found these translations very helpful and touching. Thank you everyone!
chris said
Great post! My friend has started a website translating many classic Bollywood songs. Check it out if you have a chance! http://www.indiansongtranslations.blogspot.com
Requester said
I have a translation suggestion =), lovely song from Laila Majnun can’t seem to get anyone to translate for me!
Tere Dar Pe Aayaa Huun Kuchh Kar Ke Jaa_Uungaa
Jholii Bhar Ke Jaa_Uungaa Yaa Mar Ke Jaa_Uungaa
Main Tere Dar Pe Aayaa Huun
Tuu Sab Kuchh Jaane Hai Har Gam Pahachaane Hai
Jo Dil Kii Ulajhan Hai Sab Tujh Pe Raushan Hai
Ghaayal Paravaanaa Huun Vahashii Diivaanaa Huun
Terii Shoharat Sun Sun Ke Ummiiden Laayaa Huun
Tere Dar Pe
Main Tere Dar Pe Aayaa Huun
Dil Gam Se Hairaan Hai Merii Duniyaa Viiraan Hai
nazaron Kii Pyaas Bujhaa Meraa BichhaDaa Yaar Milaa
Ab Yaa Gam Chhuutegaa Varanaa Dam Tuutegaa
Ab Jiinaa Mushakil Hai Fariyaaden Laayaa Huun
Tere Dar Pe
Main Tere Dar Pe Aayaa Huun
sneha said
oh my god…i always thought that this song is so beautiful…but the transalation simply ruined it….
sneha said
Often thought comes in my heart
if i have life under shadow of your hair
it would of been more peacefull
the ink of pain and sorrow on my heart
could’ve been lost in your eyes
but it didn’t happen
but it didn’t happen, now life is on verge
that i don’t have you nor sorrow neither hopes
living life without any support/landing hand
no road, no goal, nor way to see light
my life is travelling in darkness
i’m to be lost in darkness someday
i know it’s my love of life, but
often thought comes in my heart
moszez said
excellent!
Taimur said
nice attempt, could have been better though
Kabhi Kabhi Song, Old Bollywood Hit Still Number One in Pakistan « Pakistan Politics Journal said
[...] http://notestomyself.wordpress.com/2006/05/14/kabhi-kabhi-mere-dil-mein-english-translation/ [...]
moszez said
This was a classic movie that i grew up and the music was so profound! To imagine that he thinks she came from the stars just for him and yet he loses her. Lovely story and great music.
Nate said
I really like how literally you translated this song…it really captures not just the meaning of the song, but idiosyncrasies of Hindi that make it poetically beautiful. May I suggest one thing: make the first line even more literal. For: Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai,
Instead of:
SOMETIME IDEA COMES TO MY HEART,
I would say;
Sometimes, in my heart a thought comes
I think it sounds better, though it’s not perfect English syntax. I think it sort of captures the Hindi of saying it better, which reduces the loss from translation.
Thanks for putting the whole song together!
mahashakti said
I don’t know Hindi though I am playing around with learning it. I thought your translation was very interesting in that you broadened it out nicely instead of giving a narrow one meaning explanation for every word. I was actually searching for english translation of hindi songs sites and came across your blog, then I saw 2006, wow, 3 years ago. I just saw on TV Dance India Dance and two young men did a thoroughly entertaining dance to “Chal Mere Bhai” so I thought I look up what the English translation might be and I’ve spent the last hour searching on the net. I haven’t come up anything yet. Do you know the song I mean. Obviously it is from a film with that song as the title.