Mann Ke Darpan Mein (English Translation)

‘Mann Ke Darpan Mein’, remains in my opinion, the most criminally underrated Hindi song of the past two decades. Originally written, composed and sung by OM-The Fusion Band, the song is part of a movie directed by Naseerudin Shah titled Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota that came out in the year 2006. Here, are the complete lyrics of the song along with my English translation. The song captures the essence of Life itself composed of myriad things – dreams, hopes, joys, grief, sadness etc. and through these, remarks on the resilient nature of human being despite everything Life has to offer.

 

Mann Ke Darpan Mein Dekhe Hai Kitne Rang Jeevan Ke

Saat Surr Milke Jaise Sangeet Mein Dhale

Phool Chun Chun Ke Jaise Gulshan Koi Khile

Mann Ke Darpan Mein Dekhe Hai Kitne Rang Jeevan Ke

 

In the mirror of heart reflected, one sees so many colours of Life

The way seven surs merge into Music

The way different flowers bloom into a garden

In the mirror of heart reflected, one sees so many colours of Life

Pal Mein Baadal Hai, Pal Mein Kirnien Hai

Bhor Hai, Saanjh Hai Kabhi

Ek Pal Mann Niraash Hai, Aas Hai Kabhi

Pal Mein Muskaan, Pal Mein Hairaan

Pyar Hai, Bair Hai Kabhi

Log Apne Hai Ek Pal, Gair Hai Kabhi

Pal Yeh Kab Jaane Din Bane

Jaane Kaise Din Badle Saal Mein

Ungliyon Pe Gine Agar

Yun Toh Saal Bhi Guzre Hai Kayi

Pichhe Mudd Ke Jo Dekhe Ik Baar

Aaj Bhi Yaad Hai Sabhi

Yaadon Ke Saath Khwaabon Ke Silsile Chale

Beete Har Pal Ke Rang Har Khwaab Mein Mile

Mann Ke Darpan Mein Dekhe Hai Kitne Rang Jeevan Ke

 

In a trice clouds abound, in a moment rays,

dawn at times, dusk sometimes

One moment the heart is in dismay, in a moment hopeful

In no time a smile, in a snap surprised

Sometimes there’s love, at times animosity

People are yours a moment, sometimes strangers

When do these moments turn into days?

How do days turn into years?

If one counts on fingers

many years may seem to have passed 

when one reflects back, even once

everything, in entirety, is recollected

alongside memories, walk a caravan of dreams

each dream is hued with the colour of bygone moment

In the mirror of heart reflected, one sees so many colours of Life

 

Din Ladakpan Ke Manchalepan Ke

Kitne Maasoom they Sabhi

Ab Hai Afsoos Laut Ke Aayenge Nahi

Pal Do Pal Ke Hai Saare Ehsaas

Pal Do Pal Ki Hai Zindagi

Rishten Naaten Bhi Khel Hai Pal Do Pal Ke He

Behti Nadiyan Ki Dhaar Ke Jaisi

Har Khushi Aani Jaani Hai

Saansen Jab Tak Hai Chal Rahi

Dhadkanon Mein Jab Tak Rawaani Hai

Ek Roshan Diye Ke Lau Jaisi Zindagi Ki Kahaani Hai

Aandhiyon Mein Bhi Zindagi Ki Yeh Lau Jale

Saans Ki Lay Pe Umr Ki Dastaan Chale

The days of childhood, of playfulness!

how innocent they all were?

The regret now that they won’t return!

Ephemeral are all emotions

Transient is life 

Even relationships tend to be momentary games 

Like a wave of moving river

Each delight comes and goes

Till the breaths continue,

till there’s a flow in heartbeats

like a bright candle-flame is the story of Life

Even in hurricanes does this flame burn!

upon the tempo of breaths the story of life taps.