“Aar Kobe?” (When Will It Be?), a poignant Bengali ballad by Arijit Singh, is a heart-wrenching cry for justice and a powerful indictment of societal apathy. The lyrics, penned and composed by Singh himself, delve into themes of injustice, silence, and the urgent need for change. This emotionally charged song, released in response to the tragic murder of a young doctor in Kolkata, serves as a sad reminder of the pervasive violence women face in India.
The recurring question “Aar Kobe?” (When will it be?) serves as a desperate plea for change, an expression of frustration at the seemingly endless cycle of violence and silence. In his Bengali lyrics, Arijit Singh paints a stark picture of a society grappling with “unbearable injustice.” Lines like “Jomchhe ek paahad, asojhyo abichaar” (Injustice is piling up, unbearable injustice) convey the weight of accumulated wrongs. At the same time, “Keu moron okaal, keu bhoye kaator” (Some die prematurely, some live in fear) highlights the devastating consequences of this pervasive violence.
Arijit Singh’s Aar Kobe Lyrics Translated to English
Jomchhe Ek Pаhаd Asojhyo Abichar,
Injustice continues to accumulate, a burden of unbearable wrongs.
Stabdho Hoye Chhilo Tara Byastota Hajar,
We were silent, preoccupied with our lives, while it piled up unnoticed,
Tai Je Nai Kheyal Pechhonei Deyal,
our backs against the wall
Je Jemon Se Nichhi Meney Nam Diye Kopаl,
accepting it as fate, clinging to a glimmer of hope.
Keu Moron Okal Keu Bhoye Kator,
Yet, someone is hurt, living in fear,
Keu Ba Nirupay Ba Osohay Hoye Pathor,
feeling helpless and immobilized.
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe,
When? But when?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe,
When? But when?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe, Kontho Shokti Pabe,
When will the voice rise in strength?
Ar Kobe Ar Kobe, Chitto Swadhin Hobe,
When will the mind be liberated?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe, Sikto Hobe Hridoy,
When will the heart find its cry?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe, Shir Uthe Dnarabe,
When will the head be held high?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe,
When? But when?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe,
When? But when?
Ar Kobe Ar Kobe Ar, Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar,
When? But when?
E Byаtha Amar Noy Shudhu Ekаr,
This suffering of mine, this harsh pain, is not solely my own.
Biplobi Tilottama Korechhe Ongikar,
The pledge of revolutionary spirit was strong,
Lutiyechhe Pran Tai Dhorechhi Gan,
but its bearer is gone too soon, leaving this sorrowful tune behind.
Korchhi Prarthonа Biphol Na Jay Se Bolidan,
Let us pray this struggle is not in vain.
Aj Uthuk Jege Supto Chetona,
May our dormant consciousness awaken today,
Ondhokar Hotey Aloke Hok Na Poth Chena,
Guiding us from darkness to light.
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe,
When? But when?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Chokh Meley Takabe,
When will we open our eyes?
Ar Kobe Ar Kobe Somobyаthi Hobe,
When will we show empathy?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe, Monta Hobe Swadhin,
When will the mind be free?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe, Pher Ghure Dnarabe,
When will we stand against falsehoods?
Ar Kobe Ar Kobe, Kontho Shokti Pabe,
When will the voice gain strength?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe, Chitto Swadhin Hobe,
When will the heart express its true feelings?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe, Sikto Hobe Hridoy,
When will the heart find its cry?
Ar Kobe Ar Kobe, Shir Uthe Dnarabe,
When will the head be held high?
Ar Kobe Ar Kobe Ar, Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar,
When? But when?
Ar Kobe? Ar Kobe? Ar, Ar Kobe Ar Kobe Ar,
When? But when?
Aar Kobe Music Video
The song’s visualizer, while simple, effectively amplifies the lyrics’ emotional impact. The image of a clenched fist, symbolizing both defiance and solidarity, serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the song’s message. The stark black-and-white colour scheme further accentuates the song’s sombre tone and the urgency of its call for justice.
More Songs by Arijit Singh
Kasturi Lyrics With English Translation — Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani | Arijit Singh Dhaagon Se Bandha Lyrics Meaning in English — Raksha Bandhan | Arijit Singh Vedaa: Zaroorat Se Zyada Lyrics {English Translation} | Arijit Singh Keu Jaane Na Lyrics (with English Translation) – Raavan (2022 Film) | Arijit Singh| Title | Aar Kobe |
| Singer(s) | Arijit Singh |
| Songwriter(s) | Arijit Singh |
| Composer(s) | Arijit Singh |