Arpit Bala’s ‘Keychain Laalu’ album track ‘Champakali’ combines haunting vocals with lyrics and composition by Bala, Angad Virk, Toorjo Dey, and Natiq. The song evokes a suffocating longing through floral imagery of sleepless cities and fading artistry.
Released: December 10, 2025
Champakali
Arpit Bala • From “Keychain Laalu”
Champakali Lyrics Translation (from “Keychain Laalu”)
Bala’s lines describe failed attempts to drown memories in alcohol. ‘Kyun Ye Pee Ke Bhi Tujhko Na Bhoole Jiya?’ questions why intoxication can’t erase love’s imprint. Temporary escapes through ‘halke suroor’ only deepen the emotional debt.
Ek Hawa Chali Mahki ChampakaliA fragrant ‘champakali’ breeze began to blow.
Ek Sote Shehar Ko Kyun Utha DiyaWhy’d it awaken a sleeping city?
Woh Jo Karigari Teri Jo Chhup Hi GayiThat artistry of yours, which had simply disappeared.
Kyun Ye Peeke Bhi Tujhko Na Bhoole JiyaWhy couldn’t my heart forget you, even after I’d drunk?
Ek Tareekh Aisi Jo Bas ChubheA date like that just pricks at me.
Kyun Ghutan Ke Qaidi Ko Phansa, Phansa DiyaWhy’d you trap this prisoner of suffocation?
Phansa Phansa DiyaYou’ve trapped me completely.
Ye Ghutan Se Yun Qaidi Ko Phansa DiyaYou’ve trapped this prisoner in suffocation like this.
Ek Hawa Chali Mahki ChampakaliA fragrant ‘champakali’ breeze began to blow.
Ek Sote Shehar Ko Kyun Utha DiyaWhy’d it awaken a sleeping city?
Woh Jo Karigari Teri Jo Chhup Hi GayiThat artistry of yours, which had simply disappeared.
Kyun Ye Pee Ke Bhi Tujhko Na Bhoole JiyaWhy couldn’t my heart forget you, even after I’d drunk?
Par Saal Jo Saal Ye Ghutan BadheBut year after year, this suffocation only grows.
Aur Jaam Mein Mehnge Jo Daam LageAnd the cost for solace in my drink grew steep.
Chori Chhupe Piye Chupke Se Chura LiyaI drank it in secret, I stole it away quietly.
Aur Ghutan Bhi Bikay Jo Byaaj PeAnd even this suffocating feeling sold itself for interest.
Haan Chura Liya Kya Hi Gunaah KiyaYes, I stole it, what sin did I commit?
Jo Halke Suroor Ne Bacha LiyaIf a light intoxication saved me.
To Haan Chura Liya Kya Hi Gunaah KiyaSo yes, I stole it, what sin did I commit?
Jo Ek Halke Suroor Ne Bacha LiyaIf a light intoxication saved me.
Ek Hawa Chali Mehki ChampakaliA fragrant ‘champakali’ breeze began to blow.
Ek Sote Shehar Ko Kyun Utha DiyaWhy’d it awaken a sleeping city?
Wo Jo Karigari Teri Jo Chhup Hi GayiThat artistry of yours, which had simply disappeared.
Kyun Ye Pee Ke Bhi Tujhko Na Bhoole JiyaWhy couldn’t my heart forget you, even after I’d drunk?
Champakali Music Video
Deciphering the Champakali lyrics meaning reveals how memories persist through cycles of escape and remembrance. The floral scent symbolizes love’s lingering potency despite years of growing suffocation.