Rekha Bhardwaj takes the mic in ‘Kanha (Thumri),’ a soulful track from the album Veer. Gulzar writes the lyrics, while Sajid Khan and Wajid Khan compose the melody. The song features Salman Khan and Zareen Khan in its visual storytelling.
Gulzar mentions the wind scattering letters and conversations, creating a sense of longing. ‘Kanha, this flute has become my enemy,’ sings Bhardwaj, describing the pain of unfulfilled love. The narrator pleads for someone to ‘stop the passing day’s palanquin,’ adding urgency to the emotion.
Pawan Udaave Batiya Ho BatiyaThe wind blows the words away, oh, the words.
Pawan Udaave BatiyaThe wind scatters the conversation.
Teepo Pe Na Likho Chithiya Ho ChithiyaDon’t write your letters on the high mounds, oh, on the mounds.
Teepo Pe Na Likho ChithiyaDon’t leave your letters on the open ridges.
Chithiyon Ke Sandese Videsh Jaavenge Chalengi ChhatiyaThe messages will travel to foreign lands, but my heart will heave in pain.
Chithiyon Ke Sandese Videsh Jaavenge Chalengi ChhatiyaThe messages will drift far away, leaving my heart to tremble.
Kanha Bairan Hui BaansuriKanha, this flute has become my enemy.
Ho Kanha Tere Adhar Kyun LagiOh Kanha, why is it pressed against your lips?
Ang Se Lage To Bol Suna GayeWhen it touches your body, it sings its songs,
Bhaye Na Moh Lage Kanhabut I find no joy in this attachment, Kanha.
Din Toh Kata Saanjh KateThe day has passed, and the evening passes too,
Kaise Kate Ratiyabut how will I ever get through the night?
Pawan Udaave Batiya Ho BatiyaThe wind blows the words away, oh, the words.
Pawan Udaave BatiyaThe wind scatters the conversation.
Teepo Pe Na Likho Chithiya Ho ChithiyaDon’t write your letters on the high mounds, oh, on the mounds.
Teepo Pe Na Likho ChithiyaDon’t leave your letters on the open ridges.
Chithiyon Ke Sandese Videsh Jaavenge Chalengi ChhatiyaThe messages will travel to foreign lands, but my heart will heave in pain.
Roko Koi Roko Din Ka Dola RokoStop, someone stop the passing day’s palanquin.
Koi Doobe Koi To Bachaave ReSomeone is drowning here, oh, let someone save them.
Maathe Likhe Mare Kare AndhiyareThe fate written on my forehead strikes, bringing darkness,
Koi Aave Koi To Mitaave Relet someone come, oh, let someone erase it.
Saare Bandh Hai Kiwade Koi Aare Hai Na PaareAll the doors are locked, there’s no one on this side or that,
Mere Pairon Mein Padi Rasiyaand heavy ropes have bound my feet.
Kanha Tere Hi Rang Mein RangiKanha, I am dyed in your color alone.
Ho Kanha Saanjh Ki Chhab SanwariOh Kanha, even the evening wears your dark beauty.
Saanjh Samay Jab Saanjh LiptaaveAt twilight, when the evening wraps around me,
Lajja Kare Baawarithis mad heart feels shy.
Kuch Na Kahe Apne Aap SeShe says nothing to herself,
Aap Hi Kare Batiyayet she keeps talking on her own.
Din Tera Le Gaya SurajThe sun has taken away your day,
Chhod Gaya Aakash Releaving behind only the empty sky.
‘Kanha (Thumri)’ lyrics are about a heart torn by separation and unspoken love. The song from Veer, sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, captures the essence of devotion in its purest form.
