Kishore Kumar performs “Khaike Paan Banaras Wala” in the 1978 film Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan. Anjaan wrote the lyrics and Kalyanji Anandji composed the music. The song begins with the idea that a paan from Banaras can open a closed mind, establishing its playful premise.
Released: April 04, 2023
Khaike Paan Banaras Wala
Kishore Kumar • From “Don (1978)”
Lyricist
Anjaan
Composer
Kalyanji Anandji
Don (1978)’s Khaike Paan Banaras Wala Lyrics Translation
The character’s verses add to this assumed identity. He complains about his bad luck in getting involved with educated people, which is ironic given his own cunning nature. The lyrics’ meaning develops through this clever performance of a simple man from the Ganges.
Dhur DhurGet back, get back
Are Bhag Ka Rang Jama Ho ChakachakWhen your luck is shining bright and clear
Phir Lo Paan ChabayeThen go on and chew a ‘paan’ leaf
Aa HaAh ha
Are Aisa Jhatka Lage Jiya PeIt hits my heart with such a jolt
Punar Janam Ho JayeI feel like I’ve been born again
O Khaike Paan Banaras WalaOh, eating that ‘paan’ from Banaras
Khul Jaye Band Akal Ka TalaOpens the lock on a closed-off mind
O Khaike Paan Banaras WalaOh, eating that ‘paan’ from Banaras
Khul Jaye Band Akal Ka TalaOpens the lock on a closed-off mind
Phir Toh Aisa Kare DhamaalThen it causes such an uproar
Seedhi Kar De Sab Ki ChaalIt makes everyone walk a straight line
O Chhora Ganga Kinare WalaOh, this boy from the banks of the ‘Ganges’
O Khaike Paan Banaras WalaOh, eating that ‘paan’ from Banaras
Khul Jaye Band Akal Ka TalaOpens the lock on a closed-off mind
Are Ram DuhaiOh, for God’s sake
Kaise Chakkar Mein Pad GayaWhat kind of mess have I fallen into
Haye HayeOh my, oh my
Kahan Jaan PhansayiWhere has my life gotten trapped
Main Toh Sooli Pe Chadh GayaIt’s like I’m on the gallows
Haye HayeOh my, oh my
Kaisa Seedha SaadaHow truly simple
Main Kaisa Bhola Bhala Haan HaanAnd how innocent I was, oh yes
Are Kaisa Seedha SaadaOh, so very straightforward
Main Kaisa Bhola BhalaAnd what a naive soul I am
Jaane Kaun Ghadi MeinI don’t know in what awful moment
Pad Gaya Padhe Likhon Se PalaI got tangled up with these educated folk
Meethi Chhuri SeWith a sweet blade
Meethi Chhuri Se Hua HalaalI was undone by a sweet blade
Chhora Ganga Kinare WalaThis boy from the banks of the ‘Ganges’
O Chhora Ganga Kinare WalaOh, this boy from the banks of the ‘Ganges’
O Khaike Paan Banaras WalaOh, eating that ‘paan’ from Banaras
Khul Jaye Band Akal Ka TalaOpens the lock on a closed-off mind
Ek Kanya KunwariA young, unmarried girl
Hamri Surat Pe Mar GayiFell head over heels for my face
Haye HayeOh my, oh my
Ek Meethi KataariA sweet little dagger
Hamre Dil Mein Utar GayiHas sunk right into my heart
Haye HayeOh my, oh my
Kaisi Gori GoriWhat a fair-skinned girl
O Teekhi Teekhi Chhori Wah WahOh, what a sharp and fiery one, wow
Are Kaisi Gori GoriOh, what a fair-skinned girl
O Teekhi Teekhi ChhoriOh, a sharp and fiery one
Karke Jora JoriWith a little force
Kar Gayi Hamre Dil Ki ChoriShe went and stole my heart away
O Mili Chhori TohOh, when I found the girl
Mili Chhori Toh Hua NihaalFinding that girl made my life complete
Chhora Ganga Kinare WalaThis boy from the banks of the ‘Ganges’
O Chhora Ganga Kinare WalaOh, this boy from the banks of the ‘Ganges’
O Khaike Paan Banaras WalaOh, eating that ‘paan’ from Banaras
Khul Jaye Band Akal Ka TalaOpens the lock on a closed-off mind
O Khaike Paan Banaras WalaOh, eating that ‘paan’ from Banaras
Khul Jaye Band Akal Ka TalaOpens the lock on a closed-off mind
Phir Toh Aisa Kare DhamaalThen it causes such an uproar
Seedhi Kar De Sab Ki ChaalIt makes everyone walk a straight line
O Chhora Ganga Kinare WalaOh, this boy from the banks of the ‘Ganges’
The track uses a recurring refrain about the paan to connect its verses. Each part of the song contributes a different detail to the character’s rustic facade. This structure helps present the song as a tool for misdirection within the film’s story.
