“Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re” Song Meaning Lata Mangeshkar
“Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re,” sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar for the film Sehra, is a classic Hindi song that encapsulates the yearning and pain of a lover separated from her beloved.
It’s a song of unfulfilled longing, expressed through vivid imagery of flight and nature, representing the desire to transcend physical limitations and be reunited with the one she loves. This analysis will delve into the lyrical meaning, highlighting the use of metaphor and the emotional journey portrayed in the song.
Title Significance: “Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re” – The Wings of Unfulfilled Desire
The title itself, “Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re” (If I Had Wings, I Would Fly), immediately establishes the core theme: the desire for escape and reunion. The “wings” are not literal, but symbolize the freedom to overcome the distance and obstacles separating the singer from her beloved. It’s a wish, a fantasy, expressing the intensity of her longing. The addition of “Re” at the end of the phrase adds a touch of informality and intimacy, making the longing feel more personal and heartfelt.
“Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re”: A Ballad of Longing and Unseen Scars – Flight as a Metaphor for Emotional Freedom
The song paints a picture of a woman deeply in love, yet separated from her “rasiya” (beloved) and burdened by a “zaalim” (cruel) fate, or perhaps a cruel lover. She yearns to show him the “daag” (scar) on her heart, a metaphorical representation of the pain caused by their separation. This isn’t just a simple expression of missing someone; it’s a desire to reveal the depth of her suffering, to make him understand the impact of his absence.
Lyrics Breakdown
Verse 1: The Fantasy of Flight – Reaching for the Beloved in the Sky
The opening lines establish the central metaphor: “Pakh hote to ud aati re, rasiyaa o zaalimaa / Tujhe dil kaa daag dikhalaati re” (If I had wings, I would fly, my beloved, oh cruel one / I would show you the scar on my heart). The wish for wings represents the yearning to transcend the physical limitations that keep her from her beloved. The “scar” symbolizes the emotional pain she carries, a pain she wants him to witness.
The next lines, “Yaado me khoyi pahunchi gagan me / Pachhi ban ke sachchi lagan me” (Lost in memories, I reached the sky / Becoming a bird, with true devotion), describe her mental escape. In her thoughts, she can fly, becoming a bird driven by her “sachchi lagan” (true devotion). This highlights the power of her love and longing, allowing her to momentarily overcome the separation in her mind.
The lines, “Dur se dekhaa mausam hasi thaa / Aanevaale tu hi nahi thaa” (From afar, I saw the weather was beautiful / But you, the one who was to come, were not there), introduce a bittersweet contrast. The beautiful weather represents the potential for happiness, but it’s marred by the absence of her beloved. This emphasizes the emptiness she feels despite the beauty around her.
Chorus: The Repeated Yearning – The Wound of Separation
The chorus repeats the opening lines, reinforcing the central theme of longing and the desire to reveal her pain. The repetition emphasizes the intensity of her emotions and the depth of her unfulfilled desire. The direct address to the “rasiya” as “zaalim” suggests a hint of reproach, acknowledging the pain he has caused, perhaps unintentionally, by his absence.
Verse 2: Reaching Out, But Finding Emptiness – The Unfulfilled Promise
The lines, “Kirane ban ke baahe phailaayi / Aas ke baadal pe jaake laharaayi” (Becoming rays of light, I spread my arms / And swayed on the clouds of hope), continue the imagery of reaching out, of striving to connect with the beloved. She becomes like the sun’s rays, extending herself towards him, floating on the “clouds of hope.” This imagery conveys a sense of ethereal beauty and desperate yearning.
The lines, “Jhul chuki mai vaade kaa jhulaa / Tu to apna vaadaa hi bhulaa” (I have swung on the swing of promises / But you have forgotten your promise), introduce a note of disappointment and perhaps betrayal. The “swing of promises” represents the hopes and expectations built on their past relationship, but he has forgotten his commitment. This adds a layer of complexity to her longing, suggesting a broken promise that intensifies her pain.
Outro: The Persistent Wish – The Unfading Hope
The song concludes by repeating the core lines: “Pakh hote to ud aati re.” This reiteration leaves the listener with the lingering image of the woman’s unfulfilled desire. The wish for wings, for escape, for reunion, remains the dominant emotion, underscoring the enduring power of her love and the pain of separation.
Conclusion
“Pankh Hote To Ud Aati Re” is a timeless expression of longing and the pain of separation. It uses the powerful metaphor of flight to represent the desire to transcend physical limitations and be reunited with a loved one. The lyrics, simple yet evocative, paint a picture of a woman consumed by her love, yearning to reveal the depth of her suffering to the one who is absent.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of longing and its beautiful, melancholic melody, perfectly conveyed by Lata Mangeshkar’s soulful voice. It’s a classic example of how music can capture the complex emotions of love, loss, and the enduring hope for reunion. The repetition of wish, and the flight imagery, combined with the subtle hint of a broken promise, create a poignant and unforgettable portrait of a heart in waiting.
