Sandstorm In The Eyes – Rookhe Naina Ret Udaave – Maqbool

Maqbool (2004), a Bollywood adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, by Vishal Bhardwaj. Maqbool is like a slideshow of a blend of dark feelings, satirical undercurrent and intense guilt. Music also by Vishal Bhardwaj complements this dark slideshow of the underworld drama. It enraptures the essence of the intensity of Maqbool. But at the same time its music gives a relaxing effect. I do not know whether this gem I’m talking about Rukhe naina by Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar was included in the original version of the movie or not. But it is certainly not there in the available versions now. And what superb blend of lyrics and music this song is!!! Another one from the combo of Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj, rendered soulfully by Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar accompanied by Ustad Sultan Khan on the sarangi.

Ret udave re naina rookhe
Rookhe naina
Ret udave re naina rukhe
Rookhe rookhe naina megh bulave re
Naina rookhe rookhe naina
Rookhe rookhe naina

My eyes have become as dry as the sand in the desert. It calls in for some moist moments, some melting moments, waiting for the clouds to pour in. The emotions thus, whirl up a sandstorm in my eyes.
Sanjeev Abhyankar certainly casts a spell with the way he sings, very openly. Hear the way he says Nainaaaa in his crisp voice and you’ll come to know the openness in his voice. His voice starts an inch by inch writhing in your ears and Gulzar’s words squirm their way in your heart.

Nidara na aave to badara hi aave
Haan nidara na aave to badara hi aave
Rookhi ankhiyon mein kuch to samaave
Dono sawan sukhe
Rookhe naina
Raiin jagave re naina

On those sleepless nights, when everything seems to be empty and harsh, I wait for the warmth of those clouds which will bring in rain. If not love, at least it’ll bring in tears and fill my empty eyes. And it won’t be that harsh. Both my worlds have a dry weather. Both my eyes are arid. They keep me awake through the night.

Moondi moondi aankhein koso chalti hai
Ek yug pichhe ek yug aage bah jati hai
Daar pe jhure sukhi sukhi patiya
Ho daar pe jhure re sukhi sukhi patiya
Piya tere waade piya teri batiya
Mausam pichhe chhoote
Naina ret udave re
Naina rookhe megh bulave re naina

When I close my eyes, they take me to the faraway places. Drifting in the past, flowing towards the future. Awaiting your arrival as you promised, so many years have gone by, I’ve become like those shrivelled, brittle and sapless leaves which await for the spring season.

The song as if unfolds the fascinating story of loyalty, deceit and betrayal, layer by layer.