Originally penned by the renowned Pakistani poet , this ghazal gained immortal fame through the silken, melancholic voice of Ghulam Ali . Over the decades, it has become a staple at night-long mushairas (poetry readings) and a benchmark for classical singing.
This is a brilliant twist. The poet suggests that the beloved doesn't need an external mirror (or a third-party judge) to see who is right or wrong. She can either examine her own faithfulness or simply look at his miserable state. His pain is the ultimate reflection of her actions. Verse 5 (The Climax) Urdu: Dono ne kar rakha hai kya, ulfat ka maara kya kare Translation: What have both of us done? What can a person struck by love do? kal chaudhvin ki raat thi lyrics english translation
Kuch ne kaha yeh chaand hai, kuch ne kaha chehra tera Translation: Some said, "This is the moon," while others said, "It is your face." Originally penned by the renowned Pakistani poet ,
By saying "Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi" (Last night was the 14th night), the poet establishes a paradox. The night was perfect, bright, and beautiful, yet the speaker is heartbroken. The implication is clear: even the most magnificent natural beauty cannot compete with—or is cruelly juxtaposed against—the pain of separation. For reference, here are the standard lyrics as sung by Ghulam Ali: Kal chaudhvin ki raat thi, shab bhar raha charcha tera Kuch ne kaha yeh chaand hai, kuch ne kaha chehra tera The poet suggests that the beloved doesn't need
Wo dekh le apni wafa, ya dekh le haalat meri Kaun aaina dekhe, khud ko dekhkar jab dekhle
Listen to the original song by Ghulam Ali to feel the full emotional weight of these translated words.
This is the emotional core. The poet cannot answer the question. He can’t confirm “it is the moon” or “it is her face” because both pale in comparison to her andaaz (grace/style). His silence and smile are the only appropriate responses to a beauty that words fail. Verse 3 Urdu: Kahta hai har zalim sitam, lekin bura kya hai sitam Translation: Every tyrant talks about cruelty, but what is so bad about cruelty?