In the 2011 Zoya Akhtar coming-of-age comedy-drama road film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ("You Only Live Once"), important moments in the story are punctuated with poetry.
The poems were written by Javed Akhtar, who also wrote the lyrics to the songs. The poems are shared at key moments in the film by the character Imraan Qureshi (Farhan Akhtar) who maintains a journal with poems, drawings, and souvenirs. According to an article in The Hindi, director Zoya Akhtar used poetry to add depth to the film:
“Farhan and I write English poetry and we've been privy to dad's poetry as children. Most verses come as voiceovers, lending depth to Imraan (Farhan)'s jovial facade, and blends with his character of a closet poet. The poetry lent voice to what the men felt, since men don't talk much or express their feelings. I wanted to capture that sense of silence and reflection.”
The poems captured the imagination of audiences. Translations of the poems can be found on a number of websites. Nuances of the translations vary from site to site. The following english translations were presented on the Eros DVD.
"Apne Hone Par Mujhko Yaqeen Aa Gaya"
The moment flows by like molten sapphire
Deep blue silences
No earth below, no sky above
The rustling branches and leaves are saying only you are here
Only me
My breath and my heartbeat
such depth, such solitude
And me
Only me
I now believe I exist
"Ye Jaane Kaisa Raaz Hai"
A thought came alive, but away it hid
It stole a glance from under the eyelids
Sometimes from you, sometimes from me,
it asked for words to set it free
Words to wear, so from the lips it can flee
A voice it can embrace and sway with glee
But this thought is a feeling ... just a feeling
Like a fragrance floating in the breeze
A fragrance that is unspeaking
You live with it
I'm aware of it
Out in the open for the world to see
What is this unknown mystery?
"Dil Aakhir Tu Kyun Rota Hai"
When the clouds of pain loom in the sky
When a shadow of sadness flickers by
When a tear finds it's way to the eye
When fear keeps the loneliness alive
I try and console my heart
"Why is it that you cry?" I ask.
This is only what life imparts
These deep silences within have been handed out to all by time.
Everyone's story has a little sorrow
Everyone's share has a little sunshine
No need for water in your eyes
Every moment can be a new life
Why do you let them pass you by
Oh heart, why is it that you cry?
"Toh Zinda Ho Tum"
If you're carrying your restlessness in your heart
You are alive
If you're carrying the lightning of dreams in your eyes
You are alive
Like a gust of wind, learn to live free
Learn to flow like the waves that make a sea
Let your arms be wide open to every moment you meet
May every moment gift you a new sight to greet
If you're carrying your wonder in your eyes
You are alive
If you're carrying your restlessnes in your heart
You are alive
The following playlist features each of these poems in the order that they appeared in the film. Posted two years after the release of the film, these artistically-crafted videos feature scenes from the film.
If you liked this, check out our other Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara posts.