Imagine a musical gathering where the boundaries of religion dissolve, where a Muslim Qawwal cries out in longing, not for a beloved in a tavern, but for the dark-skinned Lord of Vrindavan. This is the magic of "Kanhaiya Yaad Hai Kuchh Bhi Hamaari".
Performed by the legendary Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammed, this track gained viral status through the Ajab Shahar - Kabir Project. It is a shining example of the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, blending the raw emotion of a Krishna Bhajan with the sophisticated improvisations of Sufi Qawwali.
 |
| A beautiful depiction of Lord Krishna adorning Radha's hair, symbolizing their divine love and devotion. |
But beyond the mesmerizing rhythm, what do the lyrics actually mean? Who is the poet 'Hilm' mentioned in the verses? In this article, we decode the lyrics, the history, and the profound spiritual metaphors hidden in this masterpiece.
Kanhaiya Yaad Hai Kuchh Bhi Hamaari Lyrics (Hindi)
Below are the lyrics in the original Devanagari script. The dialect is a beautiful mix of Braj Bhasha and Urdu.
कन्हैया याद है कुछ भी हमारी,
कहाँ क्या तेरे भूलने के मैं वारी।।
विनती मैं कर कर बमना से पूछी,
पल पल की खबर तिहारी,
पड़याँ पड़ी महादेव के जांकर,
टोना भी कर कर हारी,
कन्हैया टोना भी कर कर हारी,
कन्हैया याद है कुछ भी हमारी।।
खाक परे लोगो इस ब्याहने पर,
अच्छी में रहती कुँवारी,
माईके में मैं ‘हिलम’ रहती थी सुख से,
फिरती थी क्यों मारी मारी,
कन्हैया फिरती थी क्यों मारी मारी,
कन्हैया याद है कुछ भी हमारी।।
Kanhaiya Yaad Hai Lyrics (Hinglish)
Kanhaiya, yaad hai kuchh bhi hamaari?
Kahun kya, tere bhoolne ke main vaari!
Mujhe yaad hai woh zara zara,
Tumhein yaad ho ke naa yaad ho…
Yaad hai kuchh bhi hamaari?
Kahun kya, tere bhoolne ke main vaari!
Ae Kanhaiya…
Binti main kar kar bamna se poochhi,
Pal pal ki khabar tihaari.
Paiyan padi Mahadev ke jaakar,
Toona bhi kar kar haari.
Ae Kanhaiya, toona bhi kar kar haari…
Kanhaiya, yaad hai kuchh bhi hamaari?
Khaak pado logon iss byaahne par,
Achchhi main rehti kanwaari.
Maike mein main ‘Hilm’ rehti thi sukh se,
Phirti thi kyun maari maari.
Ae Kanhaiya, phirti thi kyun maari maari…
Kanhaiya, yaad hai kuchh bhi hamaari?
The History: Who Wrote This Masterpiece?
While often mistaken for traditional folklore, this poetry is attributed to Nawab Sadiq Jung Bahadur 'Hilm', a 19th-century poet from Hyderabad. The Deccan region has a rich history of syncretic literature, similar to the works of Amir Khusrau, where poets saw the Divine Truth in all forms.
In this composition, the poet uses the Takhallus (pen name) "Hilm". He addresses Krishna not just as a deity, but as the Ultimate Beloved, complaining about the separation (Viraha) that the soul endures in this material world.
🎶 Watch the Original Performance
Before diving into the lyrics, experience the soulful rendition here:
Meaning & Cultural Analysis
To truly appreciate this Qawwali, one must understand the layers of metaphor used by Nawab Sadiq Jung Bahadur.
1. The Paradox of Devotion
The line "Tere bhoolne ke main vaari" (I adore even your forgetfulness) captures the essence of unconditional surrender. Similar to the emotions found in Nusrat’s Saadgi To Hamari, the lover accepts neglect as a form of interaction with the Divine.
2. The Marriage (Maya) Metaphor
The most profound stanza is: "Khaak pado logon iss byaahne par" (May dust fall on this marriage). Here, the poet isn't talking about a literal wedding.
- Maika (Parent’s Home): Represents the soul’s original state of union with God (Rooh-e-Azam).
- Sasural (In-laws' House/Marriage): Represents the material world where the soul is trapped in the cycle of life and death.
 | |
|
The poet laments coming into this world ("marriage") and wishes to return to the peace of the "Maika". This longing for the original home is a central theme in Sufism, echoing the pain of Karn in the Mahabharata, who was separated from his origins.
3. Syncretism in Rituals
The lyrics mention asking "Bamna" (Brahmins) and bowing to "Mahadev" (Shiva). For a Muslim poet to write this signifies a time when the search for God (Haqiqat) transcended religious dogmas. It reminds us of the devotion seen in Sudama's plea to Krishna—pure, desperate, and without boundaries.
Conclusion
"Kanhaiya Yaad Hai Kuchh Bhi Hamaari" serves as a mirror to our own spiritual longing. In a world often obsessed with dividing the Divine, this Qawwali by Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammed unites us in the universal language of tears and love.
Whether you relate to the folk simplicity of Rahgir's lyrics or the classical depth of Maithili Vivah Geets, this song finds a home in every heart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the original singer of Kanhaiya Yaad Hai?
While popularized recently by Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammed, it is a traditional composition based on the poetry of Nawab Sadiq Jung Bahadur.
What is the meaning of "Hilm" in the song?
"Hilm" is the pen name (Takhallus) of the poet, Nawab Sadiq Jung Bahadur. It literally translates to "Gentleness" or "Forbearance".
Why do Sufis sing about Krishna?
In the Indo-Islamic Sufi tradition (Chishti order), Krishna is often revered as a manifestation of Divine Beauty and Truth. He is seen as the ultimate 'Beloved' who draws the soul away from the material world.
Explore more literature and lyrics at Sahityashala.in, Maithili Poems, and English Sahityashala.