Beautifully written by the writer/poet MJ Hashmat and poignantly sung by the versatile Kishore Kumar, is the theme song from Rakhee starrer ‘Tapasya’ (1976), ‘Jo Raah Chuni Toone, Usi Raah pe Raahi Chalte Jaana Re…’. It was a hit of those times for it’s depth of emotions, yet not a big blockbuster for the charts. Inevitability and vicissitudes in life form the lyrics of the song that I’ve tried to translate from Hindi and am sharing for friends who enjoy poetic expressions conveying our innermost thoughts :
On the difficult path you’ve chosen, Undeterred you must go on tireless,
However long and tortuous night be, Burn like a bright light, be sleepless,
The cool shade of the mammoth tree, Is no shelter to relieve it of it’s pain,
Serving others is purpose of it’s life, For them, it blooms again and again,
Your mirror is the wistful reflection, Of those inner thoughts, moist eyes,
Prepare yourself for what’s in store, Travel destiny’s path and don’t sigh,
Life’s a long journey, moments come, Those we love may go, leaving no ties,
Fortitude and endurance will be tested, Be strong and wise and ask no Why’s !
Working on Living 