“Chanda Re Ja Re Ja” is one of the most enduring melodies from the 1948 film Ziddi. In this classic “viraha” (separation) song, the protagonist addresses the moon as a messenger to carry a plea to a distant lover.

The song was composed by the visionary Khemchand Prakash, who is often credited with discovering the true potential of Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. With lyrics by Prem Dhawan, the song uses simple yet evocative imagery—burning lamps and weeping eyes—to convey deep romantic longing. It was tracks like this that helped transition Indian film music from the theatrical styles of the early 40s into the sophisticated, melody-driven era of the 50s.

Chanda re ja re ja lyrics | Lata Mangeshkar | Ziddi | 1948

Chanda re ja re ja lyrics :

Chanda re ja re ja re
Chanda re ja re ja re
Chanda re ja re ja re
Piya se sandesa mora kahiyo ja
Chanda re ja re ja re
Piya se sandesa mora kahiyo ja
Mora tum bin jiya na laage re piya
Mora tum bin jiya na laage re piya
Mohe ik pal chain na aaye
Chanda re ja re ja re
Piya se sandesa mora kahiyo ja
Chanda re ja re ja re

Kis ke man mein jaaye base ho
Kis ke man mein jaaye base ho
Humre man mein agan lagaaye
Humre man mein agan lagaaye
Hamne tori yaad mein baalam
Deep jalaaye deep bujhaaye
Deep jalaaye deep bujhaaye
Phir bhi tera man naa pighala
Hamne kitne neer bahaaye
Chanda ja re ja re
Chanda re ja re ja re
Piya se sandesa mora kahiyo jaa
Chanda re ja re ja re

Ghadiyan gin gin din beetat hain
Ghadiyan gin gin din beetat hain
Ankhiyon mein kat jaaye raina
Ankhiyon mein kat jaaye raina
Tori aas liye baithe hain
Hanste naina rote naina
Hanste naina rote naina
Hamne tori raah mein preetam
Pag pag pe hain nain bichhaye
Chanda ja re ja re
Chanda re ja re ja re
Piya se sandesa mora kahiyo ja
Chanda re ja re ja re
Piya se sandesa mora kahiyo ja
Mora tum bin jiya na lage re piya
Mora tum bin jiya na lage re piya
Mohe ek pal chain na aaye
Chanda re ja re ja re.