“Ja Re Badra Bairi Ja” is a quintessential example of the magical collaboration between the “Ghazal King” Madan Mohan and his favorite muse, Lata Mangeshkar. From the 1960 film Bahana, this song is a masterclass in the Viraha rasa—the pain of separation—which both the composer and the singer were legendary for portraying.
Madan Mohan was known for creating complex, raga-based melodies that required immense vocal control, and Lata Mangeshkar delivered them with effortless grace. In this track, she uses her signature “thehraav” (steadiness) to bring out the longing in Rajendra Krishan’s lyrics. The protagonist addresses the “enemy” clouds (Bairi Badra), pleading with them to stop teasing her and instead bring back a message from her beloved (Piya ka sandesava la re).
Picturized on the “Tragedy Queen” Meena Kumari, the song is a perfect synergy of three legends at the top of their game. While the film Bahana (directed by M. Kumar) may not be as widely discussed today as Pakeezah, its soundtrack remains a favorite among connoisseurs of vintage Hindi music. It captures that golden 1960s sound where classical Indian instruments like the sitar and tabla were used to create deeply atmospheric, soul-stirring cinema music.
Ja Re Badra Bairi Ja Lyrics :
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Piya ka sandesava la re la re la re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Pi ke daras ko jiyra tarse
Pi ke daras ko
Pi ke daras ko jiyra tarse
Pi ki khabariya la re la re la re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Baat takat mori hari nazariya
Baat takat mori
Baat takat mori
Baat takat mori hari nazariya
Kab aayenge sanwariya
Baat takat mori hari nazariya
Kab aayenge sanwariya
Mohe kyu sataye papi
Shor machaye bairi
Mera sanwariya la re la re la re
Ja re badra bairi ja ja ja re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Kahiyo sajan se mann ki batiya
Kahiyo sajan se
Kahiyo sajan se mann ki batiya
Ro ro hal suna ja re
Ja re badra bairi ja ja ja re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Piya ka sandesava la re la re la re
Ja re badra bairi ja re ja re
Ja re badra bairi ja.