“Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate” is perhaps the most playful and culturally iconic track from the 1973 sensation Bobby. While the film’s title track and romantic ballads captured the hearts of lovers, this song became a national anthem for the “innocent mischief” of youth. It features the legendary Lata Mangeshkar alongside the energetic Shailendra Singh, whose voices became the definitive sound of a new, rebellious generation of Bollywood cinema.
The music, composed by the masters of rhythm Laxmikant-Pyarelal, drew inspiration from traditional Indian folk and street melodies, giving it an earthy, infectious energy that invited everyone to sing along. The lyrics by Anand Bakshi tapped into popular Indian folklore—the idea that a crow will bite those who tell lies (Jhoot bole kauva kate)—turning a childhood warning into a flirtatious and witty exchange between the protagonists.
Picturized on a young Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia in a colorful, outdoor setting, the song’s choreography and the “crow-bite” gesture became an instant craze. It perfectly illustrates Lata Mangeshkar’s uncanny ability to adapt her voice; even as a seasoned professional, she could effortlessly inhabit the role of a spirited teenage girl, proving that her artistry knew no age or boundaries.
Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate Lyrics | Bobby | Lata Mangeshkar, Shailendra Singh | 1973
Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate Lyrics :
Jhoot bole kauva kaate
Kaale kauve se darriyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Arre jhoot bole
Jhoot bole kauva kaate
Kaale kauve se darriyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Arre jhoot bole
Jhoot bole kauva kaate
Kaale kauve se darriyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Tu maike chali jaayegi
Main danda lekar aaoonga
Main danda lekar aaoonga
Tu danda lekar aayega
Main kue mein gir jaaoongi
Main kue mein gir jaaoongi
Main rassi se khinchwaaoonga
Main ped pe chadh jaaoongi
Main aari se katwaaoonga
Pyaar kare aari chalwaaye
Aise aashiq se darriyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Arre jhoot bole kauva kaate
Kaale kauve se darriyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Main maike chali jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Tum maike chali jaayegi
Main dooja byaah rachaaoonga
Main dooja byaah rachaaoonga
Tu dooja byaah rachaayega
Haaye meri sautan laayega
Main maike nahin jaaoongi
Main maike nahin jaaoongi
Main maike nahin jaaoongi re
Maike nahin jaaoongi
Arre tere sadke jaaoongi re
Maike nahin jaaoongi
Main saaton vachan nibhaaoongi
Arre maike nahin jaaoongi
Main maike nahin jaaoongi
Main maike nahin jaaoongi
Jhoot bole kauva kaate
Kaale kauve se darriyo
Main teri sautan laaoonga
Tum dekhti rahiyo
Main teri sautan laaoonga
Tum dekhti rahiyo
Jhoot bole kauva kaate
Kaale kauve se darriyo
Main maike nahin jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo
Main maike nahin jaaoongi
Tum dekhte rahiyo.