“Kahe Ko Byahi” is a soul-stirring folk-based melody from the 1948 cinematic adaptation of the tragic legend Heer Ranjha. This song belongs to the traditional Bidaai (farewell) genre, capturing the poignant moment a bride leaves her paternal home. It features a young Lata Mangeshkar, whose emotive delivery even at this early stage of her career brought a profound sense of melancholy to the screen.

The music was composed by Azeez Khan, who utilized traditional melodic structures to mirror the deep-rooted cultural sentiments of the story. With heart-wrenching lyrics by Wali Sahab, the song takes the form of a daughter’s gentle questioning of her father (Babul) about the customs of marriage and separation. Released during the era when Lata was refining her Urdu diction and moving away from the vocal styles of her predecessors, this track stands as a testament to her early mastery of the emotional nuances required for Indian playback.

Kahe ko byahi lyrics | Lata Mangeshkar | Heer Ranjha | 1948

Kahe ko byahi lyrics : 

Kahe ko byahi bides
Kahe ko byahi bides re
Sun babul mere
Ha sun babul mere
Kahe ko byahi bides re
Sun babul mere
Ha sun babul mere

Sath para maine
Gudyio ka choda
Chhoda saheli ka sath re
Sath para maine
Gudyio ka choda
Chhoda saheli ka sath re
Tere hi kahne se
Tham liya hai
Ek pardesi ka hath re
Sun babul mere
Ha sun babul mere
Kahe ko byahi bides re
Sun babul mere
Ha sun babul mere

Meri rani tere mahlo ki bandi
Hum hai tumhare gulam re
Meri rani tere mahlo ki bandi
Hum hai tumhare gulam re
Kadmo mein har dum
Bichayenge ankhiya
Kadmo mein har dum
Bichayenge ankhiya
Chupke karenge salam re
Sun babul mere
Ha sun babul mere
Kahe ko byahi bides re
Sun babul mere
Ha sun babul mere.