“Mausam Hai Aashiqana” is a sublime masterpiece of atmosphere and longing from the 1972 epic Pakeezah. While many songs in the film focus on the dance of the “tawaif,” this track is a deeply personal, internal monologue of a woman in love. It captures the ethereal beauty of a moonlit night, where the protagonist feels the ache of solitude amidst a “romantic weather” (Mausam hai aashiqana).
The song is particularly special because the lyrics were penned by the film’s director himself, Kamal Amrohi (writing under his name Syed Amir Haider Kamal Naqvi). His poetic vision was brought to life by Ghulam Mohammed, whose music features a hauntingly beautiful arrangement of violins and flutes that mimic the rustling of trees and the quiet of the night. The composition is noted for its “thahrav” (stillness), allowing Lata Mangeshkar to explore the subtle nuances of “viraha” (separation).
Lata Didi’s rendition is widely considered one of her finest. Her voice glides through the high notes of the alaap with a weightless quality, especially in the lines comparing fireflies to stars descending upon the earth (Jugnu hai ya zami par utre hue hai tare). Picturized on Meena Kumari in the serene outdoors, the song remains an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the sweet, heavy burden of waiting for a loved one.
Mausam Hai Aashiqana Lyrics :
Mausam hai aashiqana
Ae dil kahi se unko
Aise me dhundh lana
Aise me dhundh lana
Mausam hai aashiqana
Ae dil kahi se unko
Aise me dhundh lana
Aise me dhundh lana
Mausam hai aashiqana
Kahna ke rut java hai
Aur ham taras rahe hai
Kali ghata ke saae birhan
Ko dans rahe hai
Dar hai na maar dale
Savan ka kya thikana
Savan ka kya thikana
Mausam hai aashiqana
Suraj kahi bhi jaae
Tum par na dhup aae
Tum par na dhup aae aaa..
Tumko pukarate
Hai in gesuo ke saae
Aa jaao mai bana du
Palko ka shamiyana
Palko ka shamiyana
Mausam hai aashiqana
Firte hai ham akele
Baaho me koi le le
Aakhir koi kahaa tak
Tanahaiyo se khele
Din ho gae hai zaalim
Rate hai qatilana
Rate hai qatilana
Mausam hai aashiqana
Haa….
Ye raat ye khamoshi ye
Khvab se nazare
Ye khvab se nazare
Jugnu hai ya zami par
Utre hue hai tare
Bekhaab meri aankhe
Bekhaab meri aankhe
Madhosh hai zamana
Madhosh hai zamana
Mausam hai aashiqana
Ae dil kahi se unko
Aise me dhundh lana
Mausam hai aashiqana.