“Unse Hum Kuch Kehte Kehte Reh Gaye” is a poignant, sorrowful gem from the 1949 film Dil Ki Basti. This track is a beautiful example of the early synergy between Lata Mangeshkar and the legendary lyricist Shakeel Badayuni. While Shakeel is often associated with the grand compositions of Naushad, his work in this film, set to the music of Ghulam Mohammed, captures a more intimate and raw form of heartbreak.
Ghulam Mohammed, who would later create the immortal music for Pakeezah, was known for his mastery over rhythmic nuances and traditional Indian instruments. In this song, he provides a somber canvas for a nineteen-year-old Lata to paint a picture of unspoken words and “tears that told the whole story” (Lekin aansoo sab fasana kah gaye). As Lata was solidifying her position in the industry in 1949—the same year she delivered the career-defining Mahal—this song stood out for its quiet dignity and the soulful “thehraav” (stability) she brought to the melody.
Unse hum kuch kehte reh gaye lyrics | Lata Mangeshkar | Dil Ki Basti
Unse hum
Unse hum kuch kahte
Kahte rah gaye
Kahte kahte rah gaye
Unse hum kuch kahte
Kahte rah gaye
Kahte kahte rah gaye
Lekin aansoo lekin
Lekin aansoo sab
Fasana kah gaye
Sab fasana kah gaye
Aag dil mein tum laga kar
Chal diye chal diye
Aag dil mein tum laga kar
Chal diye chal diye
Aur yaha arman
Jalte rah gaye
Haye jalte rah gaye
Dil ke tukde the nishani
Pyar ki pyar ki
Dil ke tukde the nishani
Pyar ki pyar ki
Aaj wo bhi aansoo mein bah gaye
Aansoo mein bah gaye
Unse hum unse hum kuch
Kahte kahte rah gaye
Kahte kahte rah gaye.