For decades, “Ranjish Hi Sahi” has been a cherished torch passed through generations of singers, captivating listeners with its timeless ghazal. Written in Urdu by the acclaimed Pakistani poet Ahmed Faraz, it first found life in the soulful voice of Iqbal Bano. Yet it was Ustad Mehdi Hassan’s iconic rendition, enriched by the haunting strains of Rag Yaman, that truly set this melody aflame. Since then, countless artists have embraced the song, each adding their own voice to its enduring legacy.
Rooted in the ghazal tradition, this composition is a profound expression of romantic yearning — a lover’s heartfelt plea for one last meeting with the beloved. It’s a story of longing, hope, and the fragile possibility of reunion. Through its many interpretations, “Ranjish Hi Sahi” continues to resonate deeply, echoing across time and hearts alike.
Here is the first sher (couplet)
रंजिश ही सही दिल ही दुखाने के लिये आ
ranjish hi sahi dil hi dukhaane ke liye aa
If it is grief so be it, come to break my heart again.
आ फिर से मुझे छोड़ के जाने के लिये आ
aa phir se mujhe chod ke jaane ke liye aa
Do come, if only just to leave me again.
Ghazals are a traditional genre of poems set to music. Though they originated in Arabic poetry, the popular versions of ghazals sung in South Asia today can be traced to the 13th century Delhi Sultanate (present day India) poet/musician Amir Khusrau. While ghazals were originally literary, their musical adaptation—especially in Urdu—became prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, culminating in the classical and semi-classical styles sung today.
The ghazal is fundamentally romantic, often including overtones of both love and the pain of separation from love. The lyrics may also have a hidden double meaning that suggests another story which must be kept hidden.
Credits:
Composer: Ustad Mehdi Hassan
Language: Urdu
Lyrics: Ahmed Faraz
Arranged & Produced by: Balamurali Balu
Featuring Shivani Joshi on Vocals
Rohan Misra, Sarangi
Satya Vaidyanathan, Tabla
Sudeip Ghosh, Electric guitars
Mario Diaz, Acoustic guitars
Michael Dougherty, Bass guitar
Martín Zarzar, Drums
Audio: Aloha Sounds & Portland Center Stage
Audio Mixing & Mastering: Balamurali Balu & Rishi Varman
Cameras: Jesus Contreras, Lani Milton, Julio Romano & Karen Weliky
Light: Joel Ferraro, Portland Center Stage
Video Editing: Sam Gaty
Video Postproduction: Katy Gilmore
Technical Manager: Todd Baize
Rehearsal: St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Stage Manager: Carissa Rodriguez
Location Manager: Kelsey Tyler
Executive Producer: Sankar Raman
Recorded Live in The U.S. Bank Main Stage at the Portland Center Stage, Portland, OR, USA
Recorded on September 22nd, 2023