"Hum Hain Mata-e-Kucha-o-Bazaar" is not just a song; it is a profound piece of poetry that earned Lata Mangeshkar her first National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
From the 1970 film Dastak, this song is the ultimate collaboration between the "King of Ghazals" Madan Mohan and the revolutionary poet Kaifi Azmi.
Song Credits
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Music Director: Madan Mohan
Lyricist: Kaifi Azmi
Starring: Rehana Sultan and Sanjeev Kumar
Fascinating Facts & Meaning
The Title's Depth: The title translates to "I am a commodity of the streets and the marketplace." In the context of the film, it reflects the protagonist's struggle living in a house that was formerly occupied by a famous courtesan, where she is constantly judged and treated like an object by society.
National Recognition: The film Dastak swept the National Awards. Along with Lata Mangeshkar’s win, Madan Mohan won Best Music Direction, and Rehana Sultan won Best Actress.
The "Madan Mohan" Signature: It is said that Madan Mohan was at his most vulnerable and brilliant during the making of this film. He used minimal instruments to ensure that the weight of the lyrics and the purity of Lata's voice took center stage.
Kaifi Azmi’s Social Commentary: Kaifi Azmi used this ghazal to highlight the plight of women in a patriarchal society. The line "Utho ki hum bhi aish karein" (Get up, so even we can enjoy life) is a biting, sarcastic take on the people who exploit others.
Rehana Sultan’s Bold Debut: This was the debut film for Rehana Sultan (an FTII graduate). Her performance was considered path-breaking for its time, as it tackled themes of urban loneliness and the "male gaze" very directly.
Iconic Lines
"Hum hain mata-e-koocha-o-bazaar ki tarah" "Uthte hain har nigaah se talvaar ki tarah"
(I am like an object in the marketplace; every glance directed at me cuts like a sword.)
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