The Hindustani phrase “kuch gadbad hai” refers to something that is wrong or amiss. Indian duo Babla and Kanchan implemented the saying for their chutney classic of the same name, featured on the album “Kuch Gadbad Hai” (1984) pictured here. It is an Indianized remake of the soca “Hot Hot Hot” (1982) by Montserratian artist Arrow. The lyrics describe situations around a Hindu wedding that are strange. The baraat (procession) arrives with the dulaha (groom) but the dulahin (bride) is missing as she may be drunk. Her bhabhi (sister-in-law) is chewing imli (tamarind), something her mamu (maternal uncle) would traditionally do. In the interest of ancestral language preservation, you can start using “kuch gadbad hai” in your speech.
Translated by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:
Dulha hai, baraati hai
The groom is here, the procession is here
Kanya kyu na aati hai?
Why is the bride not coming?
Kuch gadbad hai
Something is wrong
Haan-ji, haan gadbad hai
Yes, yes something is wrong
Sundar hai, ghane baal bhi hai
She is beautiful, she even has full hair
Terhi-merhi kyu chaal hai?
Why does she walk funny?
Degree na vo paas hai
He does not have a degree
Par naukari uski khaas hai
But he has a special job
Khirki hai, larki hai
There is a window, a girl is there
Mummy uski kyu bharti hai?
Why is her mummy worried?
Aankhon mein aina hai
She wears glasses
Naam uska Sunaina hai
But her name means “beautiful eyes”
Dheere dheere aati hai
She comes slowly
Bhabhi imli kyu khaati hai?
Why is sister-in-law eating tamarind?
