Rakesh Yankarran’s hit “Dulahin Chale Sasural” (2008) opens with a few lines of the song “Jane Wali Dulahin” from the Bollywood movie “Naag Mani” (1957). Sung by sisters Usha Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, the track details the emotional departure of the “dulahin” (bride) during the “bidaai” (farewell ceremony) following a wedding. Rakesh then transitions from the nostalgic Hindi track into a chutney beat with a similar meaning. Released on the 2008 album “Bhojay D’Lawa: Local Wedding Songs,” it became a modern classic.

Translated by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:

Dulahin chale sasural
The bride goes to her in-law’s home

Jaaye moto gari mein
She leaves in the motor car

Moto gari hakane mein
While driving the motor car

Chaufe dheere dheere hakana
The chauffeur has to drive slowly

Dulaha dulahin shaal se samalna
The groom consoles the bride with his shawl

Pyaar se samalna
Consoles her lovingly

Dulaha dulahin bole pyaari pyaari batiya
The groom says loving words to the bride

Dono chehre se has has muskaraiye
Both of their faces are laughing and smiling

Dulaha ke ghar par aaye aaye baraatiyan
The wedding party arrives at the groom’s house

Dulaha ke maiya aarti utare
The groom’s mother performs the aarti blessing

Dulahin chale sasural
The bride goes to her in-law’s home