Babla and Kanchan’s rendition of “Khirki Khuli Rahi” was featured on their album “Musical Voyage: East Meets West” (1998). The original by Sundar Popo is slightly different lyrically but will be translated in another post. It is interesting to note that while Kanchan Bollywood-ized the sound, her words here are more based in Bhojpuri compared to Popo’s use of Hindi. The meaning is that the “saas-sasur” (in-laws) are whispering about what is happening in their house. Notice the phrase “khusur phusur” for talking quietly or in secret. Their son seems to be having an affair and the song is sung from the perspective of his wife, who laments that he comes home and then leaves. The food is not eaten, the bed is not slept on, and the paan remains unchewed. She stays up all night waiting for him, the window open for his return.
Translated by Vinay Harrichan as part of the Caribbean Hindustani team:
Khirki khuli rahi sari ratiya
The window remains open all night
Saas sasur ghar khusur phusur bathia
The in-laws are whispering and talking
Balama sab ke ghar mein aawat hai
My beloved comes to our house
Jyonaar javay bina jaibe na
And will leave without eating dinner
Panwa chabai bina jaibe na
And will leave without chewing paan
Sejiya pe soye bina jaibe na
And will leave without sleeping on the bed
