Naguva Nayana (Smiling eyes)

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This is a English translation of one of my favorite songs, originally in Kannada. It is from a Kannada movie, Pallavi Anupallavi. The movie stands out for it's unusual story line and offbeat look. It also marks itself as the directorial debut of Mani Ratnam , and the debut of actor Anil Kapoor. But what also stands out in this movie is it's incredibly soulful music , by the legendary Illaiyaraja. Penned by RN Jayagopal the lyrics stand out to be simple, adding it's meaning subtly to the melody of the tune. This song is sung by none other than SPB and S Janaki. A get together of great artists!

The song when literally translated looks like this:

Naguva Nayana Madhura Mauna
Midiva Hrudaya Kiremaateke
Amongst our smiling eyes, sweet silences
and yearning heart beats
is there any need to talk it out?

Hosa Bhaashe Idu Rasa Kavyavidu
Ida Haadalu Kavi Beeke
There endures a new language between us,
a passionate poem.
Is there need for a poet to sing it for us?

Ninagaagi Heluve Kathe Nooranu
Naa Ninna Nagisuve Ee Dindanu

I will share a hundred stories with you,
I will make you laugh today and every day.

Erulalli Kaanuve kirunageyu
Kannali huchchatta Honganasanu

Even in the dark, I will be able to see your shy smile
and the multitude of dreams in your eyes.

Jotheyaagi Nadeve Naa Maleyalu
Bididante Hiduve Ee Kaiyanu

I will walk with you in the rain
and will never let go of your hand now in mine.

Geleya Jothege Haari Baruve
Baana Elle Daati Naleve

With you friend, I want to fly
Beyond the horizon and the skies.

Naguva Nayana Madhura Mauna
Midiva Hrudaya Kiremaateke

Ee Ratri Haadu Kisimaatale
Na Kande Inidaada Saviraagavu

In the whispers of this night
I can hear a beautiful song of love


Neenalli Naanilli Eekantade
Naa Kande Nannade Hosa Lokava

Sometimes in our seperation,
I have dreamt of a whole new world with you.


Ee Sneha Tantide Yedeyalli
Yendendu Alisuva Rangoli

Your love has brought to my heart
Colors that are never to fade

Aase Huve Haasi Kaade
Nadene Kanasaa Hosagee Bidade

These are blooming buds of hope
Don't let them wither away, in vain.

Naguva Nayana Madhura Mauna
Midiva Hrudaya Kiremaateke
Hosa Bhaashe Idu Rasa Kavyavidu
Ida Haadalu Kavi Beeke

Enjoy the song anyway :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzMgMepKSko

Comments

Ck said…
Thanks for this post: I was hunting for the meaning of the entire song...

with all Kannada I knew, I could gather the meaning.

I am dazzled by the first charanam's lyrics, music, way it is sung and balu-mahendran's camera
March 16, 2010 at 1:01 AM
Kannabiran said…
Thanks for posting the meaning of this song. I'm a tamilian but still I love this song so much without knowing the meaning of it. I asked my kannadiga friend and she couldn't give me the complete meaning...
November 4, 2010 at 5:56 PM
Malathy said…
Heard this song yesterday and was looking to see the video and hear the song a few more times :-)
I love the way this writer has given the meaning of the lyrics... Amazing!!!
May 17, 2012 at 8:52 AM
Unknown said…
Thanks for this post. I happened to listen to this song and was curious about it. I was surprised to know about this movie, Mani Ratnam, Balu Mahendra, Illayaraja, SPB, S.Janaki....they jus rock. I liked the other song also Nagu Enthithe Manjina Bindu...
regards
Deepan
August 13, 2012 at 1:55 PM
Unknown said…
Wonderful song, music, voices and lyrics. Thanks a lot for giving the english meaning of the lines for non-kannada people like me. Loved it.
February 26, 2016 at 9:15 AM
Bhanu Kiran Datta K said…
the beauty of this song cant be emphasised enough. After reading the meaning I was awestruck. <3
June 24, 2016 at 3:31 PM
Unknown said…
Thank you so much for this translation & description
September 1, 2021 at 9:45 AM
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