Zaalima (feat. Harshdeep Kaur)

Arijit Singh's 'Zaalima,' featuring Harshdeep Kaur, is a poignant exploration of the torment and ecstasy that love can bring. The word 'Zaalima' translates to 'cruel one,' and the song delves into the paradoxical nature of love, where the same person who brings immense joy can also cause profound pain. The lyrics are a heartfelt plea from a lover who is already suffering from the pangs of love, questioning why their beloved would want to inflict more agony upon them.

The song opens with the lines, 'jo teri khatir tadpe pehle se hi, kya usey tadpana o zaalima,' which translates to 'the one who has already suffered for you, why torment them further, O cruel one.' This sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the lover's vulnerability and the emotional turmoil they are experiencing. The repeated use of 'zaalima' emphasizes the lover's sense of betrayal and confusion, as they grapple with the duality of their feelings.

The lyrics also touch upon the intoxicating nature of love, with lines like 'aankhen marhaba, baatein marhaba, main sau martaba deewana huaa,' meaning 'your eyes are enchanting, your words are enchanting, I have fallen in love a hundred times.' This juxtaposition of enchantment and torment captures the essence of a love that is both beautiful and painful. The song further explores the lover's longing for reciprocation, as seen in 'main hi kyun ishq zaahir karun, tu bhi kabhi bol de,' which means 'why should I be the only one to express love, you should also say it sometimes.'

In essence, 'Zaalima' is a lyrical representation of the complexities of love, where joy and sorrow coexist. The song's emotional depth is amplified by Arijit Singh's soulful voice and Harshdeep Kaur's hauntingly beautiful vocals, making it a memorable and moving piece of music.