Ma Kahile Haseko Thiye
by Yash Kumar
"Ma Kahile Haseko Thiye" (translated as "When Did I Ever Smile") is a legendary, heartbreaking Nepali modern pop song composed and beautifully performed by the celebrated singer Yash Kumar. Featured on his iconic studio album Reason, the track stands out as a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, dealing with themes of forced separation, societal barriers, and unreciprocated blame. The poignant lyrics, penned by Bhanu, deliver a painful monologue from a lover who is forced to part ways due to family obligations and social constraints ("Janma nata tutne dar thiyo"). Throughout the track, Yash Kumar's soulful, melancholic vocals powerfully convey the inner agony of being misunderstood by the very person he loves, as he questions how he could ever smile while seeing them in tears.
The lasting impact of the song is heightened by its tragic visual narrative, directed by Sangita Shrestha, featuring camera work by Bhupendra Shrestha and seamless editing by Prakash Tuladhar. The music video perfectly captures the raw essence of the track, illustrating the deep sadness of two lovers drifting apart under the weight of unavoidable circumstances. Decades after its initial release under the Dhaulagiri Cassette Center, "Ma Kahile Haseko Thiye" remains a staple in Nepali music culture.
म कहिले हाँसेको थिएँ, तिमि मेरो सामु रुदा
किन त्येसै गालि गरछौ बाद्द्येतामा टाढा हुदा
म कहिले हाँसेको थिएँ
तिमिबाट टाढा हुनु, मलाई कसैको कर् थियो
तिमिलाई साथ दिन्थिए, जन्म नाता टुट्ने डर थियो
तिमिबाट टाढा हुनु, मलाई कसैको कर् थियो
तिमिलाई साथ दिन्थिए, जन्म नाता टुट्ने डर थियो
हाँसेर बोलिदेउ कहिले काँहि भेट हुँदा
किन त्येसै आँखा टर्छौ बाद्द्येतामा टाढा हुदा
म कहिले हाँसेको थिएँ
सबै थाहा छ तिमिलाई, कसरी म टाढा भएँ
धेरै माया गर्थिए तिमिलाई, किन आज नौलो बने
सबै थाहा छ तिमिलाई, कसरी म टाढा भएँ
धेरै माया गर्थिए तिमिलाई, किन आज नौलो बने
यो मन कहाँ खुशी छ, तिमिलाई अरुले छुदा
किन त्येसै गालि गरछौ बाद्द्येतामा टाढा हुदा
म कहिले हाँसेको थिएँ, तिमि मेरो सामु रुदा
किन त्येसै गालि गरछौ बाद्द्येतामा टाढा हुदा
हाँसेर बोलिदेउ कहिले काँहि भेट हुँदा
किन त्येसै आँखा टर्छौ बाद्द्येतामा टाढा हुदा
