Kitni Pyari Hoti ...

"Kitni Pyari Hoti Hai Yeh Bholi Si Umar, Na Naukri Ki Chinta Na Roti Ki Phikar..."

Well, there would be absolutely absolutely nobody amongst the readers, who wouldn't recognize the 'mukhda' of this 'antara'. Each one of us must have heard this song scores of time on our or any one else's birthdays. What a jewel of a song, and what a jewel of a statement.

Really yaar, no pain apart from homework. Right from the following day of the birthday, the wait for next one use to begun. And yes, it also used to be time of taking stock of the gifts. The gifts which were actually the results of the demands. Some of them wouldn't survive beyond that day.

We use to identify our potential candidates, and pester them with our continuous demands, which used to be very specific. I hated those aunties, who would give clothes - I had enough clothes yaar. I needed toys which would never be enough. I was mean enough not to share them with anyone(though I did believe in selective barter). My poor little cousin use to cry buckets for them!

I also hated those guests who would give those Eleven, Twenty One, Fifty One (and so on) rupees. Reason was simple. I used to get only the 'One' part. The other part used to usurped by my mother. "Chalo Apni Gullak Mein Dalo". Damn!

Another craze used to be that Jhopadi(Hut) Wala Cake! Actually, those days cakes use to come in ship shape as well( I hope they do even now). This 'ship' used to have a hut shaped cabin. Such cakes used to be a status simple, and these cabins used to be yummy! My entire focus of attention on anyone's birthday would be such cabins.

And then, making a point to go to school because that was the only day one could go in colourful clothing, by virtue of which, everyone in the assembly would know that this is the birthday boy! One felt special. Distributing toffees, mostly Cadburys, added another dimension to the fun that day was.

Of course, no more of that fun now. Sped past the Teens, and even faster the twenties. Now candles cost dearer than cakes. Just to remind of those days, here is that immortal song composed by Ravi.

Hum Bhi Agar Bachche Hote
Naam Humara Hota Dabloo Babloo
Khaneko Miltey Laddoo
Aur Duniya Kehti Happy Birthday To You!

Kitni Pyari Hoti hai Bholi si Umar
Na Naukari Ki Chinta Na Roti Ki Fikar
Koi Laata Gudiya Motor, Koi Laata Lattoo
Aur Duniya Kehti Happy Birthday To You!

Nanhe Munne Hote Hum To Dete Sau Hukam
Piche Firte Daddy Mummy Banke Naukar
Choclate Biscut Toffee Khate Aur Pitey Duddhu
Aur Duniya Kehti Happy Birthday To You!

Kaise Kaise Nakhre Karte Gharwalon Se Hum
Pal Mein Hanste Pal Mein Rote Karte Naak Mein Dum
Akkad Bakkad Looka Chhupi Kabhi Chhua Chhooo
Karte Din Bhar Halla Gulla Danga Aur Dhoom
Aur Kabhi Zidd Pe Ad Jaate Jaise Adiyal Tattoo
Aur Duniya Kehti Happy Birthday To You!

Ab To Hai Ye Haal Ke Jab Se Beeta Bachpan
Maa Se Jhagda, Baap Se Katkad, Biwi Se Anbann
Kolhu Ke Hum Bail Bane Hai Dhobhi Ke Paththe
Duniya Bhar Ke Dande Sar Pe Khaayen Danadan
Bachpan Apna Hota Toh Na Karte Dhenchu Dhenchu...
Aur Duniya Kehti Happy Birthday To You!