“Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai”: How Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Inspired My Writing in Hindi Class

Recently, as part of my time learning Hindi in Duke’s AMES program, I had the chance to blend my love for language, film, and poetry. One evening for a class assignment, I rewatched Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which is one of my favorite Hindi films. Its iconic song Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai captures the idea that in love, we sometimes glimpse the divine. When Kusum Ji asked me to write a poem for class, I felt inspired by the song, and decided to capture this idea in my own interpretation of love. 

Writing this poem was a challenge in both language and emotion. I wanted to express my interpretation of the connection between two souls, but I also wanted to challenge myself to think in Hindi rather than just translating. 

Finding the right word to capture a feeling, whether it was chaahat (desire) or sukoon (peace), pushed me to appreciate the beauty of Hindi. With each line, I felt more connected to the language. 

In the end, my poem closes with the same sentiment as the song that inspired it: “Tujh mein Rab dikhta hai”.  While writing this poem, I found a new way to see love, language, and learning as intertwined journeys. 

My Poem in Hindi: 
तू ही मेरा सपना है, 

तू ही मेरी चाहत। 

तेरे बिना अधूरा हूँ मैं, 

तू ही मेरी ज़िन्दगी। 

तू ही मन का सुकून है, 

तू ही दिल की बात। 

तेरे साथ ही पूरा हूँ मैं, 

तू ही सबसे ख़ास। 

तेरी हँसी में ख़ुशबू है, 

तेरे बोलों में प्यार। 

तुझसे ही जीता है जीवन, 

तू ही मेरा संसार। 

तुझमें ही अपना पाता हूँ, 

तेरे नाम का दीप जला। 

हर पल तुझे ही धरता हूँ, 

तुझमें रब दिखता है। 

Translation in English: 
You are my dream, 

You are my desire. 

Without you, I am incomplete, 

You are my life. 

You are the peace of my heart, 

You are the voice within. 

With you, I am complete, 

You are the most special one. 

There’s fragrance in your smile, 

There’s love in your words. 

With you, life truly lives, 

You are my entire universe. 

I find myself within you, 

I light a lamp in your name. 

Every moment, I hold you close, 

I see God within you.