‘Mitra Re’ Explained: Why You’re Never Truly Alone (Jasleen Royal & Arijit Singh)

“Mitra Re,” the deeply soulful and comforting song from the 2022 thriller film Runway 34, brought to life by the voices of Jasleen Royal and Arijit Singh, is like a warm ray of hope for anyone going through tough times and feeling alone. The title itself, “Mitra Re,” means “Oh, my friend.” The song gently speaks to this “friend” – who could be any listener – reminding them that even when life’s paths seem dark and challenging, they are never truly alone because there’s a divine presence, a “Khuda” (God), always by their side.

The song acknowledges that journeys can be difficult, like walking on a path engulfed in night (“raste raat padi hai”), and efforts can leave one breathless (“saans chadhi hai”). Yet, it reassures that morning will eventually come (“hogi subah”) and the heart, deep down, has not given up (“na haara dil”). “Mitra Re” encourages us to believe that bad days will pass and difficulties will ease. It strongly urges against thinking one is alone (“tanha”), prompting a turn towards prayer for healing and patience, and recognizing God as the ultimate shelter, light, and constant companion in every aspect of life.

Dark Nights, Bright Mornings: Holding Onto Hope

The song begins by understanding that life can present very difficult situations, like being on a path that is as dark as night. This imagery of a “path like night” (“raste raat padi hai”) immediately connects with anyone who has felt lost, scared, or unsure about what lies ahead. But right after acknowledging this darkness, the song brings in a powerful message of hope. It assures the listener that just as night is always followed by morning, these dark times will also give way to a brighter future (“hogi subah”).

This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s presented as a certainty that the listener knows deep down. It also recognizes the struggles faced along the way, like feeling out of breath from trying so hard (“saans chadhi hai”). However, it quickly points out the resilience of the human spirit, emphasizing that despite these challenges, the heart has not accepted defeat (“na haara dil yeh tera”). This opening sets a tone of empathy combined with unwavering optimism.

“Why Think You’re Alone, Friend?”: The Divine Companion

The most central and repeated message of “Mitra Re” is a gentle yet firm reminder that we are never truly alone. The song directly asks the listener, addressed as “Mitra” (friend), “Soche kyun tanha hai?” – “Why do you think you are alone?” This question is immediately followed by the reassuring answer: “Tera bhi toh khuda hai, mitra re” – “You too have a God, oh friend!”

This beautiful assurance aims to dispel feelings of loneliness and despair. It suggests that even when human support seems distant or absent, there is a constant divine presence. The concept of “Khuda” or God as a companion, a friend, is very comforting. It encourages the listener to shift their perspective from feeling isolated to recognizing this ever-present support system. The repetition of this idea emphasizes its importance – it’s the core truth the song wants the listener to hold onto.

A Prayer for Healing and Patience: Seeking Inner Peace

Understanding that difficult times can leave emotional wounds, the song then turns towards prayer. It voices a heartfelt plea to “Maula” (a term for God, meaning Lord or Master), asking for healing and inner strength. The prayer is to heal the wounds of the heart or mind (“Man ke ghav ko bhar de maula”) and to grant patience or contentment to the heart (“Dil ko sabris karde maula”). “Sabris” here is a beautiful word suggesting the bestowal of “sabr” (patience).

This part of the song highlights the role of faith and prayer in finding peace during turmoil. It’s an acknowledgment that some healing needs divine intervention. By asking for patience, the song also subtly teaches that recovery and the passing of hard times might take time, and inner strength is needed to endure. It’s a universal prayer for comfort and resilience.

The Ultimate Shelter: Finding Refuge When All Else Fails

“Mitra Re” beautifully describes God as the ultimate refuge, especially when one feels completely abandoned by the world. The song states, “Jab koi nahi tera tab hi wo tera hai,” meaning “When no one else is yours (or there for you), then He (God) is yours.” This is a powerful message for anyone feeling let down or isolated. It suggests that divine support is most strongly present and felt when other supports fall away.

The invitation “Aaja ab aa wohi to basera hai” (“Come now, that (He) is the only shelter/abode”) further reinforces this idea. It’s a call to turn towards this divine presence for safety and comfort. The song also links this shelter with divine light (“Noor wahi hai”) and the promise of a new dawn (“ruk savera hai” – wait, the dawn is here/coming). It’s a comforting assurance that this divine refuge is a place of light, hope, and new beginnings.

Everything He Is: Recognizing God in All Aspects of Life

Expanding on the idea of divine companionship, the song beautifully lists how God is intertwined with every aspect of our being and life. It says that God is our very body (“Kaaya bhi woh”) and our shadow or protector (“saaya bhi woh”). God is also our true wealth or treasure (“Sarmaya woh tera”).

Furthermore, this divine friend is the healing balm for our wounds (“Marham bhi woh”) and our constant, true companion (“Humdam bhi woh tera”). This comprehensive description shows that God isn’t a distant entity but an intimate part of our existence – providing physical form, protection, sustenance, healing, and companionship. It encourages the listener to see and acknowledge this divine support in everything around and within them, reinforcing why they should never feel alone.

“Mitra Re” serves as a gentle, spiritual guide, offering solace and strength. It’s a reminder that hope is always present, even in the darkest of times, primarily through the unwavering presence of a divine “friend.”

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “Mitra Re”

Q1: What is the overall message of the song “Mitra Re”?

A: The overall message of “Mitra Re” is one of hope, resilience, and the comforting assurance that you are never truly alone, especially during difficult times. It emphasizes that there is a divine presence (God) who is like a constant friend and supporter.

Q2: Who is the “Mitra” (friend) being addressed in the song?

A: The “Mitra” in the song is the listener – anyone who might be feeling down, alone, or going through hardships. The song speaks directly to this person, offering them comfort and reassurance. The ultimate friend being pointed towards is God.

Q3: What does the line “Maana raste raat padi hai, Par tu jaane hogi subah” mean?

A: This line means, “It is accepted that the path is dark like night (or it’s a dark time on your path), but you know that morning will come.” It acknowledges that one might be facing very difficult and dark times (“raste raat padi hai”), but it instills hope by reminding that a new, brighter day (“subah”) is inevitable.

Q4: Can you explain “Soche kyun tanha hai, mitra re, Tera bhi toh khuda hai, mitra re”?

A: This translates to “Why do you think you are alone, oh friend? You too have a God, oh friend!” This is the core message of the song, directly addressing the listener’s feeling of loneliness (“tanha”) and reminding them of the presence of God (“Khuda”) as a constant companion and support.

Q5: What is the prayer “Man ke ghav ko bhar de maula, Dil ko sabris karde maula” asking for?

A: This line is a prayer that means “Heal the wounds of the heart/mind, O Lord (Maula), and grant patience/contentment to the heart, O Lord.” It’s a plea for inner healing from emotional pain (“man ke ghav”) and for the strength of patience (“sabr” or “sabris”) to endure and find peace.

Q6: What does “Kaaya bhi woh saaya bhi woh, Sarmaya woh tera, Marham bhi woh marham bhi woh, Humdam bhi woh tera” tell us about God?

A: This line describes the all-encompassing nature of God. It means: “He (God) is the body (Kaaya), He is the shadow/protection (Saaya), He is your treasure/true wealth (Sarmaya). He is the healing balm (Marham), and He is your constant companion (Humdam).” It shows God as being intimately present and providing everything one needs – physical existence, protection, true value, healing, and companionship.

Q7: Who sang “Mitra Re” and from which movie is it?

A: “Mitra Re” is sung by Jasleen Royal and Arijit Singh. It is featured in the 2022 Hindi thriller film Runway 34, which stars Ajay Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakul Preet Singh.