Arijit Singh's 'Aar Kobe?' Song Has Become Kolkata Protest Anthem. Know Its Lyrics And Meaning

Singer Arijit Singh's Bengali song 'Aar Kobe?' has become the voice of the protests demanding justice in the Kolkata rape-murder case.

RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: Singer Arijit Singh has found himself at the center of a powerful movement in Kolkata, as his Bengali song, 'Aar Kobe?' has become the voice of the ongoing protests demanding justice for the 31-year-old doctor raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month. The brutal incident, which occurred on August 9, has led to widespread protests and calls for change. 

Aar Kobe? Penned, Composed & Sung By Arijit Singh

The song, 'Aar Kobe?' that essentially means "If not now, when?", and demands answer to "When will this (injustice) end?" was released by Arijit amidst the growing public outrage. Featuring an image of a strong fist raised in protest, the track expresses a deep sense of grief and a plea for justice not only for the murdered doctor but also for all women who continue to suffer from gender-based violence. The song is written, composed and sung by the singer.

Along with the song, the singer posted, “This song is a cry for justice, a lament for the countless women who suffer in silence, and a demand for change. We try and pay tribute to the courage of the young doctor who perished and stand in solidarity with all women who face the horrors of gender-based violence." 

He added: “This is not simply a protest song—it is a call to action. It is a reminder that our fight for women's safety and dignity is far from over. As we sing, we remember the tireless efforts of those on the frontlines—our doctors, our journalists and our students who deserve not just our respect but our protection." 

How 'Aar Kobe' Became The Kolkata Protest Anthem

Arijit Singh's song has become an integral part of the protests, with demonstrators singing it during rallies and marches.

Some fans even went to Arijit's house in Jiaganj, singing the song while playing guitars and ukuleles. The scene, shared by director Pratim D Gupta on social media, went viral. 

'Aar Kobe?' Lyrics And English Translation

The lyrics, written by Arijit, speak of injustice, and the need for strength, freedom, and awakening. 

Jomchhe ek paahad, asojhyo abichaar...  
Stabdho hoye chhilo tara- byastota haajar!  
Tai je nai kheyaal- pechhonei deyaal!  
Je jemon se nichchhi meney- naam diye kopaal... 
Keu moron okaal, keu bhoye kaator,  
Keu ba nirupaay ba osohaay hoye paathor! 

Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? 

Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Kontho shokti pabe? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Chitto swadhin hobe? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Sikto hobe hridoy? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Shir uthe dnarabe? 

Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar?  
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar? 

E byatha amar noy shudhu ekar... 
Biplobi tilottama korechhe ongikaar, 
Lutiyechhe praan- tai dhorechhi gaan,  
Korchhi prarthona biphol naa jaay se bolidaan!  
Aaj uthuk jege supto chetona- 
Ondhokaar hotey aaloke hok na poth chena! 

Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar kobe? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Chokh meley taakabe?  
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Somobyathi hobe?  

Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Monta hobe swadhin?  
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Pher ghure dnarabe?  
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Kontho shokti pabe? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Chitto swadhin hobe?  
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Sikto hobe hridoy?  
Aar kobe? Aar kobe?  
Shir uthe dnarabe?   

Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar? 
Aar kobe? Aar kobe? Aar? 

Loosely translated, this is what the song means: 

It's a mountain forming, this injustice unbearable...
They stood silent — lost in a thousand distractions! 
Hence, they did not know they were cornered, there was a wall behind! 
Each one accepts their fate, just call it destiny... 
Some die out of turn, some are paralysed with fear, 
Some become helpless or turn stone in despair! 

If not now, when?  
When will the voice find strength? 
If not now, when?
When will the mind be free? 
If not now, when?
When will the heart awaken? 
If not now, when?
When will the head stand tall? 

If not now, when?
If not now, when?

This pain is not mine alone... 
Revolutionary Tilottama made a pledge... 
She gave away her life — that's why I sing, 
Pray her sacrifice doesn't go in vain! 
Let the dormant conscience awaken today — 
May the path from darkness to light be revealed! 

If not now, when?
When will the eyes open? 
When will empathy arise? 

If not now, when?
When will the heart be free? 
If not now, when?
When will the wheel turn again?
If not now, when?
When will the voice find strength? 
If not now, when?
When will the mind be free? 
If not now, when?
When will the heart awaken? 
If not now, when?
When will the head stand tall? 

If not now, when?
If not now, when?