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Sahir Ludhianvi

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Abdul Hayee (8 March 1921 – 25 October 1980), popularly known by his pen name (takhallus) Sahir Ludhianvi, was an Indian poet who wrote primarily in Urdu in addition to Hindi.[1] He is regarded as one of the greatest film lyricist and poets of 20th century India.[2][3]

Sahir Ludhianvi
2013 stamp featuring Sahir Ludhianvi by India Post
2013 stamp featuring Sahir Ludhianvi by India Post
BornAbdul Hayee
(1921-03-08)8 March 1921
Ludhiana, Punjab, British India
Died25 October 1980(1980-10-25) (aged 59)
Bombay, Maharashtra, India
OccupationPoet, lyricist and writer
EducationS.C.D Government College, Ludhiana
Period20th century
GenrePoetry
SubjectMovie Lyrics
Literary movementProgressive Writers' Association
Notable awardsPadma Shri (1971)
Filmfare Awards (1964 and 1977)
PartnerSudha Malhotra
Amrita Pritam

His work influenced Indian cinema, in particular Hindi language films.[4] Sahir won a Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist for Taj Mahal (1963). He won a second Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist for his work in Kabhie Kabhie (1976). He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1971.[5][6]

On 8 March 2013, the ninety-second anniversary of Sahir's birth, a commemorative stamp was issued in his honor by India Post.[5][7]

Early life and education

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Sahir was born on 8 March 1921, in a Gujjar family in Karimpura, Ludhiana, Punjab, British India.[8] This is the reason why he added the suffix Ludhianvi after his name. His mother, Sardar Begum, left her husband, thus forfeiting any claim to financial assets from the marriage. In 1934, Sahir's father remarried and sued (acrimoniously and unsuccessfully) for custody of his son. In a recent biography titled Sahir: A Literary Portrait (Oxford University Press) written by US-based author Surinder Deol, the author agrees with the very brief conclusion of Pakistani poet Ahmad Rahi, a friend of Sahir over the years, about Sahir's life story in a nutshell, "In his entire life, Sahir loved once, and he nurtured one hate. He loved his mother, and he hated his father."[6][9] Sardar Begum required protection from Sahir's father and suffered financial deprivation.[10] Sahir's place of birth in Ludhiana is marked with a small plaque on the building's arched entrance.

Sahir was educated at the Khalsa High School in Ludhiana. He then enrolled at the Government College, Ludhiana.[8] The auditorium there is named after him.[11] As a college student, Sahir was popular for his ghazals and nazms (poetry in Urdu) and empassioned speeches.[12]

Career

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In 1943, Sahir settled in Lahore. There, he completed Talkhiyaan (Bitterness) (1945), his first published work in Urdu. He was member of All India Students Federation. Sahir edited Urdu magazines such as Adab-e-Lateef, Shahkaar, Prithlari, and Savera[12][13] and became a member of the Progressive Writers' Association. However, when he made controversial statements promoting Communism, a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Government of Pakistan. In 1949, after partition, Sahir fled from Lahore to Delhi. After eight weeks, Sahir moved to Bombay.[12] He later lived in Andheri, a suburb of Mumbai. There, his neighbours included Gulzar, a poet and lyricist and Krishan Chander, an Urdu litterateur.

Sahir was a member of IPTA and also the Progressive Writer's Association[14]

Sahir's work as a lyricist in the film industry gave him financial stability beyond his earnings as a poet. He made his debut with four songs performed in the film Azadi Ki Raah Par (1949). One of the songs was Badal Rahi Hai Zindagi. Both the film and its songs went unnoticed. However, after Naujawan (1951), with music by S.D. Burman, Sahir gained recognition. Sahir's major success was Baazi (1951). Again, the composer was Burman. Sahir was then considered part of Guru Dutt's team. The last film Sahir made with Burman was Pyaasa (1957).[15] After this film, Sahir and Burman went separate ways due to artistic and contractual differences.[16]

Sahir did work with other composers including Ravi, Roshan, Khayyam and Datta Naik. Datta Naik also credited as N. Datta, a Goan, admired Sahir's poetry and their collaboration produced the score for Milap (1955), Chandrakanta (1956), Sadhna (1958), Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Dharamputra (1961) and Naya Raasta (1970).[17] Sahir also worked with music director Laxmikant–Pyarelal in the films like Man Ki Aankhen (1968), Izzat (1968), Dastaan (1972) and Daag (1973). From about 1950 until his death, Sahir collaborated with Baldev Raj Chopra, a film producer and director. Sahir's last work for Chopra was for Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980). Yash Chopra, both while directing for B.R.films, and later as an independent director and producer, also engaged Sahir as the lyricist for his films, till Sahir's death.[18]

In 1958, Sahir wrote the lyrics for Ramesh Saigal's film Phir Subah Hogi, which was based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment. The male lead was played by Raj Kapoor. It was presumed that Shankar–Jaikishan would be the composer but Sahir demanded a composer with a more intimate knowledge of the novel. Khayyam composed the film score. The song Woh Subah Kabhi Toh Aayegi with its minimal background music remains popular. Khayyam collaborated with Sahir in many films including Kabhie Kabhie (1976) and Trishul (1978).[19][20]

Sahir was a controversial figure in that he was artistically temperamental. He insisted that the film score should be composed for his lyrics and not the other way around. He also insisted on being paid one rupee more than Lata Mangeshkar and this created a rift between them.[13] Sahir promoted his girlfriend, Sudha Malhotra's singing career.[13] He also insisted that All India Radio credit film song lyricists in its broadcasts.

Death

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On 25 October 1980, at the age of fifty-nine, Sahir died of a sudden cardiac death.[13][5] He was buried at the Juhu Muslim cemetery. In 2010, his tomb was demolished to make room for new interments.[21]

Works

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Books

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  • Mahmood K. T. (2000) Kalām-i Sāḥir Ludhiyānvī. A collection of Ludhiavni's poetry with English translation.[22]
  • Abbas K. A. (1958) Shadows Speak: (Parchhalyan). 29 pages.[23]
  • Hassan R. (1977) The Bitter Harvest: Selections from Sahir Ludhiavni's Verse. 169 pages.[22]
  • Sucha S. (1989) Sorcery (Sahri): poetry.[24]
  • Gaata jaye Banjara (1992). A collection of film lyrics.
  • Bitterness: Talkhiyan

Songs

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  • "Thandi Hawayein Lehrake Aaye" sung by Lata Mangeshkar, composer S. D. Burman in Naujawan (1951).[13]
  • "Jayen To Jayen Kahan" sung by Talat Mahmood, composer S. D. Burman in Taxi Driver (1954).[13]
  • "Aana Hai To Aa", sung by Mohammed Rafi, in Naya Daur (1957) O.P. Nayyar, composer.
  • "Saathi Haath Badhana" in Naya Daur (1957), sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhonsle.
  • "Jane Kya Tune Kahi" sung by Geeta Dutt, "Jane Woh Kaise" sung by Hemant Kumar and "Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye Toh Kya Hai" sung by Mohammed Rafi in Pyaasa (1957) S.D. Burman, composer.[13]
  • "Aurat Ne Janam Diya Mardon Ko" sung by Lata Mangeshkar, in Sadhna (1958) Datta Naik, composer.
  • "Chin-o-Arab Hamara Hindustan Hamara", sung by Mukesh in Phir Subah Hogi (1958) Khayyam, composer.[13][2]
  • "Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman Banega", sung by Mohammed Rafi in Dhool Ka Phool (1959) Datta Naik, composer.
  • "Yeh Ishq Ishq Hai", sung by Mohammed Rafi and Manna De in Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) Roshan, composer.
  • "Na To Karvan Ki Talash Hai", sung by Mohammed Rafi, Manna De, Asha Bhonsle and Sudha Malhotra in Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) Roshan, composer.
  • "Allah Tero Naam Ishwar Tero Naam', sung by Lata Mangeshkar in Hum Dono (1961) Jaidev, composer.[13]
  • "Main Zindagi Ka Sath Nibhata Chala Gaya", Hum Dono (1961) sung by Mohammed Rafi, Jaidev composer.
  • "Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi Haalat Pe Rona Aaya", Hum Dono (1961) sung by Mohammed Rafi, Jaidev, composer.
  • "Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin", Hum Dono (1961) sung by Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Jaidev, composer.
  • "Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabi Ban Jaye Hum Dono', sung by Mahendra Kapoor in Gumrah (1963) Ravi, composer.[13]
  • "Laaga Chunri Mein Daag" sung by Manna Dey in Dil Hi To Hai (1963 film), Roshan as the composer.
  • "Aye Meri Zoharjabin", Waqt (1965) sung by Manna Dey, Ravi (music director).
  • "Aagey Bhi Jane Na Tu", film Waqt (1965) sung by Asha Bhonsle, Ravi, composer.
  • "Tum Agar Saath Dene Ka Wada Karo", sung by Mahendra Kapoor in Hamraaz (1967), Ravi, composer.
  • "Neele Gagan Ke Tale", Hamraaz (1967) sung by Mahendra Kapoor, Ravi composer.
  • "Ye Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagata Nahin", Izzat (1968) Lata-Rafi, Laxmikant–Pyarelal.
  • "Babul Ki Duaen Leti Ja", sung by Muhammed Rafi in Neelkamal (1968).
  • "Man Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare", sung by Mohammed Rafi and "Sansar Se Bhage Phirte Ho, Bhagwan Ko Tum Kya Paoge" sung by Lata Mangeshkar in Chitralekha (1964) Roshan, composer.
  • "Tora Mann Darpan Kehlaye", sung by Asha Bhosle in Kaajal (1965) Ravi, composer.
  • "Ishwar Allah Tere Naam", sung by Mohammed Rafi in Naya Raasta (1970) Datta Naik, composer.
  • "Chala Bhi Aa Aja Rasiya", Man Ki Aankhe (1970) Lata-Rafi, Laxmikant–Pyarelal.
  • "Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye Na Aasaman Ke Liye", Dastaan (1972) Mohammad Rafi, Laxmikant–Pyarelal.
  • "Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai", Daag, (1973) sung by Kishore Kumar, Laxmikant Pyarelal, composer.
  • "Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon", sung by Mukesh in Kabhi Kabhi (1976) Khayyam, composer.[13][2]
  • "Kabhie Kabhie Mere Dil Mein Khyal Aata Hai", sung by Mukesh, Lata Mangeshkar in film Kabhi Kabhi (1976), Khayyam, composer.[2]

In media

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The Hindi movie, Pyaasa (1957), is said to be inspired by Sahir's unrequited affection for the Hindi novelist and poet, Amrita Pritam and features several famous songs with lyrics written by him.[25]

Sahir's life has been chronicled by Sabir Dutt[26] and by Chander Verma and Dr. Salman Abid in "Main Sahir Hoon"[10]

Sahir Ludhianvi: the People's Poet by Akshay Manwani[27] The book is the product of interviews and writings about Sahir by his friends such as Yash Chopra, Dev Anand, Javed Akhtar, Khayyam, Sudha Malhotra, Ravi Chopra and Ravi Sharma. The book also analyses Sahir's poetry and lyrics in the context of his personal life.[28]

Awards and nominations

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Year Film Song Result
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist[5]
1959 Sadhna Aurat Ne Janam Diya Nominated[29]
1960 Dhool Ka Phool Tu Hindu Banega Nominated
1964 Tajmahal[5] Jo Waada Kiya Won
Gumrah Chalo Ek Bar Phir Se Nominated
1968 Hamraaz Neele Gagan Ke Tale Nominated
1969 Aankhen Milti Hai Zindagi Mein Nominated
1977 Kabhi Kabhie[5] Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein Won
Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Nominated
1980 Dada Dil Ke Tukde Tukde Kar Ke Nominated

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen (1994). Encyclopaedia of Indian cinema. Routledge. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2024. Transferred the progressive Urdu literature exemplified by poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz to the Hindi film lyric...
  2. ^ a b c d Ziya Us Salam. "The stamp of a poet (With layered thoughts flowing endlessly, Sahir Ludhianvi's words transcended generations)". The Hindu newspaper. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  3. ^ "Sahir Ludhianvi - Profile & Biography". Rekhta. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  4. ^ Coppola C. "Politics, Social Criticism and Indian Film Songs: The Case of Sahir Ludhianvi." Journal of Popular Culture 1977 10(4) p896-902. "Perhaps the best known and certainly the most legendary songwriter in Indian films today is Sahir Ludhianvi." Accessed 8 July 2015.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Sahir Ludhianvi's Padma Shri (1971) and Filmfare Awards (1964 and 1977) (see page 11). Indian Philately Digest via GoogleBooks website. 10 May 2023. Archived from the original on 10 May 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  6. ^ a b Nawaid Anjum (25 October 2019). "Sahir's poetry is a beacon of hope". The Indian Express (newspaper). Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  7. ^ "President releases a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sahir Ludhianvi." Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Public Information Bureau, Government of India, Published 8 March 2013, Accessed 14 November 2019
  8. ^ a b M. l. Dhawan (24 October 2004). "Sahir: The poet lives on". The Tribune India newspaper. Archived from the original on 12 September 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  9. ^ Pandit P. Sahir Ludhianvi: Life Sketch and Poetry Rajpal and sons, 1995, p12.
  10. ^ a b Verma C. and Abid S. "Main Sahir Hoon" Archived 1 September 2023 at the Wayback Machine Star Publications. 2014. ISBN 817650629X (in Hindi).
  11. ^ "Sahir Ludhianvi in Unki Nazar Unka Shahar." Archived 13 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine Rajya Sabha TV, 27 January 2012 at YouTube.
  12. ^ a b c "Biography – Sahir Ludhyanvi." Archived 2 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Urdu Poetry.com website, Accessed 14 November 2019
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Sahir Ludhianvi - Profile". Cineplot.com website. 22 July 2010. Archived from the original on 14 November 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  14. ^ Chatterjee, Patha (5 February 2014). "Inhabiting two worlds". Frontline. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  15. ^ http://@hisunil (5 January 2021). "SAHIR LUDHIANVI: "The Magician" whose songs live on reverberating with love and life". TheLeaflet. Archived from the original on 5 January 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  16. ^ Saran S. "Ten Years with Guru Dutt – Abrar Alvi’s Journey." p111-112.
  17. ^ "Milap (1955)". Hindigeetmala.net. Archived from the original on 25 June 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Sahir's poetry in Kabhi Kabhie and our forever connection with them". ThePrint. 10 March 2019.
  19. ^ "100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks Ever – Part 4". Planet Bollywood. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
  20. ^ Quint (20 August 2019). "Poetry and Melody: A Musical Journey Through Khayyam's Life". Retrieved 21 August 2019.
  21. ^ "Rafi, Madhubala don't rest in peace here". The Times of India. 11 February 2010. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  22. ^ a b Mahmood K. Kalām-i Sāḥir Ludhiyānvī. Archived 10 May 2023 at the Wayback Machine Star Publications, 2000. ISBN 9788176500302
  23. ^ Abbas K. "Shadows Speak: (Parchhalyan)." Archived 2023-05-10 at the Wayback Machine
  24. ^ Sucha S. "Sorcery (Sahri): poetry. " Vudya Kitaban Forlag, Sollentuna, Sweden. ISBN 91-86620-05-3. Accessed at World cat.org 19 November 2015.
  25. ^ Dutt, Nirupama (24 October 2020). "Roundabout: Pyaasa revisited on Sahir Ludhianvi's death anniversary in his centenary year". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  26. ^ Dutt S. "Fan-o-shaksiyat (Sahir No.)"
  27. ^ Sahir Ludhianvi: the People's Poet Harper Collins 2013.
  28. ^ "Sahir Ludhianvi - The People's Poet". HarperCollinsPublishers.
  29. ^ "The Nominations - 1958, Filmfare Awards". Indiatimes.com website. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
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