I was listening this popular song from Dev Anand’s film HUM DONO, and I thought who would be lyrics writer? After searching I got the clue that he was none other than famous Sahir Ludhianvi. who had written from the bottom of his heart the lines of his bitter experience of the world “Duniadari”
He was born on 8th March 1921 at Ludhiana, punjab to a rich but some what arrogant father who always scolded Sahir, when he was of school age, father called him Abdul Hayee (name of his neighbour). Due to ill treatment by father Sahir along with his mother came to Lahore. In 1934, Sahir’s father remarried. Perhaps, this is the reason, later, he penned, “Jab bhi jee chahe, nayee duniya basa letein hain log, Ek chehre pe kai chehre laga letein hai log.
Sahir’s thoughts were revolutionary, a mix of socialism and communism. He was fearless and used to write against government, then after partition Sahir once wrote in “Savera” magazine. Because of his revolutionary thoughts, a warrant was issued by Pakistan Government for rest of Sahir. His friends helped Sahir to escape to India with his mother. Later, he migrated to Mumbai. Initially, he was staying in Andheri where Gulzar was his neighbour. He wrote songs for paltry 200 rupees. His songs for film Baji were welcomed by cinegoers and his fortune changed overnight.
Sometimes he wrote songs in lighter moods like “Hum apki ankhon me iss dilko basa de to” in Pyasa film.
In Tajmahal film he wrote “panv chhoo lene do fulonko inayat hogi, varna hum ko nahi ,Unko bhi shikayat hogi“. He was truly humanatarian, who did not like hatred among religions. So he wrote in next song
Tu hindu banega, na musalman banega, Insan ki aulad hai, insan banega. This song was picturised for “Dhool ka fool” which is relevant in today’s world also.
He was crusader for labour class also, for them he wrote, “Cheen o arab hamara, hindosta hamara, rahne ko ghar nahi, sara jahan hamara“.
Sahir had a soft corner for ladies(mother element) for them he wrote, “Aurat ne janam diya mardonko, mardone use bajaar diya, jab bhi chaha masla-kuchla, jab ji chaha dhutkar diya.
Hiis heart cried, while writing such songs. In kajal film also “Tora man darpan kahlaye” was beautiful song, which we still remember.
Sahir was a rebellion 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 demanded one rupee more than Music director and Singer of film. His demands were always fulfilled. He was a true revolutionary. ALL India Radio first did not mention lyrics name for the song, but due Sahir’s pressure, system changed and Radio stations started giving Lyricist name.
He was not very happy in mumbai, because his heart was always in his hometown Ludhiana, so he decided to go back to ludhiana. But God called him up on 25th October 1980.
And we lost this very popular song writer forever.
Woh ayenge na ab palatkar, unhe lakh hum bulayenge!
