A renowned poet and lyricist who penned iconic Bollywood songs, known for his witty and poignant words that captured the essence of Indian cinema.
Majrooh Sultanpuri, a renowned Indian Urdu poet and lyricist, left an indelible mark on the Hindi language film industry with his soulful and poetic lyrics. With a career spanning six decades, he is remembered for his iconic contributions to Indian cinema, earning him the title of one of the finest avant-garde Urdu poets of the 20th century.
Born as Asrar ul Hassan Khan on October 1, 1919, in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Majrooh Sultanpuri was raised in a Muslim Rajput family. His father, a police officer, encouraged traditional Madrasa education, which led Majrooh to obtain the qualification of DarseNizami and later, the certificate of Alim. This strong foundation in Arabic and Persian languages laid the groundwork for his future literary pursuits.
Initially, Majrooh Sultanpuri was a struggling Hakim, but his life took a dramatic turn when he recited one of his ghazals at a mushaira in Sultanpur. The ghazal's overwhelming success prompted him to abandon his medical practice and dedicate himself to writing poetry. Soon, he became a regular at mushairas and a disciple of the legendary Jigar Moradabadi, a prominent name in Urdu mushairas.
Majrooh Sultanpuri's collaboration with various music directors in the Hindi film industry resulted in some of the most iconic songs of all time. His lyrics for the film Dosti (1964) earned him the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award in 1965 for the song "Chahunga Main Tujhe." He further cemented his legacy by working with notable music directors like Anand-Milind, Jatin-Lalit, and S.D. Burman.
In recognition of his immense contributions to Indian cinema, Majrooh Sultanpuri was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement in 1993. This prestigious honor is the highest award in Indian cinema, a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to the craft.
Majrooh Sultanpuri's work has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. His poetry and lyrics continue to inspire generations of writers, poets, and musicians. His unique ability to weave intricate narratives and evoke powerful emotions has made him a household name in India and beyond.
As a poet and lyricist, Majrooh Sultanpuri's work was deeply rooted in the Progressive Writers Movement. He believed in using his craft as a medium for social commentary, often addressing themes of love, social justice, and humanism. His poetry and lyrics served as a reflection of the era's prevailing emotions and sentiments, resonating deeply with audiences across generations.
Majrooh Sultanpuri's journey from a struggling Hakim to a renowned poet and lyricist is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. His life's work serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring writers and poets, showcasing the power of passion and determination in achieving greatness.
Majrooh Sultanpuri's legacy continues to inspire and influence Indian cinema, literature, and music. His work remains a shining example of the transformative power of art, transcending generations and leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of India.
Born in 1916
A renowned Bollywood lyricist, penning iconic songs for Indian cinema's golden era, evoking emotions and telling stories through poetic words.
Born in 1922
A renowned poet and songwriter who penned iconic Bollywood lyrics, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
79 Years Old
A renowned poet, playwright, and composer who has made significant contributions to Indian cinema and literature, winning numerous awards for his work. He is celebrated for his thought-provoking lyrics and scripts that often explore themes of love, social justice, and human relationships.
90 Years Old
A renowned poet, lyricist, and film director celebrated for his poignant and evocative works that have captivated Indian cinema and literature. He's behind iconic Bollywood songs and films that have become an integral part of Indian popular culture.
Born in 1919
A renowned poet and lyricist who penned iconic Bollywood songs, known for his witty and poignant words that captured the essence of Indian cinema.
94 Years Old
A renowned poet and songwriter who penned iconic Bollywood lyrics, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema's music landscape.