Sahir Ludhianvi (1921-80)'

Urdu lyricist and major poet born in Ludhiana. Originally called Abdul Hayee. Author of two anthologies (Talkhian, 1945, and Parchaiyan) and several books, including Ao Koi Khawab Banen and Gaata Jaye Banjara. Member of the PWA. Worked extensively as a journalist, editing the journal Adab-e-Latif, and briefly Pritlari and Shahrab in Delhi. Moved to Bombay (1949) and débuted in films with Mahesh Kaul’s Naujawan (1951). First major success was with Guru Dutt’s Baazi (1951). Worked with Navketan productions and formed a team with composer S.D. Burman (e.g. Taxi Driver, 1954). Transferred the progressive Urdu literature exemplified by poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz to the Hindi film lyric, e.g. the songs in Naya Daur (1957, esp. Saathi haath badhana), Phir Subah Hogi (1958, esp. Woh subah kabhi to aayegi) and all the classic songs of Pyaasa (1957). Also claimed the influence of Mayakovsky and Neruda. His songs continue to influence all forms of radical music (e.g. that of street theatre groups) while remaining popular favourites.

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