'''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.

[[Music]]

[[Writer]]