MUMBAI: The art enthusiasts observed the 43rd death anniversary of stalwart poet-lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi on Wednesday.
Sahir Ludhianvi, whose work in Hindi films and outside of it dazzled the world of Urdu/Hindi poetry, left this world on October 25, 1980, in Mumbai.
Sahir Ludhianvi, who earned his fame thanks to the many Hindi film songs he penned, was a poet who was equally capable of writing songs of love as well as poems of revolution that highlighted the flight of the underprivileged, the downtrodden and the ‘mazdoor’ (worker).
Here is a brief introduction to Sahir Ludhianvi’s life, journey and work, which still keeps him endeared to people.
Sahir Ludhianvi was born on March 8, 1921, in a village near Ludhiana in Punjab province. Interestingly, Sahir Ludhianvi was originally named Abdul Hayee
He later adopted Sahir Ludhianvi as his pen name as a tribute to the city of his birth, Ludhiana.
Despite being born to a rich landowner, Sahir experienced a difficult childhood and youth. His mother, the eleventh wife of his father, chose to leave her husband, compelling Sahir to endure trying circumstances.
Following a legal battle for his custody, an eight-year-old Sahir expressed his desire to live with his mother in court, leading to his mother gaining custody.
Sahir’s initial education was in Punjabi, and it was his teacher, Faiyaz Haryanvi, who aided his transition to Urdu and reviewed his first written poem.
After completing his schooling, Sahir enrolled in Government College, Ludhiana, where he gained popularity for his recitations of sher and nazm, which are forms of Urdu poetry and couplets.
READ ALSO: After Brutal Strikes on Gaza, Israel Demands UN Chief to Resign
Sahir did not complete his degree and never would. He briefly resided in Lahore but returned to Delhi after the partition in 1949. Subsequently, he settled in Mumbai, where he would ultimately pass away on October 25, 1980.
Sahir Ludhianvi remained unmarried, and his love story with the Punjabi writer Amrita Pritam has become a legendary tale in the literary world.
Sahir’s fame soared due to the unforgettable songs he penned for Hindi cinema. Notable among his contributions are songs from films such as “Pyaas,” “Kabhi Kabhi,” “Woh Subah Kabhi To Ayegi,” and “Mai Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya,” among others. His celebrated works outside of songwriting include “Aao ki koi khwaab bunein” (Come, let’s weave a dream) and “Talkhiyaan” (bitterness).
