Mumbai, May 23: Majrooh Sultanpuri, a celebrated lyricist from the golden era of Indian film music, continues to captivate hearts with his timeless songs. His journey began as an ordinary poet and evolved into that of one of the most respected lyricists in Indian cinema. This transformation was sparked at a mushaira, where filmmaker A.R. Kardar was so impressed by his poetry that he facilitated a meeting with composer Naushad to introduce him to the film industry.
Majrooh Sultanpuri was born on October 1, 1919, in Nizamabad, Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. His birth name was Asrar-ul-Hassan Khan. His father, a police officer, wished for him to pursue traditional education, leading to his enrollment in a madrasa, where he studied Arabic and Persian, ultimately earning the title of Aalim. Later, he studied Unani medicine at the Takmil-ul-Tibb College in Lucknow and became a Hakim. However, his poetic inclination drew him more towards poetry than medicine.
While residing in Sultanpur, he began writing ghazals and participating in mushairas. During this time, he was also mentored by the renowned poet Jigar Muradabadi. However, it was the mushaira that changed his life. In 1945, Majrooh moved to Bombay and recited his poetry at a mushaira held at the Sabu Siddiqui Institute. His profound and impactful poetry mesmerized the audience, including filmmaker A.R. Kardar, who was deeply impressed by his work.
Kardar contacted Majrooh through Jigar Muradabadi and introduced him to composer Naushad in 1946. This meeting led to Majrooh’s opportunity to write songs for the film “Shah Jahan,” featuring the legendary K.L. Saigal in the lead role. This marked Majrooh Sultanpuri’s entry into the film industry.
From the 1950s to the 1960s, Majrooh shone brightly in the film industry. He collaborated with notable composers such as Naushad, Madan Mohan, S.D. Burman, Roshan, O.P. Nayyar, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, R.D. Burman, Rajesh Roshan, Anand-Milind, Jatin-Lalit, and A.R. Rahman. His songs, including “Chahunga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere,” “Dil De Ke Dekho,” “Rahe Na Rahe Hum,” “Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahi,” “Teri Bindiya Re,” and “Le Kar Hum Diwana Dil,” remain popular to this day.
In 1965, he received the Filmfare Award for his song in the film “Dosti.” In 1993, he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Majrooh Sultanpuri was known for his leftist ideology and even spent some time in jail with Balraj Sahni in 1949. Regardless of circumstances, he never compromised on his principles.
Majrooh Sultanpuri passed away on May 24, 2000, due to pneumonia.
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