Mumbai, April 14: Born on April 15, 1922, in Jaipur, Iqbal Hussain lived in two worlds. One was shaped by formal English education, while the other was enriched by the nuances of Urdu and Persian learned from his grandfather, the renowned poet Fida Hussain. After his first love ended in heartbreak at the age of twenty, he adopted the pen name ‘Hasrat,’ meaning ‘unfulfilled desire.’ This name later brought him fame in the film industry as Hasrat Jaipuri.
In 1940, he moved to Mumbai with his wife. During this time, he worked as a bus conductor by day and became a celebrated figure at the city’s grand mushairas by night. He referred to himself as a ‘colorful personality.’
One evening, while reciting his poignant poem “Mazdoor Ki Laash” at a mushaira, he caught the attention of the legendary actor Prithviraj Kapoor. Recognizing his talent, Kapoor sent him to his son, Raj Kapoor.
Raj Kapoor was in the process of making his film “Barsaat” (1949). He played a tune for Hasrat and challenged him to write a song within 24 hours. The next day, Hasrat returned with the lyrics for “Jiya Bekarar Hai, Chhai Bahar Hai.” Raj Kapoor was thrilled, and the song became a massive hit.
Hasrat had words for every season of love. Whether it was the carefree style of Shami Kapoor (“Ehsaaan Tera Hoga Mujh Par”), the vivacity of Dev Anand, or the playful spirit of Kishore Kumar (“Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana”), his lyrics resonated deeply with audiences.
In 1969, inspired by dancers at a Paris nightclub, he penned the iconic song “Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue,” which remains a party favorite to this day.
At the peak of his career, while earning millions, Hasrat’s wife advised him to invest all their money in Mumbai’s real estate. Even when film offers dwindled, they lived comfortably off rental income. He never compromised his principles or artistry for money.
Hasrat Jaipuri passed away on September 17, 1999, at the age of 77, leaving behind a treasure trove of over 1,200 songs that continue to be invaluable today.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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