1921 - 1980| Mumbai, India
Renowned progressive poet and lyricist, known for his stand against social injustice and inequality.
Sahir Ludhianvi (born Abdul Hayee, March 8, 1921 – October 25, 1980) was a celebrated Urdu poet and iconic film lyricist, known for blending romance with protest and giving voice to social injustice. Often called “Anfwan-e-Shabab Ka Shayar” (the poet of youthful passion), Sahir's poetry stirred the hearts of generations, especially young people, with its unique fusion of emotional depth and political awareness.
Born into a feudal family in Ludhiana, Punjab, Sahir’s early life was marked by family disputes. Raised by his mother, he attended Malwa Khalsa School and later Government College, Ludhiana, where his political consciousness began to develop, influenced by the progressive and communist movements. His romantic nature and activism led to his expulsion during his BA studies. Sahir’s first poetry collection, Talkhiyan (1944), was an instant success and established him as a powerful literary voice.
After moving to Lahore, Sahir edited several literary magazines and became deeply involved in the progressive writers' movement. His association with the Indian freedom struggle and leftist politics shaped much of his work. Later, Sahir moved to Bombay (Mumbai) to work as a film lyricist, facing initial struggles due to his unwillingness to compromise on the quality and meaning of his lyrics.
A turning point came when he collaborated with music director S.D. Burman, producing the classic song “Thandi Hawaayein.” Their partnership yielded many memorable songs that combined poetic beauty with social commentary. Sahir’s lyrics often tackled themes of love, longing, political oppression, and social inequality.
Sahir’s personal life was marked by intense relationships, notably with poet Amrita Pritam and singer Sudha Malhotra. Despite his romantic connections, he never married.
Throughout his career, Sahir received numerous honors, including the Padma Shri (1971), the Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist (1964, 1977), and the Soviet Nehru Award. His poetry covered a wide range of themes — from romance and revolution to psychological and political struggles — and remains influential worldwide, translated into many languages.
Sahir Ludhianvi passed away from a heart attack in 1980, leaving behind a rich legacy as a revolutionary poet and a pioneering lyricist who gave Urdu poetry a new, fearless voice.
zaalim ko jo na roke
woh shaamil hai zulm mein
qaatil ko jo na Toke
woh qaatil ke saath hai
ye ehtiyat ka aalam bhi
kya qayaamat hai
pukaar bhi na sake tujhko
tere naam se hum
hum aman chaahte hain
magar zulm ke khilaaf
agar jang laazmi hai
to phir jang hi sahi
dulhan bani hui hain
raahen
jashn manao
saal-e-nau ke
