Sahir Ludhianvi was born on March 8th, 1921 in Karimpura locality in Ludhiana, Punjab. His real name was Abdul Hayee (alternate spellings Haie or Hayi). He was born in a wealthy family of zamindars.

Sahir made his debut as a lyricist with the film "Azadi Ki Raah Par" in 1948. The film had four songs written by him. His first song was "badal rahii hai zindagii". However, it was the year 1951 that would bring him fame and recognition. The second was a landmark film, marking the directorial debut of Guru Dutt - Baazi. Both films, coincidentally, had music by S. D. Burman. After Baazi Sahir was then considered part of Guru Dutt's team. S.D. Burman and Sahir Ludhianvi went on to compose music for 18 movies. Some of the well-known films are characteristic of Burman-Ludhianvi team: Devdas, Jeevan Jyoti, Jaal, Society, Armaan and Taxi Driver. The last film Sahir made with Burman was Pyaasa. In Pyaasa, Guru Dutt played a poet named Vijay. After Pyaasa, Sahir and Burman went separate ways due to artistic and contractual differences.

(Also Read): Remembering RD Burman on his 79th Birth Anniversary.

Sahir Ludhianvi has written about 700 songs for 30 music composers in his 32 years career as lyrics writer ( 1921 to 1980 ). Sahir won a Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist for Taj Mahal (1963). He won a second Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist for his work on Kabhie Kabhie (1976) and he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1971. Revisiting the revolutionary poet-lyricist’s work, and his love for poem.

#1. Ye Raat, Ye Chaandani Phir Kahaan, Sun Jaa Dil Ki Dastan