Sahir Ludhianvi

A. Nafees

Sahir Ludhianvi was a renowned Urdu poet and lyricist from India. He was born in 1921 and passed away in 1980. Throughout his career, Ludhianvi wrote poetry and lyrics that explored various themes such as love, social injustice, and human relationships.



One of Ludhianvi's most iconic works is the poetry collection "Talkhiyaan," which was published in 1952. The collection deals with themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of human relationships. His poetry was known for its emotive intensity, social consciousness and its ability to resonate with the reader.

Ludhianvi also made a significant contribution to the Indian film industry as a lyricist. He wrote lyrics for over 100 films, and many of his songs became iconic hits. Some of his most famous songs include "Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai" from the film "Guide", "Mere Sapno Ki Rani" from "Aradhana" and "Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho" from "Arth". These songs were known for their poetic beauty, as well as their ability to convey powerful emotions.

In addition to his literary and film work, Ludhianvi was also known for his political activism. He was a vocal critic of social injustice and was a member of the Progressive Writers' Movement, which aimed to promote progressive and socialist ideals through literature.

Sahir Ludhianvi was a multi-talented artist, who used his art to convey the emotions and struggles of the common people. He was a master of the Urdu language, and his poetry and lyrics continue to be loved and appreciated by people to this day. He has been honored with several awards for his contribution to literature and Indian cinema. Sahir Ludhianvi's work remains an important part of Urdu literature and Indian cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of poets and lyricists. 

Once asked by a journalist why he wrote such sad songs, Sahir Ludhianvi replied, "I don't write sad songs, I write songs that make you cry, and there's a difference." This witty reply showcases Sahir Ludhianvi's ability to look at things from a different perspective and also highlights the fact that his songs are not just sad, they are also full of emotions that can make people cry.