Sahir Ludhianvi – A Tribute
This tribute is written by Mr. Binu Nair, Rafi Foundation, Mumbai. Cell: 9833 250 701
Ashkon mein jo paya hai, woh geeton mein deeya hai,
is par bhi suna hai ke zamane ko gila hai !
(the pain of my tears is what I have brought to my writing,
But perhaps the world doesn’t approve of even this )
Takht kya cheez hai aur laal-o-Jawaahar kya hai?
ishq waale to khudai bhi luta dete hai………(Love can be higher than kings and kingdoms – from Taj Mahal)
Aurat ne janam diya mardon ko, Mardon ne use baazar diya(film Sadhana)
Jayen to jayen kahan, Samjhega kaun yahan, dard bhare dil ka zuban(Taxi Driver )
Jaane woh kaise log the jinko……(Pyaasa)
Anginat logon ne duniya mein muhabbat ki hai
Kaun kehta hai ke sadiq na the jazbe unke?
Lekin unke liye tasheer ka saamaan hi nahin
Kyonki who log bhi apni he tarah muflis the.
Countless people have been in love Who says their emotions were not sincere? They didn’t have the resources to make a proclamation Because like me, they too were poor…………………
Abdul Hayee,( Sahir Ludhianvi – born March 8, 1922 in Ludhiana ).
Sahir Ludhianvi
The eventual date was 25 october, 1980 and he was 58 years old.  Sahir Ludhianvi went to his best friend Dr.R.P.Kapoor in a taxi. He asked the driver to wait. He would come back fast. He never came back. Sahir Saaheb had a massive heart attack and died in Dr.Kapoor’s arms. Music lover Ali Peter John a famous writer from the film magazine Screen says, “They don’t make men like Sahir Ludhianvi anymore. Do I hear anyone asking Sahir who??. I will not be surprised if I do in these senseless, ruthless, heartless times.”
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Legend Mohd Rafi gave some very special  feelings to Sahir Saaheb’s words. And in 1980 both the stalwarts left us within three months to be precise,  leaving a treasure trove  of voices and words – both unparalleled and unsurpassed in lyrical beauty. Every one from the world of Music despaired over the tragic loss of Sahir Ludhianvi on Oct. 25th and the Times of India ( never a friend to Sahir’s socialist and politial leanings ) paid a glowing “editorial tribute” to one of India’s greatest writers.Â
Mohd Rafi with Sahir Ludhianvi, Jaan Nisar Akhtar, Madan Mohan, Minoo Karthik
The Rafi Foundation and innumerable Sahir Ludhianvi lovers remember him on his 28th passing away  year and will pay a musical tribute to the country’s pioneering writer on Nov.8th in Mumbai.Â
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The Rafi-Sahir combo are listed below:
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1 Â Maine chaand aur sitaron ki tamanna … Chandrakanta
2 Â Aana hai to aa, raah me … Naya Daur
3 Â Hum aap ke aankhon me (duet) … Pyaasa
4 Â Jinhe naaz hai hind par … Pyaasa
5  Raat bar ka mehmaan hai andhera   (duet) … Sone ki Chidiya
6 Â Daaman me aag laga baithe … Dhool ka Phool
7 Â Zindagi bar nahi bhoolegi who … Barsaat ki Raat
8 Â Maine shaayad tumhe … Barsaat ki Raat
9 Â Paao choo lene do and Jo vada kiya … Taj Mahal
10 Basti Basti Parvat Parvat … Railway Platform
11 Man re tu kaahe na dheer dhare … Chitra lekha
12 Mai zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya … Hum dono
13 Kabhi khud pe kabhi … Hum dono
14 Rang aur noor ki … Ghazal
15 Choo lene do nazuk hoton se … Kajal
16 Yun to humne laakh haseen dekhe hai … Tumsa nahin dekha
17 Hum Intezar karenge (duet) … Bahu begum
18 Na to Zameen ke liye na tu … Dastaan
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SAHIR LUDHIANVI MILESTONES ARE MANY MORE……NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN………
Meri mehbboob kahin aur mila kar mujhko….
A fine lyrical gem by sahir…sahir who has written totally different aspect of Tajmahal.
People conider it as a monument of love
But thinker like sahir refuses to do so…!!!!
Rafi saab has given full justice to these lyrics….!!!
Ik shahanshah ne daulat ka sahara lekar..hum garibon ki muhabbat ka udaya hai mazaak..!!
Salaam to both masteros…!!!
“Pyasa” -” Yeh Mehlon Ye Takhton Ye Tajo Ki Duniya” “ye duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kya hei”- “Phir Subah Hogi”-woh Subah Kabhi To Ayegi”. Such a powerful, soothing bonding of voice and words where the music was secondary which would be remembered for years to come . Every corner of my heart says such bonding of Sahir Sab and Rafi Sab was unparllel is unparallel and will be unparallel as it is hard to beleive wonders are repeated. My dream lyricist and singer whom i listen for hours and still afresh. Both the mastero of their work who had compession and feelings for others over and above materialistic values. My heartfelt rememberance to both genious
With Regards
M K PUNJABI
mp5707@gmail.com
An ultimate writer of songs,his personal chilhood had lot of bearing on his suptle personality.But my word what songs,the mere quality is untouched and unparellel till date in Hindi cinema.Unfortunately the two other stalwarts of film industry left us in the year 1980, the great Rafi sahab and Uttam kumar an legend in Bengali cinema.
Sahir sir was one of the great poets that India has seen, he drew a lot of inspiration from the pain in his own life and that really reflects in his lyrics. Unfortunately these great lyricists are a thing of the past and let’s face it how many songs do you hear today that will make an impact on the listener and will be remembered for decades to come. There is no emotion from the singers of today and the lyrics are more often than not meaningless rubbish that repeats itself to the point where it give you a headache!
I hope that the newer generations get the opportunity to listen to and appreciate the great music from generations past.
Sahir Ludhanvi was a great urdu poet, it is true. And he has written glorious poetry for us. I like his shayari. A sample of good sher from his writing is
यूँही दिल ने चाहा था रोना रुलाना
तेरी याद तो बन गई एक बहाना
Attention: Binu Nair. Sir- you may request a copy of WELTSCHMERZ from INDIA REDEEMING-Education and Literary Quarterly published from Satyan School of Languages, Rajgarh Road, Solan, Himachal. Besides, the above named journal carries in its Summer Issue 2012 the English translation of another Sahir world beater: NA TO KARVAAN KI TALASH HAI.
You may by desire contact Mr. Rameshwar Dutt, Technical Editor of INDIA REDEEMING at 9815647781 for the purpose. The literary quarterly, IR, has plans to present Sahir Ludhianvi in english translation every now and then. IR will hold that (Sahir) banner aloft- so is the good intention.
Ooooh my god!! what a man he is!!! no one can describe in these short area!! well Great Muhammad Rafi and Great Sahir Ludhyanvi immortal!!!
this is a good article written for a good cause – to make Sahir”s fan knowledgeable about his life and work… salute to the pen
Very good written article. It will be helpful to anybody who usess it, including myself. Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.
Ref. post 14,
The title song “Yoon to hum ne lakh haseen dekhe hain” was written by Sahir Ludhianvi; this song is available in the books of Sahir’s poetry (also availbe in “Kuliyat-e-Sahir” – total collection of Sahir’s poetry). Rest of the songs from film “Tum sa nahin dekha” were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Thanks and best regards.
Anwar-ul-Haque
anwarhq25@yahoo.com
Saif Hoda,
I also read that “Tumsa Nahi Dekha” was started by Sahir, but completed by Majrooh. I was reading interview from Shammi Kappor ji and he mentioned that “Sahir” and “Devannd” was signed initially. Devanand walked out because of new heroine, and Sahir followed him.
http://www.screenindia.com/news/shammi-kapoorl-lionheart/388339/
Satish kumar ji… Post 20……
Please give me the tel contacts of the sahir book u penned from the heart. we must keep the book in rhythm house the premier music house of mumbai. please give me ur contact details too – for the love of sahir saaheb and music.
binu nair cell : 9833 250 701
SAHIR WAS REALLY A MAGITIAN AND HAD GREAT STRENGTH OF WORD POWER WHICH HAS COME FROM EXPERIENCES IN HIS LIFE. UNLESS U HAVE EXPERIENCE U CANNOT GET REAL FEEL. HIS SHAYARI IN TALKHIYAN IS JUST UNCOMPARABLE. HIS NON FILMY SHAYARI IS ALSO POPULAR. TALKHIYA GOT PUBLISHED MORETHAN 27 TIMES SO MUCH POPULARITY FOR NON FILMY SHAYARI IS ONLY FOR SAHIR. HE WAS REAL PHILOSOPHER AND ALL HIS SONGS WILL HV SOME OR THE OTHER ADVICE USEFUL FOR US THROUGH OUT HIS LIFE.
HAT OFF ANAND MOKASHI
I cannot describe Sahir Ludhianvi’s lyrics. I am 55 years old and I have been listening to Hindi music from the day I was born and I can remember all these songs. Not one day has gone by without me listening to Sahirji’s lyrics through the voice of Mohammad Rafi. I think they both formed an incredible duo. Listen to their music and gone is the stress. Well done ‘Guys’.
Love – to you both.
Pepe Gujraj Singh Chareetur
I did dedicate my book of verse WELTSCHMERZ, published 2006 in English language, to Sahir Ludhianavi. While the verse itself is in Sahir tradition and addresses India’s problems particularly, I have also included one poem on Sahir, two translations including Parchhaiyaan in this volume. Of course there are many ways to honor Sahir but mine carries its own flavor a la Ghalib..hai andaze biyan aur! Those interested can obtain the book from Writers Workshop Kolkata or DK Agencies in New Delhi.
I have written at length about Sahir’s art on the website Sahir Ki Kalam se.
Salam to all Rafi lovers,
There are so many beautiful Rafi-Sahir combos. I would like to mention few of them of my choice, which I think are superb. I want my friends like Janab Raju Korti Saheb, Janab Haldar Saheb, Janab AS Murty Saheb, Janab Anmol Singh Saheb, Janab Binu Nair Saheb, Janab Anil Cherian Saheb and all Rafi lovers, to throw some light on these gems. Want to hear from all of you.
1)Ab woh karam karen ki sitam, main nashe me hun- Marine Drive. This is the first combo of Rafi/Sahir and is superb
2) Itani haseen, itani jawan raath kiya karen- Aaj Aur Kal
3)Sab me shamil ho magar, sab se juda lagti ho- Bahu Beti
4)Ham intezar karenge, tera qyamath tak- Bahu Begum
5) Tujhko pukare mera pyar- Neel Kamal
6) Jiyo to aise jiyo, jaise sab tumhara hai- Bahu Beti
7) Barbad-e-muhabbath ki duva saath liye jaa- Laila Majnu
With best regards to Rafi lovers,
Long live Rafi Sahab,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
Hello to all music fanatics and specially of Mohammad Rafi followers.Ever since childhood while growing up in India I have listened to Mohammad Rafi’s songs along with other singers, he was my most favourite singer among all the other singers. Three members of my family have been Rafi Sahibs fan for a very ,very long time- first of all my mother then myself and my youngest sister, even today I listen to his songs while being in Canada. I remember Rafi ji on his Birthday- Dec 24th and on his death anniversary as well. May all his fan’s enjoy his melodious and never to be forgotten songs till eternity.
Deepa Sandhu
chennai chapter – Rafi Foundation took birth on 4th November. next is pune on nov.30. the news will be reported herein and in sargam magazine.
binu nair, rafi foundation….mumbai
Late Sahir Ludhianvi, being one of the most versatile lyricist of Indian cinema, Rafi Saheb sang beautiful songs penned by late Sahir.
Replying to the Post No-10: ASMurtyji,
I will send u the songs of Mohdrafisaabs book to you as early as possible, if you wanted photos please tell me I will send u. I will try my level best to bring this book to the fans as fast as can. Plz tell me wht u want from myside.
shashank chickermane
To me Rafi saheb was the best male singer and Sahir saheb was the best poet who wrote for indian movies.
Is it true that Sahir wrote for the movie Tum Sa Nahin Dekha? it is my impression that Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote for that movie and the song ” Yun to hum ne laakh haseen dekhen hain….” was written by Majrooh. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.
Mr. Murthy,
It is a truly novel idea though herculean and requires continuous attention to complete. From my side, i will do my best and also endeavour to request all known Rafi Sahab fans to kindly assist you in this venture.
Regards
Shirish Kulkarni
098204 52562
Janab Murty Saheb,
Adab Araz hai. There are few collections of Sahir’s poetry in the form of books, which are available in the market. One book is published with the title of “Talkhian”. There are several other collections with different titles. Mostly these collections are either in urdu or hindi. There is one large organization and book store by the name of “urdu trust”, an affiliation of daily “Siasat” in Hyderabad, AP. I hope this will be a source for you. Wish you good luck.
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
Long live Rafi Sahab,
Khaja Aliuddin, MD
Murthy ji…. post 10 ….. Pritam Meghani and Ajit Pradhan from Ulhasnagar has published a volumous book titled : Mere Geet Tumhare and due to this we do not have to invent the wheel !
the book is in hindi, it lists all the songs sung by Mohd Rafi. it includes the song line, the movie name , year sung, composer/lyricist, song enacted on whom, co-singer if its a duet, all well researched, in alphabetic film or song order. its a must for mohd rafi lovers. the book is rarely available and we are trying to get 10 copies to be distributed to interested members. The price is rs.800 and published in 1998 – not freely available.
most of the radio stations, music channels, r j s, and music lovers have this book . we are trying to print about 200 copies and will give a decision on it soon.
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when u are embarking on a book collection pls . check about the copyright issue – since the legal heirs would ask for royalties if you are going to sell the book. otherwise no problem.
we will discuss it further…………
Binuji and all other fans of Rafi Sahab. I am willing to take up the job of compilation and publication of a book on lyrics of all the songs of Rafi Sahab according to the poets/lyricists or the music directors. To this extent, I have already posted my notes on various communities of rafi sahab on orkut and elsewhere. I require the full lyrics of all the songs of rafi sahab according to the lyricists or the music directors, in english or in hindi, so that the work can be published in the form of a book. besides the lyrics, other information like (1) name of the movie, (2) year of release of the movie, (3) music director, (4) name of the lyricist, (5) if duet or chorus, names of the other singers besides rafi sahab, etc. should also be provided. the material can be sent to me by email in the form of msword document or pdf file or even a scanned image in jpg file format. the book would be in hindi and the lyrics that i receive in english will be suitably translated and typed in hindi. i also request our friends to guide me with regard to availability of the lyrics on the web by giving suitable links or names of the websites from where i can get the lyrics. my email id is rafimurty@gmail.com and those who would like to send through courier may contact me on 93912 67272 (Hyderabad) and get my postal address too. let us all work unitedly on compilation of such a book which will go a long way in preserving the great works of rafi sahab.
the compilation of all the songs of rafi sahab on the above lines is a very time-taking but precious affair. it could take up to several months, depending on my ability to collect the full and correct lyrics from various sources and our friends. without the active support of all the fans of rafi sahab, i know it is a very herculean task and i would be found wanting on many scores. but i have the fullest faith in the fans of rafi sahab that they will spare some of their time and help me by providing the lyrics, sources on the internet for getting the lyrics etc.
looking forward to the active participation of all of you.
Sahir (meaning magician) lived up to his pen name in that he created magic with words. His Communist ideology is reflected in many of his works. His non-filmic poetry is truly provocative and mind-boggling. For films, he had to tone down and simplify his nazms, ghazals and songs to make them more understandable and more acceptable. Guru Dutt was greatly inspired by Sahir’s revolutionary works as depicted in his 1957 mastrpiece Pyaasa. When Rafi Sahab sang Sahir’s songs, the outcome was phenomenal. One particular gem is from the 1964 film Ghazal (music by madan mohan): the nazm Taj Mahal, which presents this monument form an entirely new and different prespective. One can read the nazm at: http://www.urdupoetry.com
Post 2 Manish Kumar : the fact should be right about sahir saahebs passing away in the arms of his doctor friend. It could be possible that sahir saaheb – quite unwell went to his doctor friend and relaxed with the game of cards and then suddenly had a collapse.
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murthy ji:
yes. all of sahir ludhianvi, majrooh sultanpuri and rajendra krishan works ought to be published. there will some 5000 songs put together. songs under various subjects as patriotic, philosophic, religious, romantic, qawalis etc etc shoud be compiled. lets all act on it.
binu nair,
Dear Rafians,
The combination of Rafi Sb. and Sahir who is my favorite writer was great.
All the songs under both the stalwarts were super hit. All songs from movie “Pyasa” were outstanding like Yeh Mehlon Ye Takhton Ye Tajo Ki Duniya”
Rafi Sb gave his divine voice to the poetry of Sahir Sb which made songs immortal and evergreen.
Imran.
Sahir Ludhianvi was indeed one of post-independent india’s most prolific and revolutionary writers. his writings touched the hearts and several social messages were contained in his lyrics. it is true to say that “they don’t make these kind of men these days”, for where are the shayars in today’s bollywood ?
like several of the migrants of the partition days, sahir had a “left” leaning and this showed in his poetry too. but like binuji pointed out, amazingly sahir also penned “aana hai to aa rah mein kuch pher nahi hai, bhagwan ke ghar der hai andher nahi hai”, despite being an atheist. i would like someone to compile the songs of rafi sahab according to the lyricists and the music directors and such a compilation can be brought out in the form of books to be distributed among all rafi fans. instead of spreading around the mp3 format songs, books containing the full lyrics and arranged according to these gems of poets and music directors would be very handy.
i wish to pay respects to the tall personality of sahir ludhianvi by few words. when sahir died – it was the first and only time in my life i noticed tears rolling down my dad’s eyes. dad himself was a music lover, enjoying most the songs of talat, k.l. saighal , manna dey and yesudas.
coming back to sahir saaheb i also used to wonder how my dad who was so weak in hindi, (very strong in english) could be a lover of sahir’s verses and songs. this again itself is a tribute to the towering writer sahir. sahir means magic its learnt and i may be corrected if i amwrong . one more incident. once a crowd had gathered near v.t. station beneath a tree. a person was singing and the crowd was asking for more. when dad probed further he found out that it was mohd rafi singing on public request near v.t.station ( now c.s.t ). and after some twenty years dad’s son started loving the songs of saighal, talat, yesudas, manna dey, hemant da. this was the “same music” which was unpleasant to the ears – before. now, one can never leave them.
Hi Binu Ji,
By writing on Sahir, one of the greatest writers of all times indeed you have touch the hearts of music lovers.
It is believed that Sahir had witnessed the bloodshed of the Partition with his own eyes. That directly reflects in his writings. A classic example is the song “To Hindu Banega Na Mussalmaan Banega” by Sahir, sung by Rafi Sahab and composed by N Dutta from ‘Dhol Ka Phool’.
Sahir has won many hearts all over the world and I come from a tiny island called Fiji in the pacific.Currently i reside in Australia. I have been listening to Sahir’s lyrics for years and they are so powerful and therapeautic.
indar nair
I heard that Sahir Ludhianvi died of heart attack while playing cards with his friends? Please correct me or clarify. Thanks.
the above inputs/source is from the book : ” Yesterdays Melodies, Today’s Memories ” written by my friend and author/r.j. Manek Premchand.
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Sahir ludhianvi has written about 700 songs for 30 music composers in his 32 years career as lyrics writer ( 1921 to 1980 )according to my friend mr. prakash shah’s sms from union territory diu. he is a great rafi lover.
s.d.burman gave first writing chance to sahir in the film naujawan….and there was never a looking back for the ludhiana stalwart. a socialist to the core, sahir was a non-believer, an atheist. aaan hai to aa kuch der nahin hai from naya daur is written by sahir. please hear the song. many people will imagine how a “nastik” can write such noble words. simply great.
binu nair…. binus2000@hotmail.com mumbai