Sahir Ludhianvi – The Poet Who Wrote From the Heart

Sahir Ludhianvi, born Abdul Hayee on March 8, 1921, in Ludhiana (Punjab), was one of India’s greatest poets and lyricists. His pen name “Sahir” means magician — and truly, his words had magic. He wrote in both Urdu and Hindi, giving Indian cinema some of its most meaningful and soulful songs.

Sahir was known not just for his poetry, but for his strong personality. He questioned religious hypocrisy, spoke for women’s rights, and supported socialism. He believed that poetry and music should have depth and purpose. He even demanded that composers fit music to his lyrics, not the other way around — and famously asked to be paid one rupee more than Lata Mangeshkar, to mark respect for lyricists.

His early life was full of struggle. His mother left his abusive father and raised Sahir alone, inspiring his deep respect for women and his hatred for injustice. As a young man, Sahir studied in Ludhiana and later Lahore, where he began writing poetry and got involved with the Progressive Writers’ Movement. His first poetry collection Talkhiyaan (Bitterness) in 1944 made him famous.

Sahir moved to Bombay when a friend asked him to write for a film. His first big success came with “Thandi Hawayein” (Naujawan, 1951), and from there, he never looked back. His partnership with music director S.D. Burman created classics like Pyaasa, Jaal, Devdas, and Taxi Driver. Later, he worked with great composers like Ravi, Roshan, and Khayyam, giving memorable songs in films like

Waqt, Kabhi Kabhie, Hum Dono, and Dhool Ka Phool.

Some of his timeless songs include —

Allah Tero Naam, Ishwar Tero Naam (Hum Dono)

Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabi Ban Jaayein Hum Dono (Gumrah)

Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein (Kabhi Kabhie)

Thandi Hawayein Lehrake Aaye – Naujawan

Jayen To Jayen Kahan – Taxi Driver

Saathi Haath Badhana – Naya Daur

Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye Toh Kya Hai- Pyaasa

Aurat Ne Janam Diya Mardon Ko” – Sadhna

Woh Subah Kabhi Toh Aayegi- Phir Subah Hogi

Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman Banega” Dhool Ka Phool

Yeh Ishq Ishq Hai & Na To Karvan Ki Talash Hai- Barsaat Ki Raat

Main Zindagi Ka Sath Nibhata Chala Gaya

Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi Haalat Pe Rona Aaya – Hum Dono

Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabi Ban Jaye Hum Dono – Gumrah

Laaga Chunri Mein Daag” – Dil Hi To Hai

Aye Meri Zoharjabin” – Waqt

Babul Ki Duaen Leti Ja”- Neelkamal

Man Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare Chitralekha

Sansar Se Bhage Phirte Ho” – Chitralekha

Tora Mann Darpan Kehlaye”- Kaajal

Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon

Kabhie Kabhie” – Kabhi Kabhi

Dil ke tukde tukde karke” – Dada and many more

Sahir’s personal life was also emotional. His love stories with poet Amrita Pritam and singer Sudha Malhotra are still remembered for their depth and tragedy. Though he never married, his love and loneliness often reflected in his poetry.

Sahir Ludhianvi passed away in 1980 at the age of 59. He was honored with the Padma Shri and two Filmfare Awards. His poetry continues to inspire generations. Through his words, Sahir taught us to think, feel, and question — proving that true poetry lives forever.