Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon

“Lyrics are important but they’re just not as important as melody.” – Alex Fletcher Music and Lyrics (2007)

The above quote is from one of my favorite movie ‘Music and Lyrics’ while the main lead argues with the lyricist that his melody is more important than her lyrics. One of the best books I have read recently has been ‘Sahir- People’s Poet written by Akshay Manwani.

Sahir Ludhianvi’s genius is probably not known to my generation who has grown up in the 90’s and the only lyricist names that they are familiar with are Gulzar and Javed Akthar. Sahir has perhaps written some of the best songs in Hindi cinema which have become immortal gems. Its only while reading this book that I came to know that some of my favorite classic songs were written by him e.g. ‘Abhi na Jao Chodkar’ or Chalo ek baar phir sey or the evergreen ‘Kabhi Kabhi’.

Sahir mingled his political and social ideology through his songs like ‘Jinhe Naaz hai Hind’ par or ‘Tu Insaan hai’. A whimsical genius by nature his scuffles with music directors and singers are well highlighted. The man always felt the role of the lyricist is more important than a music director and fought for equal and higher credit for lyricists. The chapter on his romance with Amrita Pritam is just melancholic because you really wish these beautiful creative souls deserved a happy ending.

Sahir was a man who felt everything deeply and as written needed some real-life situation, to act as his muse whether it was the nation’s political situation or his personal life tragedies. He was a man who made a name for himself on his own terms and believed in his skill and worked with everyone possible.  The special bond that he shared with both the Chopra brothers is extremely well detailed with quotes from the Late Yash Chopra.

The book makes one wonder that only a genius can write such a self-aware song on the life a poet i.e. ‘Main Pal do Pal ka shayar hoon’.  I highly recommend this book for all those who love old Bollywood songs from its golden musical period of 50-60’s. In conclusion, one should read this book to truly understand Sahir’s magical musical legacy just like his pen name.