Music, as an art form, has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from traditional hymns and prayers to a diverse range of genres. Lyricists play a pivotal role in this transformation, contributing meaningful and melodious words to songs. In Bollywood, numerous talented lyricists have made a mark, crafting lyrics for a plethora of songs across various genres.
Here’s a list, in alphabetical order, of the top 15 most prominent lyricists in India’s Bollywood cinema:
- Amitabh Bhattacharya: In Bollywood films, Amitabh Bhattacharya serves as both a playback singer and lyricist. He became well-known for writing and performing the hit song “Emotional Atyachar” for the movie “Dev D.” Since then, he has penned the lyrics to many songs, the majority of which have brought him recognition and accolades. Songs written: “Emotional Atyachar,” “Agar Zindagi,” “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,” “Channa Mereya,” and many more are among the songs penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
- Anand Bakshi: Anand Bakshi was a well-known Bollywood lyricist and poet. He was one of the few senior lyricists who began his career in the 1940s and worked until his death in 2002. Despite having a passion for singing and writing, fate led him to become the Bollywood industry’s most prominent lyricist. He did, however, have the opportunity to perform the duet song ‘Baaghon Mein Bahaar Aayi Hothon Pe Pukaar Aayi’ with Lata Mangeshkar for the film ‘Mom Ki Gudiya (1972)’.
- Anjaan (Lalji Pandey): Anjaan, born Lalji Pandey, was a well-known Indian film lyricist. Sameer, his son, is also a well-known lyricist in Bollywood cinema. Anjaan began his career as a lyricist in the 1950s and rose to prominence over the years. Throughout his career, he has written lyrics for over 1,500 songs. Songs written by Anjaan include ‘Lehar Yeh Dole Koyal Bole,’ ‘Mat Poonch Mera Hai Mera Kaun Watan,’ ‘Luk Chhip Luk Chhip Jao Na,’ ‘Jiska Koi Nahin,’ and many others. Anjaan has won and been nominated for numerous awards and recognition for his prolific work as a lyricist in Indian cinema.
- Dev Kohli: With a career starting in the 1970s, Dev Kohli has penned numerous popular songs such as ‘Aate Jaate Hanste Gaate’ and ‘Saaki Saaki.’
- Gulshan Kumar Mehta: From the 1960s until 1999, Gulshan Kumar Mehta worked as both an actor and lyricist in Indian cinema. Throughout his career, he has written over 240 songs, the majority of which are still remembered today. He was a lyricist as well as an actor in several Hindi films. Songs written by Gulshan Kumar Mehta include ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti,’ ‘Yaari Hai Imaan Mera,’ ‘Le Pappiyaan Jhappiyaan Paale Hum,’ and many more. Gulshan Kumar Mehta was honoured with two Filmfare Best Lyricist Awards.
- Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra): In Bollywood films, Gulzar is a highly well-known figure. The renowned lyricist, also known as Gulzar, was born Sampooran Singh Kalra and has also achieved prominence as a poet, screenwriter, author, film producer, and director. In addition, he is India’s highest-paid lyricist. He began his career as an assistant to the well-known music director of the time, R. D. Burman. Songs wrote: “Mora Gora Rang Layi Le,” “Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi,” “Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan,” “Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke Sapne Chune,” and numerous other songs are among those attributed to him. Awards/Recognition Received: Gulzar has been recognised with Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Awards, two Best Lyrics awards, and five National Film Awards. In addition, he has a Grammy Award.
- Hasrat Jaipuri (Iqbal Hussain): From the 1940s until 1999, Hasrat Jaipuri—born as Iqbal Hussain—wrote lyrics for Indian motion pictures. He made his acting debut in Raj Kapoor’s 1949 Hindi film “Barsaat.” Songs written: Among the many songs penned by Hasrat Jaipuri are “Aji Rooth Kar Ab Kahan Jaiyega,” “Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana,” “Chhod Gaye Baalam,” and “Jiya Beqaraar Hai.”
- Indeevar (Shyamlal Babu Rai): A prolific lyricist from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, Indeevar’s notable works include ‘Bade Armano Se Rakkha Hai Balam Teri Kasam’ and ‘Nile Nile Ambar Par.’
- Irshad Kamil: Popular poet and lyricist in the Bollywood film industry is Irshad Kamil. In 2004, he made his screenplay debut in the Hindi film “Chameli.” After that, he focused on becoming a lyricist for songs, and many of them were well-liked by his listeners. Composed songs: Irshad Kamli is the author of numerous songs, including “Daryaa,” “Manjhaa,” “Agar Tum Saath Ho,” “Nadaan Parinde,” and “Gallan Goodiyan.” Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career as a lyricist, Irshad Kamli has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Several accolades he has received for his songs include the Mirchi Music Awards and the Filmfare Awards.
- Javed Akhtar: A celebrated lyricist, poet, and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar has penned over a hundred songs, receiving numerous awards for classics like ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ and ‘Sandese Aate Hain.’
- Kausar Munir: Kausar Munir, a prolific lyricist and screenwriter in Indian cinema, embarked on her journey in 2001 by contributing to Indian television programs. Since her Bollywood debut in 2008, she has penned enchanting lyrics for over a dozen films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Notable Songs: Kausar Munir’s repertoire includes popular songs like ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage,’ ‘Suno Na Sangemarmar,’ ‘Daryaa,’ and more. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Kausar Munir has received accolades such as the Best Lyricist Stardust Award, Best Lyricist Star Screen Award, Best Lyricist Zee Cine Award, and two Standout Performance By Lyricist Stardust Awards. Her work has also earned numerous nominations.
- Majrooh Sultanpuri: Majrooh Sultanpuri, born Asrar ul Hassan Khan, left an indelible mark as a lyricist and poet in Indian cinema. His career, spanning from the late 1940s to the year 2000, produced timeless classics, showcasing his lyrical prowess. Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrical brilliance is evident in songs like ‘Chahunga Mein Tujhe Saanj Savere,’ ‘Ye Aajkal Ke Ladke,’ ‘Mehboob Mere Mehboob Mere,’ and ‘Ek Tera Saath.’ The recipient of the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award, Majrooh Sultanpuri made history as the first Indian lyricist honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
- Mehboob: Mehboob, known as Mehboob Alam Kotwal, has made significant contributions as a lyricist in Indian cinema since the 1980s. With a career spanning over decades, he continues to craft popular songs for Bollywood films. Mehboob’s notable compositions include ‘Khamoshiyaa Gungunane Lagi,’ ‘Tu Hi Re,’ ‘Chaand Chuppa,’ ‘Tanha Tanha,’ and many more. Recognizing his talent, Mehboob was honored with the Filmfare R. D. Burman Award in 1996.
- Prasoon Joshi: Prasoon Joshi, a versatile artist in Bollywood as a lyricist, poet, and screenwriter, embarked on his career in 2001 with the film ‘Lajja.’ He has since become a prominent figure, contributing to the industry’s creative landscape. Prasoon Joshi’s notable compositions include ‘Maula,’ ‘Kaise Mujhe,’ ‘Tu Bin Bataye,’ ‘Khalbali Hai Khalbali,’ and more. Renowned for his exceptional work, Prasoon Joshi has received numerous awards, including Best Lyricist accolades, the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award, National Film Award for Best Lyrics, the IFAA award, and the Padma Shri award.
- Sahir Ludhianvi: Sahir Ludhianvi, born Abdul Hayee, was a distinguished lyricist and poet in Indian cinema, writing poignant songs and poems in Hindi and Urdu languages. Sahir Ludhianvi’s timeless creations include ‘Badal Rahi Hai Zindagi,’ ‘Thandi Hawayein Lehrake Aaye,’ ‘Jane Kya Tune Kahi,’ ‘Aye Meri Zoharjabin,’ and more. Sahir Ludhianvi’s contributions were honored with two Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist, the prestigious Padma Shri, and a commemorative postage stamp issued by the Government of India in 2013, showcasing the lasting impact of his artistry.
These are just a few of the talented lyricists who have significantly contributed to the rich tapestry of Bollywood music. Each of them has left an indelible mark with their lyrical prowess, making them legends in the industry.
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