Sahir Ludhianvi was a Popular Urdu poet, Hindi lyricist and songwriter. Sahir Ludhianvi was known to be very egotistic, perhaps as a result of his Zamindar background; he fought for, and became the first lyricist or songwriter, To get royalties from music companies. Sahir insisted on writing the songs before The song was composed, against the Bollywood norm.
At the height of his Popularity, Sahir is known to have demanded a rupee more than what was paid To Lata Mangeshkar for singing it. It was on Sahir's insistence that All India Radio Started crediting lyricists along with singers and music composers for songs it Aired. He won the Filmfare Award twice, in 1964 For his songs Jo Wada Kiya ( Taj Mahal) and in1977, Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein (Kabhi Kabhie) and in 1971 Was awarded the Padma Shri.
Uniqueness of his poetry :-
"Main pal do pal ka shayar hoon, pal do pal meri kahani hai
Pal do pal meri hasti hai, pal do pal meri jawani hai
Mujse pahle kitne shayar aaye, aur kitne aakar chale gaye,
Kuch aahein bharkar laut gaye, kuch nagmein gakar chale gaye,
Who bhi ek pal ka kissa the, main bhi ek pal ka kissa hoon
Kal tumse juda ho jaaonga, jo aaj tumhara hissa hoon"
Sahir Ludhianvi was different from other writers of that era. he was best at pouring out bitter but sensitive lyrics over the Declining values of society, the senselessness of war and politics, and the Domination of materialism over love. He wanted to acknowledge the conditions of the farmer crushed by debt, the soldier gone to fight in wars, the woman forced to sell her body, the youth frustrated by Unemployment, the family living on the street and other victims of society through his works. His Lyric from Payasa when lead actor Guru Dutt (Vijay) was passing through a red Light area by singing this song, moved even Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Honourable Prime minister of India that time.
"Ye kuche, ye nilaam ghar dilakashi ke,
Ye lutate hue kaaravaa zindagi ke,