Not just an ordinary poet, meet Majrooh Sultanpuri! Born Israr Hassan Khan in 1919, his story starts not in a fancy school, but in a Madrasa where he learned Urdu,Arabic and Persian instead of English. Why? His dad, a policeman, wasn’t a fan of the British rule. This unique upbringing sparked a love for Urdu poetry within Majrooh, leading him on a path far more exciting than textbooks. Buckle up, because this is the tale of a poet who went from medical student to magical melodist!
Doctor Dreams to Poetry Power: Majrooh Sultanpuri’s Early Hustle
Imagine becoming a doctor, opening your own clinic, and… it flopping? That’s what happened to young Majrooh Sultanpuri! But hey, life throws curveballs, and for him, it was a love story gone wrong that sent him packing back to his hometown. But here’s the twist: while studying medicine, music had secretly stolen his heart (though his dad wasn’t a fan!). And guess what? He found solace in poetry, starting to write powerful verses called ghazals in 1935. Soon, he was reciting them at poetry gatherings, catching the attention of big names like Jigar Muradabadi and Prof. Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui. These mentors helped him polish his craft, setting him on a path far from prescriptions and towards poetic magic!
From Poetry Circles to Silver Screen: Majrooh’s Big Break!
His poetry mentors, Jigar Muradabadi and Prof. Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui, saw the spark in Majrooh and encouraged him to dive deep into classical poetry. When Aligarh University said no, Prof. Siddiqui even hosted him for three years, nurturing his talent! It was during a poetry gathering in Bombay that fate intervened. A famous film director, AR Kardar, was blown away by Majrooh’s verses and offered him a life-changing opportunity: write songs for his upcoming film “Shahjahan”!
This was no ordinary gig. The music director was the legendary Naushad, and the lead singer was the iconic K.L. Sehgal. Majrooh’s lyrics, poured into Sehgal’s voice, became instant classics. “Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya” resonated so deeply that it became Sehgal’s last wish, played at his funeral. Talk about a powerful debut! Just like that, Majrooh went from poetry circles to the silver screen, ready to weave his magic into Bollywood’s heart.
Hit Machine with a Heart: Majrooh’s Bollywood Journey
For over 55 years, Majrooh churned out hit song after hit song, his lyrics becoming the soundtrack of countless lives. But he wasn’t just chasing chart-toppers. He believed film songs could be literary gems too, and fought to maintain their artistic merit even when pressured to compromise. His dedication shone through in classics like “Chahunga Mein Tujhe Saanjh Sawere,” which earned him a Filmfare Award.
And his impact wasn’t limited to India! He travelled the world, sharing his poetry magic with audiences in Russia, the US, and beyond. His contributions to both literature and cinema were recognized with prestigious awards like the Ghalib Prize, Iqbal Samman, and the highest honor in Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Sadly, his later years were marked by illness, and he passed away in 2000. But his legacy lives on, reminding us that true artistry transcends genres and generations.
A Legacy of Words and Music: Remembering Majrooh
Majrooh Sultanpuri’s story is more than just a poet’s journey. It’s a testament to the power of words, the magic of music, and the courage to stay true to your voice. His songs continue to touch hearts, his poems inspire new generations, and his life serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected paths can lead to extraordinary achievements. So next time you hear a Bollywood classic, remember the man who put his heart and soul into every lyric, the poet who turned film songs into timeless poetry – Majrooh Sultanpuri.