He was a man who created magic with his words. With over 4000 songs to his credit, lyricist Anand Bakshi was and continues to remain a maestro. For someone who was a school dropout, Anand Bakshi carved a niche that several only dream of achieving. The master has given Hindi cinema iconic lyrics, which remain unmatched till date. He came to Bollywood with dreams of becoming a singer, but it was his flair for writing and ease with words that made him a much sought-after lyricist.

Anand Bakshi’s collaborations with the crème da la crème of music composers such as Laxmikant Pyarelal, R D Burman, Kalyanji-Anandji, Jatin Lalit to name a few, gave us some of the most melodious numbers ever. What set him apart from others was his knack of penning songs to readymade tunes, a feat that several writers often struggle with.

Pandolin takes a look at some of the most memorable songs written by the noted lyricist.

Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyan Milana

This iconic song from Jab Jab Phool Khile plays an instrumental role in boosting Anand Bakshi’s career. It is after this film that the lyricist gained major recognition. His heartwarming lyrics coupled with Kalyanji Anandji’s harmonious compositions created a song that was taken to another level by Mohammed Rafi’s voice. Lata Mangeshkar too sang a solo version of this song which touched many a chords.

Bindiya Chamkegi

This evergreen number from the family drama Do Raaste got Anand Bakshi a nomination for Best Lyricist at the Filmfare Awards. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the music while Lata Mangeshkar’s melodious voice lent itself to the beautiful lyrics of this song.

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Accha Toh Hum Chalte Hai 

This song from Aan Milo Sajna became a sensation of its time. Another outstanding collaboration between composer Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Anand Bakshi, the genesis of the song is quite unique. The lyricist couldn’t think of anything to write and got up to leave saying ‘ Acha toh hum chalte hai’ (Ok, I’m leaving) to which Laxmikant replied, ‘Fir Kab Miloge’ (when will you meet again) and thus was born this romantically mischievous track.

Chingari Koi Bhadke

Anand Bakshi and R.D.Burman’s partnership has given Hindi cinema some unforgettable tracks and ‘Chingari Koi Bhadke’ is one among them. It is said that the film’s director Shakti Samanta heard Bakshi at a poetry gathering where he recited ‘Chingari Koi Bhadke’. The filmmaker liked it so much that he decided to include the song in his film.

Dum Maaro Dum

Anand Bakshi was known for his versatility, never one to be confined to a particular genre, he excelled in writing all kinds of songs. And this cult track from Hare Rama Hare Krishna stands testimony to that. R.D.Burman and Bakshi joined hands once again to create an album that became talk of the town. ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ got an added edge with Asha Bhosale’s versatile voice. Dev Anand who directed this hit film was initially doubtful about the controversial lyrics but went with them and the song became a rage.

Parda hai parda

The famed qawwali from Amar Akbar Anthony was a super hit. Anand Bakshi’s lyrics capture the essence of young love where Rishi Kapoor is trying to impress Neetu Singh. The poetic lyrics combined with Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music and the voice of Mohammad Rafi make this love-themed qawwali one of the most heard filmy qawwalis.

Tu Mera Jaanu Hai

Anand Bakshi’s association with composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal often resulted in a hit. Hero was one of those albums wherein the trio pelted out several iconic songs. Ruling the charts was ‘Tu Mera Jaanu Hai’ a romantic track, the intense words of which touched a million hearts. Directpr Subhash Ghai and Bakshi had a long standing association that gave the industry several perennial classics.

Mehbooba Mehbooba

It is said that during Sholay, Anand Bakshi was on a creative high and wrote the lyrics within no time. Through ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’, Bakshi created a version of what we now call the ‘item song’. His lyrics complimented the foot thumping music of the song by R.D.Burman and got him a nomination for Best Lyrics at the 23rd Filmfare Awards.

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Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana Sanam

With ‘Tujhe Dekha Toh’, Anand Bakshi proved that age was no bar if you are young at heart. His lyrics captured the soul of young love with much ease. Such is the popularity of this track from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge that it’s counted amongst the most romantic tracks of Hindi cinema. It also won Bakshi the Filmfare Award for the Best Lyricist. Infact he was also nominated for another song, ‘Ho gaya hai tujhko toh pyar’ from the same film.

Ishq Bina

Anand Bakshi’s ethereal lyrics in this song strike a magical rhythm. Taal was the first film where the lyricist and ace composer A R Rahman joined forces and was among the many successful partnerships between Ghai and Bakshi. The result was a phenomenal album with each song flowing like poetry. ‘Ishq bina’ in particular sung beautifully by Anuradha Sriram and Sonu Nigam was one of the finest and got Bakshi another much deserving Filmfare Award.

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