Anjaan Remembered: Lyricist of Banaras Who Ruled Film Songs
Mumbai, October 27
The songs written by Anjaan have outlived the decades that followed their release. Tracks like 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala', 'O Saathi Re' and 'Rote Hue Aate Hain Sab' still hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers.
Despite such lasting success, Anjaan's early years in the film industry were marked by financial pressure. For a time he earned his living by tutoring children. His persistence eventually helped him build a remarkable career in Hindi cinema.
Born Lalji Pandey on October 28, 1930, in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, he developed a love for poetry at an early age. Words fascinated him, and he often shared his thoughts through verse. His writings appeared in regional publications, and he participated in kavi sammelans and poetry gatherings. This creative passion eventually guided him toward writing film songs.
Anjaan moved to Mumbai to pursue his ambitions. The beginning was slow, and he had to wait several years before finding steady opportunities. Household responsibilities were heavy, and tuition work helped him cover his expenses. Even in difficult times, he continued writing and remained hopeful.
In 1953, he received a chance to write songs for 'Prisoner of Golconda', starring Premnath. This is regarded as the start of his film career. For the film he wrote 'Lahar Ye Dole Koyal Bole' and 'Shaheedon Amar Hai Tumhari Kahani'. He kept working on films of different scales in the years that followed.
The 1963 film 'Godaan', with music by Pandit Ravi Shankar, proved to be a key stage in his career. Songs like 'Hiyara Jarat Jarat', 'Pipra Ke Patwa' and 'Janam Liyo Lalna' caught public attention.
He went on to collaborate with Kalyanji-Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, R.D. Burman and Bappi Lahiri. The song 'Bina Badra Ke Bijuriya' from 'Bandhan' is also among his notable works.
His songs for Amitabh Bachchan's films brought him wider recognition. 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala' from 'Don' became one of his most popular songs. 'O Saathi Re' and 'Rote Hue Aate Hain Sab' from 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar' also resonated with audiences. Additional favourites include 'Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan' from 'Yaarana' and 'Pag Ghungroo Bandh' from 'Namak Halaal'.
Anjaan wrote more than 1,500 songs for over 300 films. He also worked in Bhojpuri cinema, where songs from 'Balam Pardesiya' received appreciation. He maintained his connection with writing until his final days.
His poetry book 'Ganga Tat Ka Banjara' was published in 1997. It is said that Amitabh Bachchan launched the book. Anjaan died in Mumbai on September 3, 1997, at the age of 66.