Gulshan Bawra

Today is the birth anniversary of Gulshan Kumar Mehta , popularly known as Gulshan Bawra the lyricist who also acted in some films.

Born this day in 1937 at Shekhupura( now in Pakistan ), his father and his Uncle both became victims of riots during the Partition.Gulshan and his elder brother somehow managed to cross over to India and were brought up by their elder sister at Jaipur. When the elder brother got a job in Delhi, both the brothers shifted there. Gulshan did his graduation from Delhi University .He wrote poetry even while in College.
As luck would have it, he landed a Clerk's job in Mumbai.He came in contact with Kalyanji and Anand ji.His first song was for the film  Chandrasena which was sung by Lata Mangeshkar.The same year, Kalyanji- Anandji duo used his lyrics for the film Satta Bazar, also their maiden  joint venture as composers. The songs Tumhen Yaad Hoga Kabhi Hum Mile The ( Hemant-Lata) & Chandi ke Chand Tukdon  Ke Liye (Hemant) became instant hits.It was during the making of this film that  ' Bawra' got suffixed to his name.The music for half of his songs was composed by R.D.Burman.
The films for which he wrote lyrics include  Upkar, Zanjeer, Khel Khel Mein, Kasme Vaade, Satte Pe Satta, Agar Tum Na Hote and Awaaz.
Besides, as an actor, he wrote character roles in the films Vishwas, Pavitra Paapi, Pyaar Ki Kahani, Jaane Anjaane,Zanjeer, Shahzada, Lafange, Ye Waada Raha, Boxer, and  Basera.
The popular songs written by him include Chandi ki deewar na todi, Mere Desh Ki Dharti, Yaari hai imaan mera, Sanam teri kasam, Agar tum na hote, Aati Rahengi Baharen, Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum, Pyar Hamen Kis Mod pe le aya and some others.
He won Filmfare Best Lyricist Award twice- in 1968 & 1974.
He died on 7 August, 2009 aged 72.
Our humble tributes !