Prem Dhawan Biography 
Prem Dhawan was a genius in all means. He was a lyricist, music director, choreographer and actor of Bollywood during 50’s and early 60’s. No one can easily forget the patriotic songs written by him in Manoj Kumar starrer – Shahid. Aye Watan aye watan and Mera rangde basanti chola are still remembered by each one of us during every Independence Day celebration, yet we forget its lyricist Prem Dhawan. Yes, Prem dhawan was one among those leading names in the black and white era of Hindi films who can be tagged under ‘Unsung hero’. He didn’t receive the designation what he actually deserved, yet he was a genius in true means. Other patriotic songs written by Prem Dhawan are Chodo Kal ki baatein from Hum Hindustani and Aye mere pyare watan from Kabuliwala which will always find place in the top 10 patriotic songs of Hindi film music.
Prem Dhawan was born in Ambala on June 13, 1923. His father was jail Superintendent of British and due to frequent transfer of his father, he got opportunity to visit various places of India. Prem completed his studies in Lahore. Lyricist Sahir Ludianvi and former prime minister of India Inder Kumar Gujral were his classmates. In association with both these friends, he was an active participant of Marxist party that time. They were engaged in politics and freedom struggle as well that provided Dhawan enough energy to write boastful and inspiring patriotic songs that we remember till now.
Later he went to Mumbai to join the IPTA and happened to meet Pt. Ravi Shankar, under whom he learnt classical music. He learnt classical dance from Shanti Roy Bardhan as well. He joined the film industry as an assistant to music director Khurshid Anwar in Pagdandi (1946). As a lyricist he debut with Ziddi two years later. In this movie, Kishore Kumar sang first time for Dev Anand and the song was Marne ki duayen kyoon maangoon. Though he was not able to work with leading composers of the industry, he has worked with Khemchand Prakash, Hans Raj Behl, Salil Chaudhuri, Anil Biswas, Ravi and Chitragupta.
Prem Dhawan turned to a music director hearing Manoj Kumar’s words. It became successful as well. Shahid starring Manoj Kumar in the lead gave a new name to Manoj – Bharat Kumar. Another memorable Manoj Kumar movie is Pavitra paapi where Dhawan gave music as well.
A few other memorable songs of Prem Dhawan as a lyricist include - Teri Duniya se hoke majboor chala of Pavitra paapi, Aa lag gaa gale dilruba of Dus lakh and Chal chal re naujawan of Ek phool do mali. He has choreography of a few movies of which Ud jab jab sulfein teri is most popular. He has also appeared in the movie – Goonj uti shahnai (1959) as Banjara.
Published: N/A
Updated: August 23, 2013
