Jan Nisar Akhtar

Jan Nisar Akhtar Biography

Jan Nisar Akhtar is a noted Urdu poet and lyricist of Bollywood music. His name is always taken among the Progressive Writers' Movement of 20^th century and he is verse in Urdu gazals and nazms. He has written 151 songs for Bollywood as well, in the golden era of Bollywood music. He has worked with leading music composers of yesterdays – O.P. Nayyar, N. Dutta, Khayyam and C. Ramachandra. For his poetic contributions to Urdu literature, he has been awarded with Sahitya Academy award in the year 1976. As a writer, his important works include - Khamosh Awaz, Ja-Nisar Akhxtar ki shayari, Kuliyat-e-Jan Nisar Akhtar, Hindustan Hamara, Khak-e-dil, Pichhle Peher and Harf-e-ashna: Khatut.

Jan Nisar Akhtar was born in Gwalior, MP. His family was filled with poets, philosophers, thinkers, scholars and writers. Jan Nisar passed his matriculation from Victoria Collegiate High School, Gwalior. He completed BA degree from Aligarh Muslim University. Then he joined Victoria College, Gwalior, as an Urdu Lecturer. Then he became a part of Progressive Writers' Movement, became its president and resigned from his job as well. He came to touch with many progressive writers of that time. Along with poems and ghazals, he began to write lyrics for movies as well.   

Among all his songs, songs of CID, Noorie, Yasmin and Prem parbat are noted most. Songs like Aakhom hi aakhom mein, Leke Pahela Pahela Pyar and Kahi pe nigahein kahi pe nishaana of CID, Title track of Noorie, Aap yun fasulom se jusarthe rahe, Apne aap ratoom mein and Kahi ek masoom nasuk sa ladki of Shankar Hussain, Mujhpe Ilzam-E-Bewafai, Bechain Nazar Betab Jigar, Tum Apni Yaad Bhi Dil Se and Ankhon Mein Sama Jao of Yasmin and Yeh dil aur unki of Prem parbat have become immensely popular. The song of Razia Sulthan – E dil e nadaan was his last song. This song was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and pictured on Hema Malini. He has been nominated for Filmfare for the title track of Noorie. He has also acted as a producer. He produced the movie Bahu begam in the year 1967. This movie starred Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar in the pivot roles.

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Updated: July 10, 2013