Hindi cinema has witnessed several master lyricists whose timeless verses remain etched in public memory decades after their release. Among them, Anjaan stands out as a prolific writer who gave the industry some of its most memorable melodies, including Khai ke Paan Banaras Wala and O Saathi Re. However, navigating the competitive world of films was far from a smooth journey for him. There was a phase in his life when he had to tutor children just to sustain himself in the city before his pen earned him legendary status alongside actors like Amitabh Bachchan.
Born Lalji Pandey on October 28, 1930, in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, he developed a deep passion for poetry and shayari from an early age. He enjoyed playing with words and expressing his thoughts through verses. While still living in Banaras, his poems began appearing in local periodicals and publications. He frequently participated in poetic symposiums and literary gatherings, a hobby that eventually paved the way for his entry into the film industry.
Chasing his cinematic dreams, he eventually moved to Mumbai. Yet, success did not come knocking immediately, and he faced years of hardship trying to establish a foothold. Making ends meet during this struggle was remarkably difficult. To survive, he tutored children, relying on that modest income for daily sustenance. Juggling the constant worry of livelihood alongside the grand ambition of becoming a film lyricist, he refused to give up writing despite adverse circumstances.
His big break arrived in 1953 when he was offered the opportunity to write lyrics for Premnath's film Prisoner of Golkonda, marking the official beginning of his career as a film songwriter. For this project, he penned tracks such as Lahar Ye Dole Koyal Bole. He continued taking up various projects, and the 1963 film Godan served as a major turning point in his trajectory. Composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar, the film featured notable tracks by him like Hiyra Jarat Jarat and Pipra Ke Patwa, which drew widespread critical and public attention.
Collaborations With Iconic Composers
Following this success, new avenues opened up for him, leading to collaborations with legendary music directors such as Kalyanji-Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, R.D. Burman, and Bappi Lahiri. His notable work also included Bina Badra Ke Bijuriya from the movie Bandhan.
The songs he penned for Amitabh Bachchan propelled him to household fame. The track Khai ke Paan Banaras Wala from Don became an unprecedented cultural phenomenon. Meanwhile, songs like O Saathi Re and Rote Hue Aate Hain Sab from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar resonated deeply with audiences. Other immortal contributions included Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan from Yaराना and Pag Ghunghroo Bandh from Namak Halaal.
A Legacy of Over 1500 Songs
Throughout his expansive career, Anjaan wrote more than 1500 songs spanning over 300 films. Beyond mainstream Hindi cinema, he also lent his talent to Bhojpuri cinema, creating memorable tracks for the hit regional film Balam Pardesia. His bond with literature remained intact until his final days, culminating in the publication of his poetry collection Ganga Tat Ka Banjara in 1997. Reports noted that Amitabh Bachchan himself launched the book. He passed away in Mumbai on September 3, 1997, at the age of 66.
