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{{short description|Indian Hindi-Urdu poet, lyricist and film producer (born 1923)}}
'''Shankardas Kesarilal Shailendra''' (], ] - ], ]), popularly known as '''Shailendra''', was a popular ]n ] ].
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Shankardas Kesarilal Shailendra
| image =
| image_size = 260px
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1923|8|30}}
| birth_place = ], ], ]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|1966|12|14|1923|8|30}}
| death_place = ], ]
| nationality = ]
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| years_active = 1949–1966
| spouse = Shakuntala
| children = 5 ( including Shailey Shailendra )
}}
'''Shailendra''' (30 August 1923&nbsp;– 14 December 1966) was a popular Indian ] Poet, lyricist and film producer.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gopal |first1=Sangita |last2=Moorti |first2=Sujata |chapter=Introduction: Travels of Hindi Song and Dance |title=Global Bollywood: Travels of Hindi Song and Dance |date=2008 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0-8166-4578-7 |pages=1–62 (22) |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=19JBf6oDOy0C&pg=PA22}}</ref> He is regarded as one of the greatest and most celebrated lyricist of Indian film industry.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rajoria |first=Vinay |date=2022-01-01 |title=A Thematic Analysis of the Poetry and Lyrics of Shailendra |url=https://www.academia.edu/81594703/A_Thematic_Analysis_of_the_Poetry_and_Lyrics_of_Shailendra |journal=The Jamia Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kusnur |first=Narendra |date=2021-08-26 |title=Shailendra: Poet of the masses |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/lyricist-shailendra-poet-of-the-masses/article36117282.ece |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shailendras birth centenary: Verdant verses from the poet of pathos |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/features/shailendras-birth-centenary-verdant-verses-from-the-poet-of-pathos-497901/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Decoding The Work Of The Great Film Lyricist Shailendra Who Mesmerised Common Viewers – Latest India news, analysis and reports on IPA Newspack |url=https://ipanewspack.com/decoding-the-work-of-the-great-film-lyricist-shailendra-who-mesmerised-common-viewers/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=ipanewspack.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=Shailendra’s birth centenary: Why the words of ‘Tu Zinda Hai’ — and all his inclusive, questioning lyrics — resonate even today |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/shailendras-birth-centenary-tu-zinda-lyrics-8914772/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Renowned for his association with the filmmaker ], singer ], and the composers ], he wrote lyrics for several successful ] in the 1950s and the 1960s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lyricist Shailendra gets road named after him in Mathura |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Lyricist-Shailendra-gets-road-named-after-him-in-Mathura/articleshow/51338868.cms |date=10 March 2016 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>


==Early days== == Early life ==
Shankar Shailendra was born on 30 August 1923 in ], ] (now in ]).<ref>{{cite book |author=Ashis Nandy |title=The Secret Politics of Our Desires: Innocence, Culpability and Indian Popular Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5-mFd5pfgNsC&pg=PA102 |year=1998 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-1-85649-516-5 |page=102}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Fiza|date=2019-12-14|title=Shailendra — the Leftist poet genius whose lyrics define beauty of simplicity|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/shailendra-the-leftist-poet-genius-whose-lyrics-define-beauty-of-simplicity/335262/|access-date=2020-06-05|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> He was born into a ] family <ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Fiza|date=2019-12-14|title=Shailendra — the Leftist poet genius whose lyrics define beauty of simplicity|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/shailendra-the-leftist-poet-and-dalit-genius-whose-lyrics-define-beauty-of-simplicity/335262/|access-date=2020-06-05|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Pratikshit |date=2023-08-30 |title=Shailendra: Centenary of a Lyricist Whose Songs Brimmed with the Anguish of the Masses |url=https://en.themooknayak.com/india/shailendra-centenary-of-a-lyricist-whose-songs-brimmed-with-the-anguish-of-the-masses |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=The Mooknayak English - Voice Of The Voiceless |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-02 |title=Shailendra Chowk – Poet, Lyricist, Kaviraj, Shailendra (lyricist) - |url=https://superbcollections.com/product/shailendra-chowk-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%95-poet-lyricist-kaviraj-shailendra-lyricist/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> His ancestors belonged to ] of Bihar.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-09-01 |title=Shailendra - The True Lyricist Of Hindi Filmdom |url=https://indiawest.com/shailendra-the-true-lyricist-of-hindi-filmdom/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=IndiaWest Journal News |language=en-US}}</ref> Due to financial crisis, his family later move to ] form Rawalpindi where Shailendra completed his studies.<ref name=":0" /> At a young age, he lost his mother and sister. His village in ], ] mostly comprised agricultural laborers and Shailendra’s father had shifted to Rawalpindi to find work at a military hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Apurva |first=Ankita |date=2021-09-02 |title=Shailendra: Portraying Complex Realities Of Common Lives |url=https://feminisminindia.com/2021/09/03/shailendra-lyricist-poet-bollywood/#google_vignette |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Feminism in India |language=en-GB}}</ref> Shailendra came in contact with Indra Bahadur Khare at the Kishori Raman Vidyalay (Now Kishori Raman Inter College) Mathura. Both started composing poems, sitting on the rock located on the bank of a pond in between railway 27 quarters and railway line near to Mathura station. Afterwards Shailendra moved to Bombay for films and Indra Bahadur Khare got his fame in Raashtreey Kavita.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-02 |title=Shailendra Chowk – Poet, Lyricist, Kaviraj, Shailendra (lyricist) - |url=https://superbcollections.com/product/shailendra-chowk-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%95-poet-lyricist-kaviraj-shailendra-lyricist/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Shailendra was born in ], ].


==Career as a lyricist== ==Career as a lyricist==
Shailendra started his career as an employee with ]. His job brought him to ] (then Bombay) in 1947. He started writing poetry during these days. Once, when he was reading out his poem ''Jalta hai ]'' at a public meeting, filmmaker ] noticed him. He offered to buy poems written by Shailendra and use them for his movie '']'' (1948). Shailendra, a member of the ] ], was wary of mainstream ] and refused. However, after the birth of his son, Shaily, he needed money and himself approached Raj Kapoor<ref>{{cite web
| url=http://www.upperstall.com/hindisong4.html
| title=Evolution of the hindi film song - part 4
| accessdate=2006-08-26
}}</ref>.


Shailendra started his career as an apprentice with ] in ] workshop, Mumbai in 1947. He started writing poetry during these days.
Shailendra's first project for Raj Kapoor was the movie '']'' (1949). For ] 500, he wrote two songs: ''Patli kamar hai'' and ''Barsaat mein''. The music for '']'' was composed by ]. The team of Raj Kapoor, Shailendra and Shankar-Jaikishan produced many superhits.


The filmmaker ] noticed Shailendra, when the latter was reading out his poem ''Jalta hai Punjab'' at a ] (poetic symposium).<ref name="Dinesh_1996">{{cite book |title=The hundred luminaries of Hindi cinema |publisher=India Book House Publishers |year=1996 |isbn=978-81-7508-007-2 |page=68 |author1=Dinesh Raheja |author-link=Dinesh Raheja |author2=Jitendra Kothari}}</ref> Kapoor offered to buy the poem Jalta Hai Punjab written by Shailendra and for his movie '']'' (1948). Shailendra, a member of the left wing ] (IPTA), was wary of mainstream ] and refused. However, after his wife became pregnant, Shailendra himself approached Raj Kapoor in need of money. At this time, Raj Kapoor was filming '']'' (1949), and two of the film songs had not yet been written. For {{INR}} 500, Shailendra wrote these two songs: ''Patli kamar hai'' and ''Barsaat mein''. The music for '']'' was composed by ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remembering Shailendra, the Balladeer of Hindi Cinema |url=https://thewire.in/film/remembering-lyricist-shailendra |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vancheeswaran |first=Ganesh |date=2020-09-22 |title=Music and lyrics: How Shailendra gift-wrapped cosmic truths through his songs |url=https://scroll.in/reel/973353/music-and-lyrics-how-shailendra-gift-wrapped-cosmic-truths-through-his-songs |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the days when composers would recommend lyricists to producers. Shankar-Jaikishan had promised Shailendra that they would recommend him around, but didn't keep their promise. Shailendra sent them a note with the lines, "''Chhoti Si Yeh Duniya Pehchaane Raaste Hain Kahin To Miloge Phir Poochhenge Haal''". Shankar-Jaikishan realized what the message meant and having said sorry, turned the lines into a well-known song.


The team of Raj Kapoor, Shailendra, and Shankar–Jaikishan went on to produce many other hit songs. The song 'Awara Hoon' from the 1951 film ''Awaara'', written by Shailendra, became the most appreciated Hindustani film song outside India at the time.<ref name="Ashraf_2003">{{Citation |title=Light of the universe: essays on Hindustani film music |author=Ashraf Aziz |publisher=Three Essays Collective, 2003 |chapter=Shailendra |year=2003 |pages=37–76 |isbn=9788188789078}}</ref> Shailendra had penned down plenty songs lyrics for Raj Kapoor's film. '']'' released in 1955 is one of them. All songs of this film were super hits and till date people sing in various occasions. One can easily understand the power and magic of Shailendra's lyrics from the song "Pyaar hua iqaraar hua hai, Pyaar se phir kyo darta hai dil", is till date evergreen golden classic song of Bollywood.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-12|title=Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua लिरिक्स - Shree 420|url=https://www.lyricshindisong.in/cinema/1955/shree-420-329/pyar-hua-iqrar-hua-lyrics|access-date=2020-06-24|website=Gana Lyrics|language=en}}</ref>
Apart from ], Shailendra also shared a rapport with composers such as ] ('']''), ] (], ], '']''), and ] ('']''). Apart from Raj Kapoor, he shared a rapport with filmmakers such as ] ('']'', ''Madhumati'', ''Bandini'') and ] (Guide).


In the days when composers would recommend lyricists to producers, Shankar–Jaikishan once promised Shailendra that they would recommend him around, but didn't keep their promise. Shailendra sent them a note with the lines, ''Chhoti Si Yeh Duniya, Pehchaane Raaste Hain. Kahin To Miloge, toh Poochhenge Haal'' ("The world is small, the roads are familiar. We'll meet sometime, and ask 'How do you do?'"). ] realised what the message meant and having said sorry, turned the lines into a popular song. The song, sung by ], was featured in the film ''Rangoli'' (1962), for which the producer ] wanted to sign up ] as the lyricist. However, Shankar–Jaikishan insisted on Shailendra and the producer had to oblige.<ref name="Madan1973">{{cite book |author=Madan Gaur |title=Other side of the coin: an intimate study of ] |page=69 |year=1973 |publisher=Trimurti Prakashan}}</ref>
Shailendra had invested in the movie '']'', which was not successful. It is said that this was the ultimate cause of his death.<ref>{{cite web

|url=http://www.hindilyrix.com/lyricists/lyricist-shailendra.html
Apart from ], Shailendra also shared a rapport with composers such as ] ('']''), ] ('']'', ], '']''), and ] ('']''). Apart from Raj Kapoor, he shared a rapport with filmmakers such as ] ('']'', ''Madhumati'', ''Bandini'') and ] (''Guide'' and ''Kala Bazar'').]'']
|title=Shailendra

|accessdate=2006-08-26
Shailendra also wrote lyrics for several Bhojpuri films. Avijit Ghosh mentions in his book, Cinema Bhojpuri, that Shailendra penned songs for Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (the first Bhojpuri film), Ganga, Mitwa and Vidhana Naach Nachave. In page 184, Ghosh also writes that Shailendra received the best lyricist award for Ganga Maiyya... for all Bhojpuri and Magadhi films released till then at a function held in April 1965 in Calcutta.
}}</ref>. His son ] is also a lyricist.

== Career as producer ==
The only film Shailendra produced is ] (1966). Directed by ] and starring ] and ], it was an adaptation of ]'s famous short story ''Maare Gaye Ghulfam''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Weller |first=Philip |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.o004261 |title=Gaye |date=2002 |publisher=Oxford University Press |series=Oxford Music Online|doi=10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.o004261 }}</ref> The film is today regarded as a ] and won the ].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2005 |title=Teesri kasam |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9781838710538.0098 |journal=100 Bollywood Films |doi=10.5040/9781838710538.0098|isbn=9781838710538 }}</ref> However, the film was a ] and resulted in a financial crisis for Shailendra.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-10-29 |title=Teesri Kasam (1966) |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Teesri-Kasam-1966/article16889211.ece |access-date=2023-11-05 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Last years ==

In 1961 Shailendra invested heavily in the production of the movie '']'' (1966), directed by ] and starring ] and ]. The film won the ]. However, the film was a commercial failure.<ref name="EncyHind2003">{{cite book |editor=Gulzar, Govind Nihalani |editor2=Saibal Chatterjee |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&pg=PT556 |access-date=9 May 2012 |year=2003 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5 |page=556}}</ref> The falling health resulting from tensions associated with film production and anxiety due to financial loss, coupled with alcohol abuse, ultimately led to his early death on 14 December 1966.<ref name="Ashis_1998_125">{{cite book |author=Ashis Nandy |title=The Secret Politics of Our Desires: Innocence, Culpability and Indian Popular Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5-mFd5pfgNsC&pg=PA125 |accessdate=9 May 2012 |year=1998 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-1-85649-516-5 |page=125}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
]

Shailendra's son Shaily Shailendra also became a lyricist. At the age of 17, Raj Kapoor asked him to complete his father's song ''Jeena yahan, marna yahan'' for the film '']''. Shaily Shailendra completed the "mukhra" (lit. "face," or chorus) of the song whereas Shailendra completed the "antara" (verses) only before his demise. Lyricist, writer, and director ] has stated on many occasions that Shailendra was the best lyricist produced by the Hindi film industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gulzar on Shailendra in Naya Gyanodaya |year=2011 |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/58301564/Gulzar-on-Shailendra-in-Naya-Gyanodaya}}</ref>

Shailendra's song ''Mera Joota Hai Japani'' was featured in the 2016 Hollywood movie ]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/when-shailendras-mera-joota-hai-japani-went-global-thanks-to-deadpool/articleshow/55974967.cms |title=When Shailendra's 'Mera Joota Hai Japani' went global, thanks to 'Deadpool' |author=Avijit Ghosh |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref>
A street in the Dhauli Pyau locality of Mathura was named after Shailendra on 9 March 2016 - Geetkar-Jankavi Shailendra Marg – Mathura.
Shailendra spent 16 years of his early life in Mathura before moving to Mumbai to work for the Indian Railways in 1947.

Shailendra's wife is Shakuntala Shailendra and his five children are Late Shailey Shailendra, Manoj Shailendra, Mrs.Amla Mazumdar, Late Mrs. Gopa Chandra and Dinesh Shailendra.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}


==Awards== ==Awards==
=== Lyricist ===
Shailendra won the ] three times. Shailendra won the ] three times.
* 1958 ''Yeh mera deewanapan hai'' (''Yahudi'') * 1958: "Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai" ('']'')
* 1959 ''Sab kuch seekha hamne'' ('']'') * 1959: "]" ('']'')
* 1968 ''Main gaoon tum so jaao'' ('']'') * 1968: "Main Gaoon Tum So Jao" ('']'')


=== Producer ===
==Shailendra's most popular songs==
As a producer Shailendra's film Teesri Kasam (1966) won prestigious National Film award of 1967 in the category Best feature film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/essay55-years-of-teesri-kasam-101623391406923.html|title=Essay: 55 years of Teesri Kasam|date=11 June 2021}}</ref>
''For filmography please see ''
* ''Ramaiya Vastavaiya'' ('']'')
* ''Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh'' ('']'')
* ''Mera Joota Hai Japani'' ('']'')
* ''Aaj Phir Jeene Ki'' (''Guide'')
* ''Gata Rahe Mera Dil'' (''Guide'')
* ''Piya Tose Naina Laage Re'' (''Guide'')
* ''Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya'' (''Guide'')
* ''Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega'' ('']'')
* ''Dost Dost Na Raha'' ('']'')
* ''Sab Kuchh Seekha hamne'' ('']'')
* ''Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe''/''Jeen isi ka naam hai'' ('']'')
* ''Dil Ki Nazar Se'' ('']'')
* ''Khoya Khoya Chand''(''(kala bazar)'')


==References== == Popular songs ==
{{reflist}}


Some of the popular songs written by Shailendra include: {{div col|colwidth=25em}}
==Also see==
* "Suhana Safar Aur Yeh" – "]"
* ]
* "Chalat Musafir Moh Liya Re" – "]"
* ]
* "Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai" – "]"
* "Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala" – "]"
* "Tu Pyar Ka Saagar Hai" – "]"
* "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" – "]"
* "Paan Khaye Saiyan Hamaro" – "]"
* "O Sajana Barkha Bahar Aayi" – "]"
* "Aaja Aayi Bahaar" - "]"
* "Ruk Ja Raat, Theher Ja Re Chanda" – "]"
* "Yaad Na Jaye Beete Dino Ki" – "]"
* "Chadh Gayo Paapi Bichhua" – "]"
* "]" – '']''
* "Ramaiya Vastavaiya" – '']''
* "Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh" – '']''
* "Mera Joota Hai Japani" – '']''
* "Tere Mere Sapne" – '']''
* "Aaj Phir Jeene Ki" – '']''
* "Gaata Rahe Mera Dil" – '']''
* "Piya Tose Naina Laage" – '']''
* "Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya" – '']''
* "Din Dhal Jaaye" – '']''
* "Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega" – '']''
* "Dost Dost Na Raha" – '']''
* "Sab Kuchh Seekha" – '']''
* "Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe" – '']''
* "Dil Ki Nazar Se" – '']''
* "Khoya Khoya Chand" – '']''
* "Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua" – '']''
* "Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh" – ]
* "Jhoomti Chali Hawa" – ]
* "Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan" – ]
* "Nache Man Mora Magan" – "]"
* "Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo" – "]"
* "Raat Ke Hamsafar Thak Ke Ghar Ko Chali" – "]"
* "Tu Zinda Hai To Zindagi Kay Jeet Par Yakeen Kar"
{{div col end}}

==See also==

* ]
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{imdb name|0787589}}
* {{IMDb name|0787589}}


{{FilmfareAwardBestLyricist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shailendra}}
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Latest revision as of 06:21, 26 December 2024

Indian Hindi-Urdu poet, lyricist and film producer (born 1923)

Shankardas Kesarilal Shailendra
Born(1923-08-30)30 August 1923
Rawalpindi, Punjab, British India
Died14 December 1966(1966-12-14) (aged 43)
Mumbai, India
NationalityIndian
Occupations
Years active1949–1966
SpouseShakuntala
Children5 ( including Shailey Shailendra )

Shailendra (30 August 1923 – 14 December 1966) was a popular Indian Hindi-Urdu Poet, lyricist and film producer. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most celebrated lyricist of Indian film industry. Renowned for his association with the filmmaker Raj Kapoor, singer Mukesh, and the composers Shankar–Jaikishan, he wrote lyrics for several successful Hindi film songs in the 1950s and the 1960s.

Early life

Shankar Shailendra was born on 30 August 1923 in Rawalpindi, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He was born into a Chamar family His ancestors belonged to Ara district of Bihar. Due to financial crisis, his family later move to Mathura form Rawalpindi where Shailendra completed his studies. At a young age, he lost his mother and sister. His village in Arrah, Bihar mostly comprised agricultural laborers and Shailendra’s father had shifted to Rawalpindi to find work at a military hospital. Shailendra came in contact with Indra Bahadur Khare at the Kishori Raman Vidyalay (Now Kishori Raman Inter College) Mathura. Both started composing poems, sitting on the rock located on the bank of a pond in between railway 27 quarters and railway line near to Mathura station. Afterwards Shailendra moved to Bombay for films and Indra Bahadur Khare got his fame in Raashtreey Kavita.

Career as a lyricist

Shailendra started his career as an apprentice with Indian Railways in Matunga workshop, Mumbai in 1947. He started writing poetry during these days.

The filmmaker Raj Kapoor noticed Shailendra, when the latter was reading out his poem Jalta hai Punjab at a mushaira (poetic symposium). Kapoor offered to buy the poem Jalta Hai Punjab written by Shailendra and for his movie Aag (1948). Shailendra, a member of the left wing Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), was wary of mainstream Indian cinema and refused. However, after his wife became pregnant, Shailendra himself approached Raj Kapoor in need of money. At this time, Raj Kapoor was filming Barsaat (1949), and two of the film songs had not yet been written. For ₹ 500, Shailendra wrote these two songs: Patli kamar hai and Barsaat mein. The music for Barsaat was composed by Shankar–Jaikishan.

The team of Raj Kapoor, Shailendra, and Shankar–Jaikishan went on to produce many other hit songs. The song 'Awara Hoon' from the 1951 film Awaara, written by Shailendra, became the most appreciated Hindustani film song outside India at the time. Shailendra had penned down plenty songs lyrics for Raj Kapoor's film. Shree 420 released in 1955 is one of them. All songs of this film were super hits and till date people sing in various occasions. One can easily understand the power and magic of Shailendra's lyrics from the song "Pyaar hua iqaraar hua hai, Pyaar se phir kyo darta hai dil", is till date evergreen golden classic song of Bollywood.

In the days when composers would recommend lyricists to producers, Shankar–Jaikishan once promised Shailendra that they would recommend him around, but didn't keep their promise. Shailendra sent them a note with the lines, Chhoti Si Yeh Duniya, Pehchaane Raaste Hain. Kahin To Miloge, toh Poochhenge Haal ("The world is small, the roads are familiar. We'll meet sometime, and ask 'How do you do?'"). Shankar–Jaikishan realised what the message meant and having said sorry, turned the lines into a popular song. The song, sung by Kishore Kumar, was featured in the film Rangoli (1962), for which the producer Rajendra Singh Bedi wanted to sign up Majrooh Sultanpuri as the lyricist. However, Shankar–Jaikishan insisted on Shailendra and the producer had to oblige.

Apart from Shankar–Jaikishan, Shailendra also shared a rapport with composers such as Salil Chowdhary (Madhumati), Sachin Dev Burman (Guide, Bandini, Kala Bazar), and Ravi Shankar (Anuradha). Apart from Raj Kapoor, he shared a rapport with filmmakers such as Bimal Roy (Do Bigha Zameen, Madhumati, Bandini) and Dev Anand (Guide and Kala Bazar).

Shailendra also wrote lyrics for several Bhojpuri films. Avijit Ghosh mentions in his book, Cinema Bhojpuri, that Shailendra penned songs for Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (the first Bhojpuri film), Ganga, Mitwa and Vidhana Naach Nachave. In page 184, Ghosh also writes that Shailendra received the best lyricist award for Ganga Maiyya... for all Bhojpuri and Magadhi films released till then at a function held in April 1965 in Calcutta.

Career as producer

The only film Shailendra produced is Teesri Kasam (1966). Directed by Basu Bhattacharya and starring Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman, it was an adaptation of Phanishwar Nath Renu's famous short story Maare Gaye Ghulfam. The film is today regarded as a cult classic and won the National Film Award For the Best Film. However, the film was a box office bomb and resulted in a financial crisis for Shailendra.

Last years

In 1961 Shailendra invested heavily in the production of the movie Teesri Kasam (1966), directed by Basu Bhattacharya and starring Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. However, the film was a commercial failure. The falling health resulting from tensions associated with film production and anxiety due to financial loss, coupled with alcohol abuse, ultimately led to his early death on 14 December 1966.

Legacy

Shailendra on a 2013 stamp of India

Shailendra's son Shaily Shailendra also became a lyricist. At the age of 17, Raj Kapoor asked him to complete his father's song Jeena yahan, marna yahan for the film Mera Naam Joker. Shaily Shailendra completed the "mukhra" (lit. "face," or chorus) of the song whereas Shailendra completed the "antara" (verses) only before his demise. Lyricist, writer, and director Gulzar has stated on many occasions that Shailendra was the best lyricist produced by the Hindi film industry.

Shailendra's song Mera Joota Hai Japani was featured in the 2016 Hollywood movie Deadpool (2016). A street in the Dhauli Pyau locality of Mathura was named after Shailendra on 9 March 2016 - Geetkar-Jankavi Shailendra Marg – Mathura. Shailendra spent 16 years of his early life in Mathura before moving to Mumbai to work for the Indian Railways in 1947.

Shailendra's wife is Shakuntala Shailendra and his five children are Late Shailey Shailendra, Manoj Shailendra, Mrs.Amla Mazumdar, Late Mrs. Gopa Chandra and Dinesh Shailendra.

Awards

Lyricist

Shailendra won the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award three times.

Producer

As a producer Shailendra's film Teesri Kasam (1966) won prestigious National Film award of 1967 in the category Best feature film.

Popular songs

Some of the popular songs written by Shailendra include:

See also

References

  1. Gopal, Sangita; Moorti, Sujata (2008). "Introduction: Travels of Hindi Song and Dance". Global Bollywood: Travels of Hindi Song and Dance. University of Minnesota Press. pp. 1–62 (22). ISBN 978-0-8166-4578-7.
  2. Rajoria, Vinay (1 January 2022). "A Thematic Analysis of the Poetry and Lyrics of Shailendra". The Jamia Review.
  3. Kusnur, Narendra (26 August 2021). "Shailendra: Poet of the masses". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  4. "Shailendras birth centenary: Verdant verses from the poet of pathos". The Tribune. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  5. "Decoding The Work Of The Great Film Lyricist Shailendra Who Mesmerised Common Viewers – Latest India news, analysis and reports on IPA Newspack". ipanewspack.com. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  6. "Shailendra's birth centenary: Why the words of 'Tu Zinda Hai' — and all his inclusive, questioning lyrics — resonate even today". The Indian Express. 29 August 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  7. "Lyricist Shailendra gets road named after him in Mathura". The Times of India. 10 March 2016.
  8. Ashis Nandy (1998). The Secret Politics of Our Desires: Innocence, Culpability and Indian Popular Cinema. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 102. ISBN 978-1-85649-516-5.
  9. Jha, Fiza (14 December 2019). "Shailendra — the Leftist poet genius whose lyrics define beauty of simplicity". ThePrint. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  10. Jha, Fiza (14 December 2019). "Shailendra — the Leftist poet genius whose lyrics define beauty of simplicity". ThePrint. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  11. Singh, Pratikshit (30 August 2023). "Shailendra: Centenary of a Lyricist Whose Songs Brimmed with the Anguish of the Masses". The Mooknayak English - Voice Of The Voiceless. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  12. "Shailendra Chowk [शैलेन्द्र चौक] – Poet, Lyricist, Kaviraj, Shailendra (lyricist) -". 2 October 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  13. ^ admin (1 September 2023). "Shailendra - The True Lyricist Of Hindi Filmdom". IndiaWest Journal News. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  14. Apurva, Ankita (2 September 2021). "Shailendra: Portraying Complex Realities Of Common Lives". Feminism in India. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  15. "Shailendra Chowk [शैलेन्द्र चौक] – Poet, Lyricist, Kaviraj, Shailendra (lyricist) -". 2 October 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  16. Dinesh Raheja; Jitendra Kothari (1996). The hundred luminaries of Hindi cinema. India Book House Publishers. p. 68. ISBN 978-81-7508-007-2.
  17. "Remembering Shailendra, the Balladeer of Hindi Cinema". The Wire. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  18. Vancheeswaran, Ganesh (22 September 2020). "Music and lyrics: How Shailendra gift-wrapped cosmic truths through his songs". Scroll.in. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  19. Ashraf Aziz (2003), "Shailendra", Light of the universe: essays on Hindustani film music, Three Essays Collective, 2003, pp. 37–76, ISBN 9788188789078
  20. "Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua लिरिक्स - Shree 420". Gana Lyrics. 12 March 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  21. Madan Gaur (1973). Other side of the coin: an intimate study of Indian film industry. Trimurti Prakashan. p. 69.
  22. Weller, Philip (2002). Gaye. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.o004261.
  23. "Teesri kasam". 100 Bollywood Films. 2005. doi:10.5040/9781838710538.0098. ISBN 9781838710538.
  24. "Teesri Kasam (1966)". The Hindu. 29 October 2009. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  25. Gulzar, Govind Nihalani; Saibal Chatterjee, eds. (2003). Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema. Popular Prakashan. p. 556. ISBN 978-81-7991-066-5. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  26. Ashis Nandy (1998). The Secret Politics of Our Desires: Innocence, Culpability and Indian Popular Cinema. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 125. ISBN 978-1-85649-516-5. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  27. "Gulzar on Shailendra in Naya Gyanodaya". 2011.
  28. Avijit Ghosh. "When Shailendra's 'Mera Joota Hai Japani' went global, thanks to 'Deadpool'". The Times of India.
  29. "Essay: 55 years of Teesri Kasam". 11 June 2021.

External links

Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
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1981–2000
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