Nagme, Kisse, Baatein, Yaadein.. — A peek into the illustrious career of Anand Bakshi

A new book by his son reveals Anand Bakshi’s struggles and successes as a lyricist

Having served in the Army, renowned lyricist Anand Bakshi valued punctuality and discipline. During his days of struggle, with work not coming in regularly, he wanted to meet music director Roshan. Each time he got an appointment, it would get cancelled. Finally, the composer called the aspiring geetkar one evening and told him to be at his house the next morning. That night it rained heavily in Bombay and the next morning there was no public transport. But Bakshi was determined to meet the music director, and walked for over three hours, from Borivili to Santa Cruz, reaching before the appointed time of 10 a.m. Impressed, Roshan gave him a chance to write the songs for the 1959 film, CID Girl. Hindi film music fans have followed Bakshi’s work closely since 1965, especially after the songs of Jab Jab Phool Khile became a hit. Then came Farz, Milan, Aradhana, Amar Prem, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Bobby, Dost, Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Karz, Chandni, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Taal and more.