Jan Nisar Akhtar (18 February 1914 – 19 August 1976) was an important 20th century Indian poet of Urdu ghazals and nazms, and a part of the Progressive Writers’ Movement, who was also a lyricist for Bollywood. He is the father of Javed Akhtar.

His poetry works include Nazr-e-Butaan, Salaasil, Javidaan, Pichali Pehar, Ghar Angan and Khaak-e-dil. The latter (“The Ashes of Heart”) was a poetry collection for which he was awarded the 1976 Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu by Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters.

Some of his notable lyrics were, Meri Neendon Mein Tum in Naya Andaz (1956) by Kishore Kumar,Shamshad Begum, Garib Jan Key Hamko Naa Tum Daga Dena sung by Mohd. Rafi in Chhoo Mantar, the hit Piya piya piya… in Baap Re Baap (1955) music by O.P. Nayyar, Aap Yun Faaslon Se by Lata Mangeshkar in Shankar Hussain (1977).

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Ashaar Mere Yun To Zamane Ke Liye Hain – Sung by Mukesh

Glossary:

ashar

  • couplets

saudaa

  •  trade

risaale

  • magazines, journals.