Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 20: Celebrated Bollywood lyricist Sameer Anjaan, known for penning timeless hits like Teri Umeed Tera Intezaar, Ghunghat Ki Aad, and Kheech Meri Photo, recently opened up about his inspiring journey in the Hindi film industry, sharing the emotional highs and the difficult lows that shaped his career.
Sameer detailed the sacrifices he made to pursue his passion, leaving behind a stable bank job and the opportunity to become a professor, despite holding an M.Com degree from Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
“I left everything behind because I was stubborn. I wanted to be a lyricist. That stubbornness caused me a lot of pain in the beginning,” he shared.
A Journey Fueled by Hunger and Hardship
Sameer described the early struggles that marked his move from a small village in Banaras to Mumbai, facing hunger, sleepless nights, and professional rejection. But he believes that those trials were essential to crafting genuine, emotional lyrics.
“Unless you’ve experienced hunger and heartbreak, your writing won’t feel real. That hunger is what took me ahead, and it was necessary,” he reflected.
Living in the Shadow of a Legend
Being the son of the legendary lyricist Anjaan proved to be both a blessing and a burden.
“People assumed I was just a hobbyist because of my father. I had to prove myself independently,” he said.
He shared how music directors initially tested him, suspecting ghostwriting by his father. It took him four years of daily visits to composer Laxmikant to get a single “mukhda” approved.
“Un 4 saalon mein main roz unke yahan jaata tha, aur kabhi himmat nahi haari,” he said with pride.
Eventually, Sameer broke through and went on to write for Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s compositions, including Aao Chalo Bhag Chalen from Dil Hai Betaab.
Breakthrough and Legacy
His breakout moment came with the hit Mujhe Neend Na Aaye, followed by the massive success of Aashiqui.
“‘Aashiqui’ changed everything. It felt like the whole nation was in love. I want to spread love through my lyrics — it’s the only way to remove hatred,” he said.
A Night of Musical Tribute
To honor his legacy, “Baithak: Sameer Anjaan – A Lyrical Mehfil” was recently held at the NCUI Auditorium in New Delhi, featuring live performances by Mohit Tyana and Kiran Upadhyay. The evening was graced by senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and hosted by Mukesh Gupta.
The event celebrated Sameer’s remarkable contribution to Indian music, highlighting his unmatched ability to weave emotion, culture, and love into his lyrics over a career spanning decades.
“If you’re afraid of struggle, you won’t achieve success. Struggle builds strength, and nothing can stop you if your resolve is strong,” he concluded.