Remembering Indeevar on his puunyatithi, February 27—the lyricist who scripted the soundtrack of Indian emotions for over 40 years. With more than 1,000 songs across 300 films, Shyamlal ‘Indeevar’ Babu Rai transformed everyday feelings into cinematic poetry that still echoes today.
From the dusty lanes of Barua Sagar, Jhansi, to Mumbai’s bustling studios, Indeevar’s path was paved with poetry. A freedom fighter at heart, he penned revolutionary songs before his 1946 debut in ‘Double Face.’ Stardom arrived with Roshan’s melody in ‘Malhar,’ forever changing Hindi music.
His synergy with Kalyanji-Anandji birthed classics in ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ and ‘Upkaar,’ where lyrics preached unity and progress. Emotional ballads like ‘Abhi Tumko Meri Zaroorat Nahi’ remain tearjerkers. Rakesh Roshan’s films, including ‘Khun Bhari Maang’ and ‘Kishan Kanhaiya,’ showcased his range from romance to revenge.
Venturing beyond Bollywood, Indeevar clinched a Filmfare for Bengali hit ‘Amanush.’ His pop forays with Nazia-Zoheb, like ‘Aap Jaisa Koi,’ ruled airwaves and dance floors.
A prolific contributor to ‘Yadgar,’ ‘Sachcha Jhootha,’ ‘Kalaakar,’ and ‘Koyla,’ Indeevar’s hallmark was profound simplicity. His 1997 passing silenced a pen, but amplified a legacy that generations cherish.