Think of some of the most poetic songs of Hindi cinema, from Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana to Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujh Par, and you have one person to thank — lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri.

One half of the duo that wrote the lyrics for some of Hindi cinema’s most enduring classics, including every Raj Kapoor song from 1949’s Barsaat to 1971 ‘s Kal Aaj Aur Kal and a few beyond that, Jaipuri is the classic example of how to make it in the film industry on nothing but talent.

Hasrat Jaipuri, born Iqbal Hussain (15 April 1922 – 17 September 1999) was an Indian poet, who wrote in the Hindi and Urdu languages.

Here’s Rajesh Thakur talking about Life Journey of Hasrat Jaipuri on his Tune India Radio’s classic show.

Tune India Radio Sydney Australia