Tribute to Raja Mehdi Ali Khan: A Poet Who Lived Through Words, and Became Immortal Through Songs

Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was not just a lyricist but also a poet, journalist, and writer who gave society and cinema a new language through his art. The words that flowed from his pen touched the heart — sometimes as love, sometimes as sorrow, and sometimes as patriotic pride. On this day, 29th July, we remember this master of words. Let us take a moment to recall his timeless songs, soaked in the most beautiful shades of human emotion.

An Artist Born in a Literary Atmosphere

Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was born on 23rd September 1915 in the village of Karamabad near Wazirabad in undivided Punjab. His father served as the Prime Minister of the princely state of Bahawalpur. Tragically, he lost his father at the age of four. He was raised by his mother, Hamida Begum, and maternal uncle Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, who was the editor of the famous newspaper Zamindar. His mother, known by the pen name “Hebe Sahiba,” was a poetess praised even by Allama Iqbal. Growing up in such a rich literary environment deeply influenced young Mehdi. His journey with the pen began as a journalist, working not only for his uncle’s paper but also contributing to a children’s magazine called Phool.

From Radio to the Silver Screen

In 1942, he joined All India Radio, Delhi, as a writer, where he met the renowned storyteller Saadat Hasan Manto. It was Manto who introduced him to the world of films. His first film was Aath Din (1946), in which he not only wrote the script but also acted. Later, Filmistan Studios’ Sashadhar Mukherjee offered him the chance to write songs for the film Do Bhai (1947). Songs like “Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya” and “Yaad Karoge Ek Din Humko” became massive hits. Thus began his journey as a film lyricist, a journey he continued till his last breath.

A Lyricist Dedicated to the Nation

At the time of the Partition in 1947, while many Muslim artists moved to Pakistan, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan and his wife chose to stay in India. In 1948, he got the opportunity to write lyrics for the film Shaheed, composed by Ghulam Haider. He penned four songs for the film, including the patriotic anthem “Watan Ki Raah Mein Watan Ke Naujawan,” which is still played on national occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day.

The Immortal Partnership with Madan Mohan

Raja Mehdi Ali Khan’s most memorable and successful collaboration was with composer Madan Mohan. This partnership lasted from 1951 to 1966 — nearly a decade and a half — and gave Indian cinema several classic films such as Madhosh, Anpadh, Mera Saaya, Woh Kaun Thi?, Dulhan Ek Raat Ki, and Anita.

Some of Raja Mehdi Ali Khan’s Iconic Songs

Over his film career, he wrote several timeless songs, including: “Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya” – Do Bhai (1947), “Watan Ki Raah Mein” – Shaheed (1948), “Preetam Meri Duniya Mein Do Din To Rahe Hote” – Ada (1951), “Meri Yaad Mein Tum Na Aansu Bahaana” – Madhosh (1951), “Raat Sard Sard Hai” – Jaali Note (1960), “Poochho Na Humein” – Mitti Mein Sona (1960), “Aap Yahin Agar Humse Milte Rahe”, and “Main Pyaar Ka Raahi Hoon” – Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), “Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha,” “Hai Isi Mein Pyaar Ki Aabroo,” “Jiya Le Gayo Ri Mera Sanwariya” – Anpadh (1962), “Main Nigahein Tere Chehre Se” – Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964), “Jo Humne Dastaan Apni Sunayi,” “Lag Ja Gale,” “Naina Barse Rimjhim” – Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), “Aakhri Geet Mohabbat Ka,” “Tere Paas Aa Ke Mera Waqt” – Neela Aakash (1965), “Nainon Mein Badra Chhaye,” “Tu Jahaan Jahaan Chalega,” “Aap Ke Pehlu Mein Aakar Ro Diye,” “Jhumka Gira Re” – Mera Saaya (1966), “Sapno Mein Agar Mere Tum Aao,” “Kai Din Se Jee Hai Beqal,” “Ek Haseen Shaam Ko” – Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1967),  “Tere Bin Saawan Kaisa Beeta,” “Ari O Shokh Kaliyyo Muskura Dena” – Jab Yaad Kisi Ki Aati Hai (1967), “Akela Hoon Main Humsafar Dhoondhta Hoon” – Jaal (1967), “Tum Bin Jeevan Kaise Beeta Poochho Mere Dil Se” – Anita (1967).

A Poet, Journalist, and Writer

Beyond films, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was a gifted writer. He wrote stories for children, which were later compiled in Rajkumari Champa, and also authored a novel titled Kamla, which gained considerable attention. His love for poetry stayed alive throughout his life, and he was well-known for his contributions to satirical and humorous poetry as well.

On 29th July 1966, this remarkable artist left the world. His last film was Mera Saaya, whose songs still echo in hearts today. On his passing, noted writer Krishan Chander wrote, “Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was like a child, and whenever death takes away a child from among us, it leaves a void in the innocence of this universe.”

The entire Mayapuri family pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary lyricist Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. 

Your immortal songs will forever resonate in the soul of Indian cinema

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