Death Anniversary: “I Don’t Write Lyrics to Fit Filmy Tunes,” Says Legendary Lyricist Bharat Vyas – An Exclusive Interview

Rajasthan is not only a land of historical pride but also a birthplace of art, literature, and culture. Known for its traditions of bravery, sacrifice, and valor, this sacred soil gave rise to heroes like Maharani Padmavati, Rana Sanga, and Maharana Pratap, as well as literary gems like poet-king Prithviraj and the mystic poetess Meera Bai.

Continuing this glorious legacy is Bharat Vyas, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated lyricists. I had the opportunity to meet him at his residence, Bharat Bhavan.

Iconic Songs Written by Bharat Vyas:

• “Zara Saamne Toh Aao Chhaliye” – Janam Janam Ke Phere

• “Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum” – Do Aankhen Barah Haath

• “Kah Do Koi Na Kare Yahan Pyaar” – Goonj Uthi Shehnai

• “Aa Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet” – Samrat Chandragupta

• “Itni Jaldi Kya Hai Gauri” – Sati Savitri

• “Prem Ki Ganga Bahate Chalo” – Sant Dnyaneshwar

• “Qaid Mein Hai Bulbul” – Bedard Zamana Kya Jaane

• “Saranga Teri Yaad Mein” – Saranga

• “Yeh Kaun Chitrakaar Hai” – Boond Jo Ban Gayi Moti

• “Meri Chitthi Tere Naam” – Baalak

• “Yeh Maati Sabki Kahani Kahegi” – Navrang

When asked about his journey into the film industry, Bharat Vyas reflected:

“Destiny is strange—it provides us sustenance from the place it chooses. My father passed away when I was just two. My mother raised three sons alone until she, too, passed away. Our grandfather took us in. My elder brother started a timber business in Bikaner, and my younger brother, B.M. Vyas, joined the film industry.”

After finishing school in Charu, he moved to Kolkata and enrolled in college. With a natural flair for poetry from a young age, he participated in Kavi Sammelans (poetry gatherings), earning wide acclaim. A gramophone company even recorded his poems, making him known nationwide.

He eventually joined Shalimar Studios in Pune, owned by literary-minded W.Z. Ahmed, where legendary writers like Josh Malihabadi, Krishan Chander, and Ramanand Sagar also worked. This marked the beginning of his career in cinema. After the partition, he moved to Chennai and joined Gemini Pictures, writing lyrics for the film Chandralekha.

When asked whether he writes lyrics to fit tunes, Bharat Vyas smiled and replied:

“I always write lyrics first—music is composed later. That’s my method and, perhaps, my weakness. All my hit songs have been written this way. Remember Navrang? Songs like ‘Aadha Hai Chandrama’, ‘Naa Koi Raha Hai’, and ‘Kaviraj Kavita Ke Kaan Mat Marodo’ were all written without any existing tunes.”

When questioned about the lack of poetic depth in contemporary songs, he remarked:

“Today’s audiences prefer frivolous, catchy tunes. Rock-n-roll-style songs have replaced meaningful lyrics. But like alcohol, these noisy songs offer temporary excitement. Milk, though simple, is always nourishing. I never compromised, even when producers demanded cheap, shallow lyrics. I stuck to my roots.”

He recalled how his song “Chali Radha Rani...” in Parineeta was initially rejected for being too classical. But once released, it became a hit and is still remembered—unlike forgettable songs like “Aana Meri Jaan Sunday Ke Sunday.”

Bharat Vyas emphasized the importance of harmony between music directors and lyricists:

“Mutual understanding is key. If the tune is based on a classical raga, the lyrics must match its soul. I shared such chemistry with composers like Vasant Desai (Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje) and S.N. Tripathi (Janam Janam Ke Phere). Our work clicked because we were artistically in sync.”

He admitted to having a temper, often clashing with producers:

“Yes, I get angry easily—but it fuels my creativity. I work with passion, so it’s natural to get upset when others lack dedication. I used to be asked to change lyrics frequently. Once, a producer handed me a song he dreamt of—expecting me to ‘fix’ it. I never went back to him.”

“Another producer offered to give me song concepts to write on—I told him, ‘You are the patient, I’m the doctor. Don’t tell me how to treat you.’ Many in this industry feel entitled to interfere in every department.”

Before ending the conversation, he laughed and said:

“No more questions now. I’m unwell, sitting here after an injection. But I hope our conversation gives people insight into what it truly means to be a lyricist with integrity.”

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Tags : Bharat Vyas Interview | Legendary Bollywood Lyricist | Bharat Vyas Famous Songs | Bharat Vyas and Navrang Songs | Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum Lyricist | Bharat Vyas Biography