1921 (Ludhiana) – 1980 (Mumbai) • People's Poet
"A giant of both literature and Bollywood lyricism, Sahir famously refused to write poetry praising nature while poverty and injustice existed. He consistently wrote for the downtrodden, challenging societal hypocrisy and capitalism (like his famous anti-war poem 'Parchhaiyan' and his cynical take on the 'Taj Mahal'). A fierce advocate for writers' rights, he dictated terms to Bollywood directors and ensured lyricists were finally credited on radio broadcasts."