Maithili Sharan Gupt's Birth Anniversary

Dr. Maithili Sharan Gupt, born on 3 August 1866, in Chirgaon, North-Western Provinces, British India, was one of the most important modern Hindi poets. He is considered one among the pioneers of Khari Boli (plain dialect) poetry and wrote in Khari Boli dialect, at a time when most Hindi poets favoured the use of Braj Bhasha dialect. He was a recipient of the third highest (then second highest) Indian civilian honour of Padma Bhushan, For his book Bharat-Bharati (1912), widely quoted during India's freedom struggle, he was given the title of Rashtra Kavi^] by Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1956, Rashtrakavi Maithili Sharan Gupt Abhinandan Samiti Calcutta published an Abhinandan Granth, a comprehensive 1000-page document in honour of his life and work.

His family now runs the RMSG Group of Institutions in Chirgaon, promoting his ideals of empowering education, especially among girls.

Shakeel Badayuni's Birth Anniversary

 

Shakeel Badayuni, born on 3 August 1916, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, was a renowned Indian Urdu poet and lyricist, celebrated for his romantic and soulful contributions to Hindi cinema, particularly during its "Golden Era".

Early life and education

·   Received early education at home in various languages: Arabic, Urdu, Persian, and Hindi.

·    Influenced by a distant relative, Zia-ul-Qadiri Badayuni, a religious shayar.

·    Attended Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where he actively participated in and won numerous inter-college mushairas (poetry symposiums).  

Career

·     Began his career working as a supply officer in Delhi after graduating from AMU.

·     Moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1944 to pursue a career as a lyricist.

·   Achieved instant success with his first film, "Dard" (1947), in collaboration with music director Naushad.

·    Formed a legendary partnership with Naushad, crafting lyrics for iconic films like "Baiju Bawra" (1952), "Mother India" (1957), and "Mughal-e-Azam" (1960).

·   Also collaborated with other prominent music directors such as Ravi and Hemant Kumar.

·  Penned numerous successful songs, including "Chaudvin Ka Chand Ho" (Chaudhvin Ka Chand), "Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahin" (Gharana), and "Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil" (Bees Saal Baad).

·  Wrote poetry outside of films as well, with his ghazals being immortalized by singers like Begum Akhtar and Talat Mehmood. 

Legacy and recognition

·  Known as a master of romantic poetry, his lyrics resonated with masses for decades.

·  Achieved a hat-trick of Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist in consecutive years (1961-1963).

·    Honoured with a postage stamp by India Post in 2013.

·    Died on 20 April 1970, at the age of 53, succumbing to diabetes complications.

·    A trust called "Yaad-e-Shakeel" was formed by his friends to support his bereaved family. 

Shakeel Badayuni's impactful words continue to resonate with listeners even today.