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Re-Introducing Urdu with fresh lyrics – Sayeed Quadri
Sayeed Quadri is an award winning lyricist, Hindi/Urdu Poet. The blessed writer has the rare ability to express situations in best possible simple words. Sayeed Quadri shot to fame in 2003 with his powerful lyrics for the song Awarapan Banjarapan from the film Jism ,a Mahesh Bhatt production. The song became a massive hit and his writing was embraced by the industry and his fans where he expressed the painful feeling, sadness, frustration of a depressed alcoholic lawyer (the protagonist) madly in love.
Sayeed Quadri, the new poet in Bollywood became popular with his soulful lyrics. His magical words managed to capture the attention of one and all. His writing is simple and a perfect mix of elegant language, despite using Urdu words in his songs. He has gained a reputation in the industry for re-introducing Urdu through his fresh lyrics. Sayeed has impressed the listeners with use of fresh phrases in his songs and avoiding repetition. His writing has depth and clearly fits technically too with the musical elements of the directors and the accents of the singers.
Although most of his songs have been written for millennials, his writing is very matured and blends in perfectly with all the age groups. It is very surprising that a humble, reserved introvert has this art of expression in abundance.
Not many know that Sayeed Quadri is an LIC agent by profession and a poet operating from Jodhpur, and not Mumbai. He came to Mumbai in the 80s in search of work which he did not get, however his work impressed Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt a lot. Since at that moment there were no projects, he had to go back to his city empty handed. He was still persistent in writing and exploring opportunities despite difficulties and delays until one day when he got the call – The call from Mahesh Bhatt’s office. Since then there was no looking back. Despite climbing the ladder of success Sayeed still operates from Jodhpur and still considers writing songs his hobby and not a profession.
Sayeed Quadri has mostly worked with Pritam for Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt productions in his career. The majority of super hits of Emran Hashmi have been penned by Sayyed Quadri including the chartbuster “Bheege Honth Tere” from the movie Murder. He went on to write lyrics for most of his films like Murder, Zeher, Kalyug, Gangster, The Train, Awarapan, Jannat, Raaz – The Mystery Continues, Tum Mile, Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji, Murder 2 and Jannat 2.
That gives us all the reasons for not including any Emran Hashmi hits in this collection. We already have a great Emran Hashmi Collection in our Library. This collection will explore the massive hits written by this great Urdu poet. Dont be surprised to find your favourite songs in this list.
1. In Dino – Life In A Metro (2007)
The song leaves a lasting impact than any other song released in 2007.. Lyrics by Syed Quadri are beautifully done with simple words. Sung by the lucky newcomer Soham Chakraborty who got a chartbuster at the very beginning of his career. The beautiful song is composed by the king of commercial music – Pritam. The video features an ensemble cast of Shilpa Shetty, Shiney Ahuja, Dharmendra, Nafisa Ali, Kangana Ranaut, Sharman Joshi, Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay Menon, Konkana Sen Sharma and more.
2. Awarapan Banjarapan – Jism (2003)
This song became the anthem for every heart broken soul in the country, The song has powerful lyrics and couldn’t have been written better. KK sang his heart out and expressed true emotions and meaning of the lyrics. The music composed by the great M.M. Kreem is top class. John Abraham couldn’t have hoped for a better debut with this movie and soundtrack that complimented its success.
3. Tere Bin – Bas Ek Pal (2006)
Tere Bin is an extraordinary, over the top ballad, from a story centric movie. Co-incidentally Atif Aslam who had just began his career and was enjoying initial success in Indian Music Industry got this glorious opportunity to sing this song. His flawless melodious and soulful vocals coupled with an awesome composition by Mithoon became an instant hit and was the most popular song of 2006. This song is one of the best gems written by Sayeed Quadri and perfectly describes the feeling of loneliness without the loved one. The lyrics completely fuses the emotions with the context of the song.
4. Jiya Dhadak Jaye – Kalyug (2005)
Mumbai and Monsoon have a special relation. No one can deny it. This beautiful song is set in the monsoon and shows the innocent love of pure souls who have recently started meeting each other. Sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in his trademark style the song has a sufi, soulful feel to it. A feel good tune composed by Anu Malik, the video features Kunal Khemmu. Sayeed Quadri’s matured lyrics written in very simple words adds magic to the whole mood of the song.
5. Maula Mere Maula – Anwar (2007)
You can forget some movies, but you cant forget some songs. This is the classic case of Anwar. This song became an overnight hit and became a love anthem among all – lovers and non-lovers of all kind and age groups. There is yet another feeling of innocence in this beautiful soulful love song. Sayeed Quadri has described the love of the boy for the girl in the purest and simplest possible manner, and still makes it so amazing and grand. The song has a very high repeat rate of listening. When you say Roop Kumar Rathod, the first thing that comes to mind is excellent vocals above par. The whole song is about the conviction of love and Roop Kumar Rathod leaves no stone un-turned in expressing the true feeling. All in all this great composition by Mithoon is a treat for the ears for years to come.
6. Bakhuda Tumhi Ho – Kismat Konnection (2008)
This is yet another great composition by ever energetic ever-inspired Pritam. The unusual pairing of Alka Yagnik and Atif Aslam gives this song a different dimension which is a mix of youth and maturity. The high spirited vocals of Atif steals the show and gives a feeling of alternative pop-rock at times. The situation is best described by the lyrics of Sayeed Quadri who keeps it simple again. The video features another unusual pairing of Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan.
7. Baatein Ye Kabhi Na – Khamoshiyan (2015)
This song is sung by the man for all seasons – Arijit Singh which makes it a good listen and hence could be heard on a loop. The theme of love, pain, separation, longing and sadness is well expressed by Sayeed Quadri with his lyrics. This song is composed by Jeet Ganguly.
8. Jaoon Kahan – Billu (2009)
This is a fantastic composition by Pritam from the movie Billu and very nicely rendered in the voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Writing songs on such situation is usually a challenge for writers but it seems Sayeed Quadri wrote this one effortlessly. This is a song about the plight of a man facing all levels of problems with work and home in a small village. Featuring Irrfan the song is beautifully shot by Priyadarshan.
9. Chal Ghar Chalen – Malang (2020)
A soul inspiring song from the movie Malang, it made to almost all the chartbuster playlists this year. Brilliantly written by Sayeed Quadri the song is rendered in the voice of Arijit Singh. The soul stirring track is composed by Mithoon.
10. Teri Jhuki Nazar – Murder 3 (2013)
Well, featuring this song in this collection has a lot to do with my personal liking. Frankly speaking I came across this one today in the evening and was speechless with the overall simplicity of the song which made me include this one here in this collection. It is getting difficult to imagine and describe Sayeed Quadri’s simplistic approach to songwriting. This soothing song is sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali, who did a great job expressing the emotions in this song. This brilliant composition is musically directed by none other than Pritam. The video features Randeep Hooda and Sara Loren.
In my life and career I have come across many song writers from Legends to Ordinary and I am being frank when I say I am amazed with the work, style and approach of Sayeed Quadri. Fighting against all odds he has proved that the talent always finds its place. I wish and hope to hear more and more soulful songs by this gifted writer.
