The golden words of Masroor Anwar

Songs and stories by the late legendary writer remain unparalleled in Pakistani showbiz, even 22 years after his death

BAHAWALPUR: Today marks the 22^nd death anniversary of one of the most celebrated Pakistani poets of all time: the legendary Masroor Anwar, who passed away in Lahore on April 1, 1996.

Born in 1944 in the Indian city of Shimla, Anwar is known to have penned some iconic national songs for Pakistan, including Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhay, Apni Jaan Nazar Karoon, Watan Ki Mitti Gawah Rehna and Jug Jug Jiye Mera Pyara Watan, amongst many others. He also served as the lyricist for numerous hit films between 1962 and 1990, such as Heera Aur Pathar, Armaan, Doraha, Saiqa, Ehsan, Anjuman, Pehchan, Qurbani, Saughat and Bulandi.



After Partition, Anwar migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi, where he began his early education. Upon completing his Intermediate from Islamia College, he joined Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) but his deep interest in literature and poetry eventually made him resign and take up employment at Radio Pakistan as a staff artist.

According to Farhan Abbas Hashmey, deputy controller of programmers at Radio Pakistan in Karachi, Anwar’s first introduction to the world of films came by way of the late stage and film star Ibrahim Nafees, who put him through to film-maker Iqbal Shehzad. “It was upon Nafees’ recommendation that Shehzad hired the poet for his film Banjaran and thus came Anwar’s first song Master Jee Mujhe Sabaq Parha Do – an instant hit with the masses,” he told The Express Tribune.



Post Banjaran, there was simply no looking back. Anwar went from strength to strength, penning songs for big budget films like Shararat and Badnaam. He soon became part of Waheed Murad, Sohail Rana and Parvez Malik’s ‘team.’ Malik and Murad had just established a brand new production house called Film Arts, hoping to launch a new line of cinema in Pakistan and Anwar was taken in as its official scriptwriter. In fact, Heera Aur Pathar was actually the first release from this quartet.

To this day, film experts and enthusiasts say that Anwar’s ability to create magic with his words remains unparalleled. As romantic musicals with social messages were the call of the day, he showed his prowess by writing situations that were both light-hearted and exciting for one to watch.



“He has had a great contribution to Pakistani showbiz. Films like Dil Mera Dharkan Teri, Ishq-e-Habib, Phool Mere Gulshan Ka, Jab Jab Phool Khilay, Mohabbat Zindagi Hai, Saiqa, Qurbani, Talash, Hum Dono and Kiran Aur Kali – all owe their success to him,” said former broadcaster Arifa Shamsa, who had a long association with Anwar during his career.

Later on, the artist shifted to Lahore but continued working from there too, writing many Nigar Award-winning stories, scripts and songs. He was posthumously given the Pride of Performance Award by the government of Pakistan as well.

After all, who can forget Mehdi Hasan’s melodious Ek Sitam Aur Meri Jaan (Saiqa), A Nayyar and Mehnaz’s Aa Palkon Ki Chilman Mein (Bulandi) duet and Runa Laila’s Dil Dharkey (Anjuman)?

Anwar brought joy to thousands through his work and for that, kehti hai hamari nazar shukria…

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