Top 10 Lyricists Who Have Gifted Us With the Highest Number of Bollywood Tracks

Bollywood, the iconic Indian film industry, has produced countless musical gems that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. At the heart of these melodious creations are the gifted lyricists who weave magic with their words. Throughout the years, Bollywood has been blessed with numerous prolific lyricists who have contributed an extensive collection of tracks, enchanting generations with their poetic prowess.

Let’s explore the list of the top 10 Bollywood lyricists who have gifted us with the most unforgettable tracks.

Top 10 Bollywood Lyricists: Masters of Melody and Words

Gulzar

Lyricist Gulzar: Introduction

Gulzar, an Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director, is known for his Hindi cinema works. He collaborated with music directors like S.D. Burman, and wrote poetry, dialogues, and scripts. Gulzar directed films like Aandhi and Mausam, and directed Kirdaar in 1993.

Early life and Background

Gulzar Born in 1934 in Dina, British India, Gulzar moved to Delhi after partition. He was exposed to renowned poets and began his career as a lyricist and poet. His work in Bollywood began with Bimal Roy, earning him recognition from critics and audiences.Gulzar, married to Raakhee, has a daughter, Meghna, who graduated from New York University and directed films like Filhaal and Chhapaak.

Gulzar Career

Gulzar’s career includes poetry, songwriting, film directing, screenplay, and lyricist roles in Indian filmmaking

Lyricist

Gulzar made his debut as a lyricist with the film “Bandini” in 1963.

His song “Mora Gora Ang Laile” became an instant hit and marked the beginning of a successful career in writing lyrics.

Filmmaker

Gulzar made his directorial debut with the film “Mere Apne” in 1971.

He went on to direct several memorable films, including “Parichay” (1972), “Koshish” (1972), and many more.

Poet

Gulzar’s poetry collections, such as “Raat Pashmine Ki,” “Ravi Paar,” and “Kharashein,” earned him recognition as a gifted poet.

He has also penned numerous books for children, showcasing his versatility as a writer.

Screenwriter

He wrote screenplays for films like “Anand” (1971), “Khamoshi” (1971), among others.

Best Songs written by Lyricist Gulzar

Gulzar Awards and nominations

5 National Film Awards
22 Filmfare Awards
1 Academy Award for Best Original Song (2008)
1 Grammy Award (2010)
2002 Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu
2013 Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Javed Akhtar

Lyricist Javed Akhtar: Introduction

Javed Akhtar, an Indian screenwriter, lyricist, and poet, gained recognition in Hindi cinema with the Salim-Javed duo. He won five National Film Awards and received Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Akhtar campaigned for the Communist Party and was a Rajya Sabha member.

Early Life and Background

Javed Akhtar, born in 1945, was an Urdu poet and composer from Gwalior. His father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was an Urdu poet and composer, and his great-grandparents were Islamic religious scholars. Javed’s original name, Jadoo, was derived from a poem. He attended school in Lucknow and earned his degree at Saifia College in Bhopal.

Javed Akhtar: Career

Javed Akhtar is a versatile artist with a diverse career in the Indian filmmaking industry. He has made significant contributions as a poet, songwriter, film director, screenplay writer, and lyricist.

Lyricist

Javed Akhtar is celebrated as one of Bollywood’s finest lyricists, known for his poignant and soul-stirring lyrics.

He has penned countless timeless songs for various films, creating a deep emotional connection with audiences.

Screenwriter

Salim-Javed revolutionized the Hindi film industry in the 1970s with their powerful and impactful scripts.
Some of their most iconic collaborations include blockbuster films like,

Deewaar (1975)
Sholay (1975)
Trishul (1978)
Don (1978) among others.

Poet

Apart from his work in films, Javed Akhtar is an accomplished poet known for his interesting and attractive verse.

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Javed Akhtar

Javed Akhtar: Awards and nominations

Javed Akhtar has won numerous awards some off are listed below:

Sayeed Quadri

Lyricist Sayeed Quadri: Introduction

Bollywood lyricist Sayeed Quadri is well-known for his outstanding contributions to the Indian film business.

He has written the lyrics for several popular songs that have won audiences in his career. Quadri’s lyrical prowess and ability to express emotions through his words have earned him a significant following among music lovers.

Early life and Background

Sayeed Quadri was born on October 3, 1960, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He moved to Mumbai in 1986 after completing his schooling. However, after almost seven years of being unemployed, he made the decision to return to his hometown.

Sayeed Quadri Career

Sayeed Quadri is a renowned Indian lyricist who has made a significant impact on the Bollywood music industry. With his exceptional talent for penning soul-stirring lyrics, Quadri has carved a niche for himself in the realm of music. Quadri began his career in the early 2000s and quickly gained recognition for his poetic mastery. Quadri’s passion for storytelling through lyrics continues to inspire aspiring lyricists and music enthusiasts alike.

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Sayeed Quadri

Sayeed Quadri: Awards and nominations

Won (2003) TATA Info Award For Best Lyrics.
Won (2004) IIFA Award for Best Lyrics.
Won (2005) Stardust Award for Best Lyrics.
Won (2005) MTV Immies Award for Best Dialogue.
Nominated (2012) Album of The Year.

Sayeed Quadri: Filmography

Sayeed Quadri written numerous songs in many Films some of them are

Jism
Saaya
Paap
Murder
Aisa Kyon Hota Hai?
Gangster
Hamari Adhuri Kahani

Sameer Anjaan

Lyricist Sameer: Introduction

Shitala Pandey, widely recognized by his stage name Sameer Anjaan or simply Sameer, is a highly acclaimed Indian lyricist renowned for his prolific contributions to Bollywood film industry. His remarkable talent and dedication have earned him the prestigious title of being a Guinness World Record holder for writing the highest number of songs.

Early life and Background

Born on February 24, 1958, Sameer hails from the vicinity of Banaras in Uttar Pradesh. He pursued his higher education at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, where he successfully completed his Master of Commerce degree. Shortly after, he secured a position as a bank official at the renowned Central Bank of India. In 1980, Sameer made a pivotal decision to relocate to Mumbai, a move that accelerated his professional journey, coinciding with the release of his notable work, Bekhabar.

Sameer: Filmography as lyricist

Sameer Anjaan is a well-known Indian lyricist who has contributed to numerous Bollywood films. He has an extensive career in the music industry, and some of his notable filmography includes songs from movies like:

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Sameer

Some of Sameer’s most iconic songs include:

Sameer: Awards and nominations

Sameer Anjaan has written 3,524 songs in 650 films and He has 1 world record. Sameer Anjaan has won numerous awards some of are:

3 Filmfare Awards and 14 times Nominated
10 times nominated in IIFA Awards
2 time nominated in Screen Awards
1 Zee Cine Awards won and 2 times nominated
1 time nominated in Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards and Mirchi Music Awards

Amitabh Bhattacharya

Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya: Introduction

Amitabh Bhattacharya, an Indian writer and playback vocalist, gained fame with the song “Emotional Atyachar” from Dev.D. He sang under the stage name BandMaster Rangeela And Rasila and collaborated with Amit Trivedi. Since then, he has consistently written lyrics for various Bollywood films and performed them. Bhattacharya and Trivedi have remained close friends since their debut movie. His lyrics are described as “frillfree” and “smartly worded” in various contexts.

Early life and Background

Amitabh Bhattacharya, born on November 16, 1977, hails from a family with West Bengal roots. However, he spent his formative years in Lucknow where he pursued his education at Spring Dale College and Lucknow University. During his undergraduate years, Amitabh Bhattacharya’s innate singing abilities shone through, leading him to collaborate with various orchestras.

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya

Amitabh Bhattacharya: Awards and nominations

Amitabh Bhattacharya has received several awards and recognition for his contributions as a lyricist and Playback singer in the Bollywood music industry. Some of the notable awards he has won include:

Amitabh Bhattacharya: Filmography

Amitabh Bhattacharya is a renowned Indian lyricist and playback singer who has made significant contributions to the Bollywood music industry.Here are some of the notable films in his filmography as a lyricist:

Prasoon Joshi

Lyricist Prasoon Joshi: Introduction

Prasoon Joshi, born on September 16, 1971, is a multi-talented Indian individual known for his diverse contributions in various fields. He is an accomplished poet, lyricist, screenwriter, writer, communication specialist, & marketer. With an impressive professional background, Joshi currently holds the position of chairman at APAC and is affiliated with the renowned international marketing company McCann Erickson. Additionally, he serves as the CEO of McCann WorldGroup India.

Notably, on August 11, 2017, Joshi was selected to lead the Central Board of Film Certification, showcasing his expertise and leadership within the film industry. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the realms of art and literature, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Indian government in 2015. Joshi’s remarkable talent and dedication have made him a prominent figure in the creative and marketing spheres.

Early Life and Background

Prasoon Joshi spent his early years in Uttarakhand, a state in northern India (previously a part of Uttar Pradesh). His father, D.K. Joshi, held the position of Additional Director in the state’s Education Service.

During this time, Prasoon traveled to various places in northern India like Almora, Nainital (where his extended family currently lives), Tehri, Chamoli Gopeshwar, Rampur, Meerut, and Delhi. These experiences gave him a profound understanding of the real Indian essence that he now showcases in his screenplays, dialogues, lyrics, and advertising.

Prasoon’s mother, Sushma Joshi, was a political science lecturer who performed for All India Radio for more than three decades. Both his parents were trained classical vocalists, and their home life was filled with academic rigor, artistic pursuits, and a strong sense of music and culture.

Prasoon Joshi Career

Lyricist Prasoon Joshi has had a remarkable career in the world of music and poetry. With his exceptional talent and unrivaled creativity, Joshi has captivated audiences with his thought-provoking lyrics and soul-stirring compositions. From his humble beginnings as an advertising professional to becoming one of the most sought-after lyricists in the Indian film industry, Joshi has proven time and again that his words have the power to touch hearts and ignite emotions.

Filmography

Prasoon ventured into the world of film lyric writing with his debut in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Lajja, a film that achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Writer

He went on to write for a number of hugely successful Bollywood films:

Dialog composer

He worked as a dialog composer in Rang De Basanti. For “Chand Sifarish” from the movie “Fanaa” and “Maa” from “Taare Zameen Par” he won the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award.

Filmmaker

Some of the famous movies are listed below:

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Prasoon Joshi

Prasoon Joshi: Awards and Nomination

He has won many awards like:

2005 - Hum Tum - Screen Awards
2008 - Taare Zameen Par - National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards,
2009 - Ghajini - Filmfare Awards
2010 - Delhi-6 - Filmfare Awards
2012 - Chittagong - National Film Awards
2014 - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag - International Indian Film Academy Awards
2015 - Padma Shri

Irshad Kamil

Image Courtesy: HindustanTimes.com

Lyricist Irshad Kamil: Introduction

On September 5, 1971, in Malerkotla, Punjab, India, Irshad Kamil was born. He is a well-known poet, lyricist, and screenwriter in India. He has contributed significantly to the Bollywood film business by writing popular songs for various hit movies. Irshad Kamil wrote lyrics for a number of well-known Hindi songs and has collaborated with a number of well-known music composers and singers in the business.

Early life and Background

Kamil comes from a Punjabi Muslim family and was born as their seventh child in Malerkotla.

He pursued his education in journalism at Punjab University and later went on to complete his postgraduate and Ph.D. degrees in Hindi.

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Irshad Kamil

His melodies, accompanied by heartfelt and meaningful lyrics, have become iconic in the realm of Indian cinema:

Filmography

Irshad Kamil has penned a number of films, including:

Irshad Kamil: Awards and nominations

2010 - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai - Album of the Year - Nominated
2011 - Rockstar - "Nadaan Parindey" - Lyricist of the Year - Nominated
2012 - Cocktail - Album of the Year - Nominated
2013 - Aashiqui 2 - Album of the Year - Won
2014 - Gunday - Album of the Year - Nominated
2015 - Tamasha - "Agar Tum Saath Ho" - Best Lyricist - Won
2016 - Sultan - "Jag Ghoomeya" - Lyricist of the Year - Nominated
2017 - Raabta - Album of the Year - Nominated

Swanand Kirkir

Lyricist Swanand Kirkir: Introduction

Swanand Kirkire was born on April 29, 1972. After receiving his degree from the National Academy of Drama in 1996, Swanand started a career in theatre. He is an Indian lyricist, playback vocalist, writer, assistant director, actor, and dialogue writer. He made contributions to movies as well as television series in Marathi and Hindi.

Early Life and Background

Swanand Kirkire was raised in Rambagh, Indore, in a Marathi-speaking family. His parents, Chintamani and Neelambari, are both classical singers. However, despite their musical background, Swanand did not receive any formal training in singing. Once he completed his commerce degree, he moved to Delhi.

Swanand Kirkir: Filmography

Swanand Kirkir is an Indian film lyricist, playback singer, music director, Actor, and Dialogue writer who has worked in numerous of films, including

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Swanand Kirkir

Swanand Kirkir: Awards

National Film Award for Best Lyrics
National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor
2006 - Lage Raho Munna Bhai - "Bande Me Tha Dum..Vande Mataram" Best Lyrics
2010 - 3 Idiots - "Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh" - Best Lyrics
2013 - Kai Po Che - "Manja" - Best Lyrics
2018 - Chumbak - Best Supporting Actor

Jaideep Sahni

Lyricist Jaideep Sahni: Introduction

Jaideep Sahni, born in 1968, is a talented Indian screenwriter, songwriter, and creative producer. He is known for his exceptional work in writing screenplays for various films, including Chak De! India, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Company, Bunty Aur Babli, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, and Shuddh Desi Romance.

Early Life and Background

Jaideep Sahni was born and raised in New Delhi. He completed a degree from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Bidar, He worked as a computer engineer. Jaideep Sahni also worked for NIIT at some point in his career.

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Jaideep Sahni

Filmography

Jungle
Company
Bunty Aur Babli
Khosla Ka Ghosla
Chak De! India
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
Shuddh Desi Romance

Awards and nominations

Anvita Dutt

Lyricist Anvita Dutt: Introduction

Anvita Dutt was born on February 20, 1972. She has been involved in the Bollywood industry for 45 years. Her birthplace was New Delhi.

She is well renowned for penning novels, screenplays, and music. She is the author of many Bollywood beautiful songs. Before directing her first film, Bulbul. Bulbul earned praise for its feminism, visual effects, and performance.

Later on, she also collaborated with Dharma Productions, where she showcased her skills as a lyricist and dialogue writer.

Early Life and Background

Anvita Dutt’s upbringing was shaped by her father’s career in the Indian Air Force (IAF), which necessitated her family moving to different military cantonments across India. Throughout her childhood, she lived in Hindon, Guwahati, Jodhpur, and Saharanpur. After spending 14 years in the advertising industry, Anvita Dutt’s path took a new turn when she was introduced to Aditya Chopra through Rekha Nigam, a renowned dialogue writer known for her work on films like Parineeta and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. This introduction opened doors for Anvita Dutt to embark on a successful career in the film industry as a talented lyricist and screenwriter, primarily working with Yash Raj Films.

Anvita Dutt career

Anvita Dutt, the talented lyricist, has had a remarkable career in the Indian film industry. With her exceptional writing skills and insightful storytelling, she has become a prominent figure in the world of Bollywood. she has worked on numerous successful projects, collaborating with renowned composers and actors.

Her ability to capture emotions and convey them through beautifully crafted verses has earned her widespread acclaim. Anvita’s lyrics not only resonate with the audience but also add depth and meaning to the films they are a part of. With her unique style and poetic prowess, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the Indian music industry. As Anvita Dutt’s career progresses, it is certain that she will continue to enchant listeners with her lyrical genius.

Best Songs Written by Lyricist Anvita Dutt

Filmography

Anvita Dutt made her directorial debut with the 2017 romantic comedy-drama movie Phillauri. She also wrote the movie's language and screenplay. Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, and Suraj Sharma played key parts in the movie.
Anvita Dutt wrote and directed the highly regarded horror fantasy movie "Bulbul" in 2020. Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Sharma produced it through their production firm, Clean Slate Films.