Lyricist Shailendra was born in Rawalpindi on 30th August 1923. His real name was Shankardas Kesrilal Shailendra. Shailendra was the eldest son of Parvati Devi and Sri Kesrilal. His family moved to Mathura in his early childhood. But the accidental death of his mother grieved him very much. His faith from God vanished and Shailendra almost turned to an atheist.

Shailendra began his career as a respectable employee of Indian railways. The routine work was very much unlike what he wanted. His artistic flair was looking for vent to express itself. Throughout his duty hours Shailendra kept on writing poetry. His in charge was always unhappy with his way of working.

Shailendra took part in the freedom movement in his own way. He wrote fiery poems, which would make the masses conscious. His poem 'Jalta hai Punjab' became very popular. He was spotted by Raj Kapoor when he was reciting this poem aloud in a public meeting.

Raj Kapoor was very convinced with the talents of this young poet and decided to buy his poetry for his new film. Shailendra was a man with immense self respect. Initially he was not ready to sell his art. But due to some domestic reasons and extreme want, finally he went to Raj kapoor to sell his art. He bagged his first film. 'Barsaat' ,which is one of the best musical hits of the last century.

Shailendra had a good rapport with Shankar-Jaikishan, and also with a few other famous composers like Salil Chowdhary , S. N. Tripathi, S.D. Burman and Pt. Ravi Shankar . Some of the best films of his career were Madhumati, Sangeet Samrat Tanseen, Guide, Anuradha and Bandini.

Shailendra received the Filmfare award for the Best Lyricist thrice in his illustrious career. Two of the filmfares came to him consecutively. He won filmfares in 1958 for 'Ye mera deewanapan hai' ( Yahudi), in 1959 for the classic 'Sab kuch seekha hamne' from Anari and in 1968 for 'Main gaaun tum so jaao', from 'Brahmachari'.

Some of the best songs written by Shailendra:

Aaj Phir Jeene Ki
Gata Rahe Mera Dil
Piya Tose Naina Laage Re
Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya
Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega
Bol Radha Bol
O Mehbooba
Dost Dost Na Raha
ASab Kuch Seekha
Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe
Dil Ki Nazar Se
Mera Joota Hai Japani
Ramaiya Vastavaiya
Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh
Shaam Gayi Raat Aayi
Barsaat Mein

For more information on Shailendra log on to sitagita.

Lyricists in Bollywood


About Bollywood
Awards in Bollywood
Film Companies in Bollywood
Training for Bollywood
Worldwide Popularity of Bollywood
Popular Male Actors in Bollywood
Popular Female Actors in Bollywood
The Unforgettable Characters in Bollywood
Film Makers in Bollywood
Popular Singers in Bollywood
Popular Musicians in Bollywood
Popular Movie Reviews
Bollywood Over the Years
Bollywood Movie Channels
Magazines on Bollywood
Acting and Film Studies Institutes in India
Bollywood and Cricket
Bollywood Actors in ICL
Bollywood Actors in IPL
Cricketers in Bollywood Movies
Bollywood Movies on Cricket
Marriages of Bollywood Heroines with Cricketers
Bollywood Critics and Journalists
Bollywood Choreographers
Upcoming Bollywood Releases
Lyricists in Bollywood
Film Associations in Bollywood
Endorsements by Bollywood Stars
Famous Bollywood Make-up Artists
Famous Bollywood Real Life Couples
Famous Reel Life Couples
Bollywood Fashion Designers
Bollywood Producers
Bollywood Cinematographers
Bollywood Screenwriters
IPL and Bollywood
Multiplexes and Movie Theaters

Newsletter Subscribe

Get all the inside scoop & latest tips on modeling, fashion, beauty health and fitness. Happy Tweeting!!....