1 Baiju Bawra
The legend of Baiju Bawra dates back to the 15th century. A poet and singer, his passion for the art drove him to insanity. Vijay Bhatt's 1952 classic relaunched the careers of two of Indian cinema's most tragic personalities - Bharat Bhushan and Meena Kumari.
2 Mirza Ghalib
The title should be self-explanatory. Bharat Bhushan starred as the tragic, rebellious court poet who fails at his job, but succeeds in winning the heart of his muse, played by Suraiyya.
3 Barsat ki Raat
PL Santoshi combined with Bharat Bhushan in this magical film set in Lucknow. The tale of a poet-singer who meets his muse during a rainy night was a big hit on its release. The title track by Mohammed Rafi was a chartbuster as well.
4 Pyaasa
Considered by many to be the apex of cinematic poetry in Indian cinema, Pyaasa was the life work of its director, Guru Dutt. Its legendary fame rests upon the work of Guru Dutt, who also played the tragic poet Vijay in the film, poet and lyricist Sahir and the musical compositions of SD Burman. The film also immortalised Sahir as one of the greatest poets to have contributed to Indian cinema.
5 Mere Mehboob
One of Rajendra 'Jubilee' Kumar's greatest hits, Mere Mehboob was the story of a poet's love and reconciliation. With music by Naushad, its title track 'Mere Mehboob' became the anthem of love for students in the 60s.
6 Kabhi Kabhie
Amitabh Bachchan's transformation was powered by Sahir Ludhianvi's verses to make Yash Chopra's 'Kabhi Kabhie' an immortal love epic. The sizzling chemistry and the rumoured triangle of Rekha-Amitabh-Jaya made the film all the more irresistible.
7 Umrao Jaan
From the poet to his muse! Muzaffar Ali cast Rekha as the legendary poet-courtesan Umrao Jaan in this eponymous classic. With her poise, grace and expressive eyes, Rekha set a new standard for the poetic muse in Indian cinema.
8 Saajan
Sanjay Dutt does not fit in the image of an introvert poet, but his role as the sombre, lovelorn poet in Saajan certainly caught the attention of audiences. With Pankaj Udhas giving voice to his cinematic odes, it is little wonder that Madhuri chooses him over Salman Khan in the film.
9 Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara
The latest avatar of the poet is nothing like the tragic, nihilistic heroes who precede him. Farhan Akhtar added joie de vivre and a charm to his role as the dreamer poet cum advertising copywriter in the bachelor trip 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara'. The poems penned by his dad, Javed Akhtar, added authenticity to his role.