From SD Burman to AR Rahman: Anand Bakshi's fascinating journey

In a strange film about aliens and invisibility, Anand Bakshi created a soulful ballad of love. It was his first tryst with the superhit duo of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The trio went on to deliver some big hits like Milan (1967), Bobby (1973), and Aan Milo Sajna (1970) among others. This beautiful number stands out for the rare picturisation of Kishore Kumar's sober, mournful side. 

Anand Bakshi has always suffered the injustice of not being ranked alongside the romantics like Sahir, Kaifi Azmi or Gulzar. For a story set in the lush valleys of Kashmir, Bakshi tapped into the folk tales and poems of the region to create a beautiful work of poetry. Shashi Kapoor's charming presence and Kalyanji Anandji's lilting rhythm transformed this work into a very popular number. 

Rajesh Khanna's rise on the horizon was backed by the beautiful melodies of SD Burman and the flowery lyrics of Anand Bakshi. For Shakti Samanta's magnum opus, SD Burman took the baton, while Anand Bakshi sat on the lyrics. Behind the screens, another young maestro, and future partner, was assisting the two. His name was Rahul Dev Burman. 

RD Burman's arrival to big time was a watershed moment, and changed the dynamics between lyricists and songwriters forever. Anand Bakshi was among the earliest and most successful partners of the young music director, and their best work together was the album of Kati Patang. The song became a craze among women who swooned at the twinkling look that Rajesh Khanna sent their way. 

Amar Prem launched both Anand Bakshi and RD Burman into a new galaxy. Whether it was the beautiful classical 'Raina Beeti Jaaye', or the pathos of 'Chingaari Koi Bhadke', the combination delivered some timeless classics. But the icing on the cake was this beautiful ballad picturised on the Howrah Ghat in Kolkata. The song personifies the lyricist's simple philosophy of life and RD's versatile composition skills. 

In a film that came at the height of Amitabh and Rekha's popularity, the lyricist combined with Rajesh Roshan to offer some iconic numbers. Till date, 'Pardesiya' remains a key track for any Rekha or Amitabh playlist. But the stand out number is the slow, comic 'Mere Paas Aao', sung in the inimitable voice of Amitabh Bachchan. The song is an example of Bakshi's childlike enthusiasm and his exemplary ability as a storyteller. 

Darr marked the third joint venture between the duo of Shiv-Hari and Anand Bakshi. Not the greatest musical film, Yash Chopra's stalker story certainly had some very hummable numbers. In 'Jaadu Teri Nazar', the lyricist created the perfect confession by an anonymous lover to his muse. It would become Shah Rukh Khan's calling card for stardom. 

You remember Akshay Kumar. You certainly remember Raveena Tandon from this sensational dance number. But few remember that it was Anand Bakshi who penned those brilliantly catchy lines. The song practically became an anthem among the youth in the '90s. Another mark of the versatile lyricist's ability to adapt to the changing times. 

When Yash Chopra's son decided to make a big budget romantic musical, the director lent him one of his most trusted companions, Anand Bakshi. The lyricist joined hands with a new generation of musicians, Anand-Milind, to create songs that would mark the change of guard into the new millenium. 
 

At the peak of his powers, the lyricist was the most trusted partner of the Yash Chopra camp, and was marked to guide Uttam Singh's first foray as a music director. The effortless charm of King Khan and the timeless beauty of Madhuri Dixit was only enhanced by the playful verses of Anand Bakshi's lyrics. 

Subhash Ghai next teamed up with the flavour of the decade, Shah Rukh Khan, to create the beautiful love story of Pardes (1998). This was one of Anand Bakshi's best products with the duo of Nadeem-Shravan. In the soothing voice of Kumar Sanu, this rare and beautiful romantic song by Anand Bakshi touches elegant perfection.

If ever Anand Bakshi is accused of writing more songs for SRK, then this one number can be picked out as an example. Composed by Jatin-Lalit, the song is another example of Bakshi's ability to play with the rhyme and sounds of words. 

Mahesh Bhatt's courageous biographical tale of a strong woman, Zakhm had a melodious score composed by south Indian music director, MM Kreem. To this score, Bakshi created the perfect verses that captured the conflict, pathos, and the optimism of its characters. This particular song is a skilfully crafted melody that segues from mischief, to hope, and love. 

This film came at the peak of 'Rahmania' in the north. For the 'Showman' Subhash Ghai's film, Rahman created a fabulous score, backed by the brilliant penmanship of Bakshi saab. This beautiful melody, sung by Hariharan, remains the pick of the album. Shot beautifully in the rains, the song still brings back waves of nostalgia typical of the '90s. 

In one of his last works, the lyricist combined with Yash Chopra yet again, to create a melodious love ballad. Slow, effective, simple, the soundtrack captured the key ability of the lyricist to tap into the most sublime emotions and express them in a form that is familiar to any and every generation.