1 Ab ke saawan (Shubha Mudgal, 1999)
Prasoon Joshi began his career with advertising, and his first venture into lyric writing was for private albums. One of these was this exuberant pop number with Shubha Mudgal. The poet combined traditional Hindi verses to suit the rapid energy of Mudgal. The song definitely caught the attention of young listeners.
2 Khul ke muskurale (Phir Milenge, 2004)
The little film about AIDS had some big stars supporting it. It might not be remembered for its music or songs, but this beautiful ode to life and love by Prasoon Joshi stood out. Lines like 'utaar gham ke mozay, zameen ko gungunane de, kankaron ko talwon mein gudgudi machane de' reflect the desire to live life in the face of adversity.
3 Saanson ko (Hum Tum, 2005)
It was with Kunal Kohli's Hum Tum that Prasoon Joshi's first big breakthrough came. The sensitive, lyrical imagery of love was in sync with the fresh, light nature of the film. It also won Joshi accolades as a writer capable of merging imagery with rhythm.
4 Khoon chala (Rang De Basanti, 2006)
The social milieu often inspires the lyricist to pen some brilliant odes. In a soundtrack filled with songs of rebellion like 'Paathshaala' and 'Khalbali', this track stands out. The lyrics by Joshi grow silently, steadily and reach a gooseflesh-inducing crescendo. Quite like the sense of injustice and resentment against corruption felt by many people during the time.
5 Maa (Taare Zameen Par, 2007)
If Aamir Khan was the face of a new awakening on child education, it was Prasoon Joshi's lyrics that set the tone for it. There are few people who walked out of theatre screens with their eyes dry after having listened to the piteous cry of a child in 'Maa'. It remains one of the best, if not the best, works by the lyricist.
6 Arziyan (Delhi-6, 2009)
Secularism and spirituality are some other themes that often feature in the Prasoon Joshi's work. In the underrated Delhi-6, Joshi penned a soaring ode to the lost sense of spirituality and vulnerability with 'Arziyan'. The depth in AR Rahman's music was the perfect vehicle for his words.
7 Dhoop ke sikke (Sikander, 2009)
Another little, forgotten ode to lost childhood was Piyush Jha's Sikandar. For once, it was the film that inspired Prasoon Joshi to pen a song. Having seen the film, Joshi wrote 'Dhoop ke sikke', which the director immediately incorporated in the next cut.
8 Bolo na (Chittagong, 2012)
To say that the Padma Shri awardee is only capable of writing intense lyrics is unfair. One of the Joshi's lesser known works is 'Bolo na' from Debabrata Pain's Chittagong (2012). With beautiful imagery and depth, the song won Joshi a National Award for Best Lyrics.
9 Zinda (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, 2013)
The lyricist's poems carry what Hindi poets would describe as 'veer ras' (courage). This track from Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's biopic on Milkha Singh is the perfect example. On a bad day, it can be the perfect track to get back on your feet and run.
10 Aankhein milaayenge darr se (Neerja, 2015)
With the question of women's security looming large, Prasoon Joshi penned the lyrics to the heroic Neerja (2015) song. A song that spoke about facing your fears and taking on challenges, it resonated with a young audience in an increasingly totalitarian society.