One of the most celebrated poets and lyricists, Gopaldas Neeraj, was a luminary in the world of Hindi literature and cinema. Some of his best-known songs include “Karvan Guzar Gaya,” “Subah Na Aayi Sham Na Aayi,” “Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaye,” “Dil Aaj Shaayar Hai,” and many more.
Early Life
Gopaldas Saxena is famously known by his pen name Neeraj. He was born on January 4, 1925, in the village of Puravali, near Mahewa, in the Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh. Neeraj lost his father when he was only six. His bua and her husband came forward to help him get his education. He started writing poetry when he was still in school and also started participating in poetry gatherings.
After his marriage, his uncle said that he would not be able to support him financially. He asked him to get a job and stand on his own two feet. It was the start of a long and hard journey. To survive, he did all sorts of odd jobs, from typing, and giving tuition to selling bidis and pulling rikshaws.
His financial condition improved when he moved to Delhi and started working as a typist. It was in the government’s publicity division, which works to propagate government policies. He also worked as an assistant for the famous poet Hafeez Jalandhri. In Delhi, he continued to take part in Mushayras and Kavi Sammelans. Slowly he made his mark among literary circles.
Breakthrough
In 1943, he goes to Calcutta, where he recites his famous anti-establishment poem “Main Vidrohi Hun,” which caused a lot of ruckus and uproar. Fearing arrest, he left his job, went into hiding, and again started giving tuition to children. In the meantime, he also completed his education. He finally gets the job as an information officer for the UP government in 1951.
In 1956, he started teaching Hindi literature at Dharma Samaj College, Aligarh, which provided him with a platform to share his love for the Hindi language and its poetic expressions. Neeraj was now a famous name, his poems were a rage, especially “Karvan Guzar Gaya.”
Gopaldas Neeraj In Films
It was at this point that his fame reached the film industry. His poem “Karvan Guzar Gaya,” espacially impressed filmmaker R. Chandra. He asked him to use it in his 1966 film “Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal.” The film was also shot at Aligarh Muslim University. He also wrote songs like “Aaj Ki Raat Badi Shokh,” “Nayi Umar Ke Naye Sitaro,” “Isko Bhi Apnata Chal Usko Bhi Apnata Chal,” and “Dekhti Hi Raho Aaj Darpan Na Tum.”
The success of these songs gave Neeraj an immense boost, and he went on to write for films like “Sati Naari (1965),” “Tu Hi Meri Zindagi (1965),” “Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1966),” “Majhli Didi ( 1967),” “Duniya (1968),” “Kanyadaan (1968),” and “Chanda Aur Bijli (1969).” Some of his famous songs in these films include “Tum Naacho Ras Barse,” “Zindagi Dulhan Hai Ek Raat Ki,” “Yeh Dharti Hindustan Ki,” “Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe Woh Teri Yaad Mein,” “Phoolon Ki Mahek Lehron Ki Lachak,” and “Kaal Ka Pahiya Ghoome Bhaiya,” among others.
Neeraj With Dev Ananad
In 1970, Dev Anand asked him to write songs for his directorial “Prem Pujari.” It started a long and successful working relationship between the two. Neeraj wrote “Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaye,” “Rangeela Re Tere Rang Mein,” “Phoolon Ke Rang Se,” “Prem Ke Pujari Hum Hain,” “Doongi Tainu Reshmi Rumaal,” and others. The songs in the film became instant hits and are still cherished.
He then wrote “Ey Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo,” and “Kehta Hai Joker Saara Zamana,” for Raj Kapoor’s “Mera Naam Joker (1970),” “Jhoom Ke Ga Yun Aaj Mere Dil,” in Patanga (1970), Bas Yehi Apradh Main Har Baar Karta Hoon (Pehchan), “Choodi Nahin Ye Mera Dil Hai,” “Dil Aaj Shaayar Hai,” “Mera Man Tera Pyasa,” in Gambler (1971), “Aap Yahaan Aaye Kis Liye,” in Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971), and “Phoolon Se Meri Sej Saja Do,” “Sooni Sooni Saans Ke Sitar Par,” and “Re Man Sur Mein Ga,” in Lal Patthar.
1971 musical hit Sharmeeli was one of Neeraj’s most successful and memorable films. In the film he wrote songs like “Reshmi Ujala Hai Makhmali Andhera,” “O Meri Sharmilee, Khilte Hain Gul Yahan,” “Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye Re,” and others. The songs in the film were a big factor in the film’s success.
Other Work
Some of the films he wrote for are Tere Mere Sapne (1971), Veer Chatrasal (1971), Yaar Mera (1971), Dil Daulat Duniya (1971), Jangal Mein Manga (1972), Munimji (1972), Parivartan (1972), Rivaaj (1972), Archana (1973), Chhupa Rustam (1973), Shatranj Ke Mohre (1973), Aashiana (1974), Resham Ki Dori (1974), Tu Meri Main Tera (1980), Uddhaar (1987), Main Tere Liye (1988), Gunaah (1993), Chaahat (1996), Fareb (1996), Censor (2001), Jaana Na Dil Se Door (2001), 1971 (2007), Karar – The Deal (2007), and Chargesheet (2011).
Some of his notable songs in these films are “Hey Maine Kasam Li,” “Jaise Radha Ne Mala Japi Shyam Ki,” “Jeevan Ki Bagiya Mehkegi,” “Taa Thai Tat Thai” (Tere Mere Sapne), “Tum Kitni Khoobsurat Ho (Jangal Mein Mangal),” “Dheere Se Jaana Khatiyan Mein,” and “Jaloon Main Jale Mera Dil” (Chhupa Rustam), “Tan Bhi Jale Man Bhi Jale (Parivartan),” “Jannat Hai Dekhni Toh Kisi Dil Mein Aashiyan Bana (Shatranj Ke Mohre), “Hai Jag Mein Jiska Naam Amar (Resham Ki Dori),” “Man Ke Mandir Mein (Main Tere Liye),” “Aankhon Se Dil Mein Utar Ke,” “O Hum Safar Dil Ke Nagar” (Fareb), and many more.
As a poet, Neeraj was known for his profound yet accessible poetry, which resonated with the common man and the literary elite alike. He has left behind a treasure trove of poetic works that continue to enchant readers and listeners alike. His poetry, characterised by its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth. He expertly captures the complexities of life and the subtleties of human emotions.
Gopaldas Neeraj – The People’s Poet
His poetry not only reflects his mastery over words but also his deep understanding of human nature. Among his famous poems, is “Caravan Guzar Gya” (The Caravan Passed By). It stands out as a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the relentless march of time. It is often cited for its profound message and the way it resonates with the universal human experience of ageing and loss.
He often delves into the theme of love and the pain it can bring. Neeraj’s ability to weave emotion into his words is evident in his poetr. He explores the duality of love’s joy and suffering. His poems are also a celebration of life’s vitality and the spirit that endures despite the challenges and hardships one may face.
Neeraj’s body of work is vast and varied, including other remarkable poetry collections. Some of his collections are “Kaarvan Guzar Gya,” “Aasavari,” “Geet Jo Vaye Nahin,” “Pushp Parijat Ke,” “Nadi Kinare,” “Kaarvan Geeton Ka,” “Neeraj Ke Prem Geet,” and “Neeraj Rachnawali.” Each of one offering a unique perspective and an immersive experience into the poet’s mind and heart.
Later Years
Neeraj’s literary prowess was recognised with many prestigious awards. He gets the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. Despite such accolades, he remained a man of simplicity, often reflecting on the transient nature of life through his poetry.
The poet’s demise on July 19, 2018, marked the end of an era. His words, however, continue to live on, inspiring generations to find beauty in the mundane and to seek the profound in the simple. Gopaldas Neeraj’s legacy is not just in the words he left behind. It is in the way he captured the essence of human emotions, making him a true maestro of lyrical expression.
Gopaldas Neeraj on IMDB
