The new generation doesn’t know about Vrajendra Gaur, the luminary who wrote iconic films like “Howrah Bridge,” “China Town,” “Teen Devian,” “Kati Patang,” “Sharmeelee, “Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye,” “Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se,” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Vrajendra Gaur was a multifaceted personality who worked as a lyricist, dialogue writer, story writer, screenplay writer, and director. Vrajendra Gaur was born on April 1, 1924, in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Gaur was educated in Lucknow, where he immersed himself in literary circles and the fine arts.
A child prodigy, Vrajendra Gaur started his literary career with one of his poems published in the “Janmat: newspaper in 1936, setting the stage for a prolific career that would span decades. His first story was published in the literary magzine “Maya” when he was only 15 years of age. His early works include story collections and novels like “Atript Manav,” “Bikhri Kaliyan,” “Andheri Raat,” “Kaagaz Ki Nao,” “Sindoor Ki Laaj,” “Yuddha Ki Kahaaniyan,” “Kalkatte Ka Qatl-e-Aam,” and “Parole Par.” He also started writing radio plays that were hugely popular.
Gaur’s initial success as a lyricist in Lucknow bolstered his confidence, but it was his move to Mumbai, at the behest of author Amritlal Nagar, that truly catalysed his career in cinema.
Vrajendra Gaur In Films
In 1945, while working for radio, Vrajendra Gaur wrote many radio plays, which led to his debut in the film industry with the Motilal-Shanta Apte starrer film “Sawan,” where his lyrical dialogues first graced the Indian screen.
Despite facing disillusionment with the improvisational nature of dialogue delivery in films, Gaur’s passion for writing never waned. He returned to Lucknow briefly, contributing to radio and print, only to be drawn back to Mumbai to further his career in the film industry. After his return with “Guinjan (1950),” he went on to write for films like “Girls’ School (1949),” “Sangram (1950),” “Muqaddar (1950),” “Zalzala (1952),” and “Kafila (1952).”
The 1950s saw Gaur’s directorial debut with “Kasturi,” but he soon decided to focus on what he did best—writing. His pen gave birth to stories, screenplays, and dialogues for a slew of hit films. In 1953 he collaborated with Bimal Roy on “Parineeta (1953),” starring Ashok Kumar and Meena Kumari. In 1955 he worked with Shakti Samanta in “Bahu (1955),” starring Karan Dewan and Usha Kiran. The film started a long and successfull working relationship between the two.
Shakti Samanta’s crime thriller Howrah Bridge (1958) features Gaur’s sharp dialogue. Starring Madhubala and Ashok Kumar, the film follows a man investigating his brother’s murder. Gaur’s dialogues blend suspense and wit, enhancing the noir atmosphere. The also worked on Insaan Jaag Utha (1959),” “China Town (1962),” “Kati Patang (1970),” and “Charitraheen (1974).” The romantic drama Kati Patang (1970) strring Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh was espacially natable for its impactful narrative. Gaur’s screenplay and dialogues amplify the emotional stakes of a woman posing as a widow.
Famous Films
In 1961 he wrote Kishore Kumar’s mad comedy “Jhumroo (1961).” He also wrote films like “Shatranj (1956),” “Barish (1957),” “Jal Saaz (1959),” “Passport (1961), Pyaar Ka Saagar (1961), Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962), Apna Banake Dekho (1962), Shikari (1963), Sawan Ki Ghata (1966), and many more.
One of his most important work in 1960s was Teen Devian (1965), directed by Amarjeet. This Dev Anand starrer features Gaur’s witty dialogue and screenplay. The story of a man torn between three women benefits from Gaur’s light yet poignant lines. Gaur was a close friend of Dev Anand and worked with him in “Manzil (1960),” “Sarhad (1960),” “Jaali Note (1960),” “Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962),” “Pyar Mohabbat (1966),” “Duniya (1968),” “Mahal (1969),” and “Warrant (1975).”
Gaur was also known for his strict principles when it came to depicting sexual, criminal, and morally corrupt characters and situations. He was never comfortable glorifying these things or using them unnecessarily. Gaur also never liked the interference of stars or filmmakers in the literary process. He believed that full control should be given to experts.
Some other iconic films of Gaur include Saraswatichandra (1968), Ek Kali Muskai (1968), Sajan (1969), Jaal Saaz (1969), Jaane-Anjaane (1971), Elaan (1971), Sharmeelee (1971), Lal Patthar (1971), Jangal Mein Mangal (1972), Ek Mutthi Aasmaan (1973), Aarop (1974), Resham Ki Dori (1974), Charitraheen (1974), Pocket Maar (1974), Salaam Memsaab (1979), Jyoti (1981), Parchhaeen (1989) among others.
Other Work
One of his later film was The Great Gambler (1979), directed by Shakti Samanta, this action thriller stars Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role. Gaur’s dialogues heighten the film’s espionage and romance, with memorable lines enhancing Bachchan’s charisma. He worked with Rajshree Productions for films like Geet Gaata Chal (1975), Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978), and Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye (1977), His work in “Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye” earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue and Best Screenplay.
Gaur also worked as a lyricist for films like “Kafila,” “Zalzala,” Shamsheer,” “Kasturi,” “Sardar,” and “Parchayeen.” Some of his memorable songs include “Apni Preet Ki Mahki Kahan Kasturi,” “Ae Mere Dil Tu Zara Sambhal,” and “Tu Hi Bata De Bhool Huyi Kya Mero,” in Kasturi. “Aansoo Ab Tum Kabhi Na Bahna,” “Lahron Se Poochh Lo Ya Kinaron Se Poochh Lo,” “Teri Yaad Mein Ro Ro Mari,” in Kafila, “Chal Ri Chali Chal Naiya,” in Sardar, “Tere Rang Mein Rangi Jaoon,” in Parchhaeen, “Bairi Pavan Dekho Bairi Pavan Lehraane Laga,” “Ho Gori Tere Liye Sabka Jiya Dole,” “Tan Man Dole Karoon Main Kya,” in Shamsheer, “O Duniyawalo Pyar Mein Thokar Khaana Hai Naadaani,” “Jane Wale De Gaye Hain Yaad Ko Saugat Mein” and “Kabhi Inko Chahen Kabhi Unko” in Zalzala.
Legacy
Gaur’s contributions extended beyond the silver screen. He was also a respected journalist and an author, writing novels and short stories that reflected his keen observation and understanding of human emotions. Gaur also wrote many books for children. He also worked as an editor for magazines like Prakash, Jai Hind, Trishak, Pratibha and Gramme Sudhar.
Vrajendra Gaur’s life and work remain a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the impact one individual can have on an industry full of luminaries. His words, whether in the form of poignant lyrics or compelling dialogues, continue to resonate, capturing the essence of an era that shaped Indian cinema.
Vrajendra Gaur passed away in Mumbai on 7 August 1980. He was survived by his wife Meena Ji and sons Sunil and Rajesh Gaur.
Vrajendra Gaur on IMDB
