D.N. Madhok
Biography
Dina Nath Madhok (22 October 1902 – 9 July 1982) was a distinguished lyricist and filmmaker in Bollywood, known for his contributions to the music industry from the 1940s to the 1960s. He began his career in 1932 with the film Radhey Shyam, where he not only wrote lyrics but also acted in a minor role and helped with composing songs, though he remained uncredited. Throughout his career, Madhok wrote over 800 songs and became one of the leading lyricists of his time, earning the nickname "Mahakavi Madhok."
Born in Gujranwala, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Madhok initially worked with the Indian Railways after failing to complete his B.A. studies. He moved to Bombay in 1931, where he made his mark in the film industry. Madhok directed several films, including Baghdad Ka Chor (1934), Mirza Sahiban (1939), and Naata (1955), while also writing lyrics for a wide range of popular films in the 1940s and 1950s, such as Nadi Kinare (1939), Musafir (1940), Bansari (1943), and Tansen (1943). His songs, like “Barso Re” and “Diya Jalao” from Tansen, remain iconic.
Madhok is credited with introducing composer Naushad to the Bollywood scene, and the two collaborated on several films. His work was known for its simplicity and universal appeal, and he remains a respected figure in the history of Indian cinema. Madhok's legacy lives on through the timeless songs he penned and his contributions to the development of Bollywood music. He passed away in 1982.
