Inderjit Hassanpuri
Biography
Inderjit Hassanpuri (born Inderjit Singh Kharal; 1932 – 2009) was a revered and prolific figure in Punjabi culture, celebrated for his exceptional talent as a songwriter/lyricist, poet, producer, and writer. His contributions significantly enriched Punjabi music and cinema for several decades, earning him a place among the most respected artists of his time.
Early Life and Artistic Roots:
Born on August 20, 1932, in Akalgarh village (now in Ludhiana district), British Punjab, Inderjit Singh Kharal showed an early passion for poetry and songs. He initially worked as a painter in Ludhiana, honing his craft with words alongside his day job. His early forays into writing laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would touch millions.
A Prolific Lyricist:
Hassanpuri's genius lay in his ability to weave words with pastoral charm and deep emotional resonance, capturing the essence of Punjabi life and love. He penned countless iconic songs that became anthems for generations and were sung by some of the most celebrated voices in Indian music. His lyrics were known for their purity and avoidance of vulgarity, which further endeared him to audiences and artists alike.
His renowned lyrical works include:
- "Kurti Mulmul Di, Dhai Din Na Jawani Rehndi": A timeless classic sung by ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh.
- "Charkha Mera Rangla, Vich Sone Dian Mekhan": Another beloved song, beautifully rendered by Chitra Singh.
- "Main Vi Jatt Ludhiane Da": Sung by the legendary Surinder Kaur and Harcharan Garewal.
- He also holds the unique distinction of being the only person to have written a Qawwali in Punjabi for the movie Man Jeete Jag Jeet.
His lyrics were sung by a galaxy of artists, including Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey, Surinder Shinda, K. Deep, Malkit Singh, and many more, cementing his position as one of the most sought-after lyricists.
Producer and Filmmaker:
Beyond songwriting, Inderjit Hassanpuri ventured into film production, contributing to Punjabi cinema with his vision. He produced notable films such as:
- Teri Meri Ik Jindri: A film where he gave a break to Virender (Dharmendra's cousin) and comedian Mehar Mittal.
- Daaj (Punjabi) and its Hindi remake Dahej.
- Sukhi Parivar
He also penned screenplays and dialogues for various films and telefilms, further showcasing his versatility. His work in films played a crucial role in shaping the narratives and popular appeal of Punjabi cinema.
Literary Contributions and Legacy:
Hassanpuri was also a respected poet, with several books of poetry to his credit, including "Aunsian" (1959), "Samey Di Awaz" (1962/65), and "Zindagi De Geet" (1966). He wrote educational materials about Punjabi and Sikh culture, demonstrating his commitment to promoting his language and heritage.
Inderjit Hassanpuri passed away on October 8, 2009, in Ludhiana, at the age of 77. His death was widely mourned across Punjab and by the global Punjabi diaspora. He left behind a rich legacy of timeless songs, meaningful poetry, and significant contributions to Punjabi cinema, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with the vibrant cultural heritage of Punjab.
