Book on Anand Bakhsi released

Mumbai, Aug 14 (UNI) "Mein Shayar Badnam", a book on the life of legendary lyricist Anand Bakshi was released by the famous script writer and poet Javed Akhtar here last evening.

Mr Akhtar said a day would come when people would wish to undertake a thesis on the renowned lyricist's composition.

''I don't know when, but a day will come when Anand Bakshi will get his due and a thesis will be written on each of his songs,'' Mr Akhtar told reporters.

Vijay Akela, who has edited the book, told UNI, ''My life has been hugely influenced by the works of Sahir Ludhianvi and Anand Bakshi. I thought what better way to know a man than through his works. Even though Anand Bakshi studied till VII standard, he has written 5195 songs out of which I have included only 151 songs in the book.'' The book contains passages by Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale and Javed Akhtar.

Akela has also written a book on the late Jan Akhtar, Javed Akhtar's father which was released six months ago.

Speaking to reporters, Pyarelal of the famed Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo said, ''Anand Bakshi was a simple man whose songs were very profound. Vijay Akela came to us and we gave him the information with which he has done a good job.'' In a career spanning 40 years, Anand Bakshi had penned lyrics for films such as 'Namak Haram', 'Loafer', 'Aaradhana(1967)', 'Saajan (1969)', 'Jeene Ki Raah (1969)', 'Kati Patang (1970)', 'The Train (1970)', 'Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971)' ,'Naya Zamana (1971)', 'Sunny (1984)', 'Amrit (1986)', 'Trimurti (1995)', 'Pardes (1997)', 'Zakhm (1998)', 'Taal (1999)', and the smash hit 'Gadar' in 2001.

UNI