Sahir Ludhianvi was a master poet. The man who gave Bollywood some of its most poignant as well as popular songs, he was one of the finest lyricists the Hindi film industry saw. Born as Abdul Hayee, he was a poet and novelist, and wrote in Urdu and Hindu. Stark and realistic, his poetry was for the masses, for the oppressed, for unrequited love. We pick out 11 of his beautiful verses that will are proof he understood life like no other.

Because these are not enough, here are a few songs written by Sahir Ludhianvi that still resonate in our hearts. 

Mein Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya  Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu Jeevan Ke Safar Me Raahi  Neele Gagan Ke Tale Sar Jo Tera Chakraye Tadbeer Se Bigadi Huyee Man Re Tu Kahe Na