A lyrical drive with Sayeed Quadri

Courtesy: IndiaFM
Friday, September 29, 2006
Bheenge Hont Tere - who comes to your mind when the song is played? Kunal Ganjawala, Mallika Sherawat or at the most Anu Malik. But how many know the man who actually wrote these sensual words. Sayeed Quadri has been writing some beautiful undiluted lyrics since the past few years. His filmography includes names like Jism, Rog, Murder, Kalyug, Gangster, Fareb and the recent Bas Ek Pal.

An LIC agent by profession, he has an inbuilt flair for poetry. Despite ample use of Urdu, his songs are still comprehensible unlike other lyricists.

When and how did you start writing songs for films?
I am from Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Few years back when I had come to Mumbai for work, I failed to make it. I was disheartened and returned to my hometown with disappointment. I left the industry. I met Bhatt Saab when I was struggling for work but that time he was no more an independent filmmaker. He wanted to give me work but he couldn't help me that time. I was disappointed but never stopped writing. Once when Maheshji was shooting for Jism, he asked me to write some songs for his movie. That's how I began with his film Jism. So you can say I started myself with Jism.

How did you manage to write such wonderful romantic songs?
Duniya se jo bhi jindagi ke shakl main tajurbe mile hai, wohi lauta raha hu main. (Whatever experiences I have got in my life, I am giving back everything thorough writing) There is no other secret behind my songs. I think one needs to have certain vision to see life. There are lots of things around you and it's up to you how you see it. Zindagi is tarha se lagne lagi, rang ud gaye jaise deewaron se. Ab chupane ko apna kuch na raha, zakhm dikhne lage dararo se. I use lots of Urdu words in my lyrics and people love it immensely.

Do you think the poetry scene in Bollywood has changed in these years?
I think our film industry is growing on big terms. There are some good writers like Prasoon Joshi and others. I am also trying to write some good lyrics. I think the whole scenario is changing slowly and people not only understand good poetry but also appreciate good lyrics.

Don't you think lyricists do not get their recognition in Bollywood as much as they deserve?
Yes it happens but not in Vishesh films. If you see, even in promos they give credits to their lyricist. A lyricist contributes a lot in the success of the music of a film. He is equally important. While in my case, I was lucky enough to get the support of a very talented and successful director Mahesh Bhatt, I was also lucky that my lyrics got fine tuning by good music composers of the industry. Bhatt saab has never misused me or never restricts my work I am writing for others too.

Since you are not based in Mumbai, isn't it difficult to manage your work from there?
Yes it's true that I don't stay in Mumbai, I stay in Jodhpur. I was not lyricist by profession. I am a LIC agent. But writing is my hobby, which has become my profession now. I write from Jodhpur and also come here for the sittings.

Finally your songs are so popular but you have not received the recognition you deserve, don't you feel bad about it?
I don't regret or feel bad for not being so famous. I think everyone gets whatever they deserve. All my songs have been extremely popular everywhere. I have been appreciated for my work so I am happy. Bhatt Saab's contribution means a lot to me and basically it's teamwork. I feel I am lucky that I have got good music composers and singers to make my poetries popular.

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