MUMBAI: Bakshi Prakash Anand Vaid, fondly known as Anand Bakshi, was born in a family of Mohyal Brahmins from Kurree, on 21 July 1930 in Rawalpindi. Thus, on his birth anniversary Radioandmusic, takes you through his life’s journey.

Baskshi was just five years old when his mother passed away. After the partition, the family migrated to India. They first came to Delhi, after which they migrated to Pune, where they registered themselves as Refugees at the Refugee Registration Branch, then shifted to Meerut and finally settled in Delhi.

Bakshi, at the age of 14, joined Royal Indian Navy at Karachi. He worked on Ship- H. I. M. S. Dilawar from 12 July 1944 to 4 April 1945. He got dismissed from the Navy after he served on H. I. M. S Bahadur on 5 April 1946. He then went on to join army, and joined Corps of Signals at Jabalpur on 15 November 1947 . He left the army on 12 April 1950.

Bakshi came to Bombay in October 1956 to find work for himself as a singer or lyricist in the film industry. Brij Mohan gave him his first break of writing songs for his film Bhalaa Aadmi which starred Bhagwan Dada. He wrote four songs for that film. On 9 November 1956, he recorded his first song Dharti Ke Laal Na Kar Itna Malaal during an All India Radio interview.

1962 was the year where Bakshi found his first success with the song Mehendi Lagi Mere Haath, to which Kalyanji- Anandji gave their music. Meri Tasveer Lekar Kya Karoge Tum, a quawalli from the 1962 movie Kala Samundar gave recognition to his work.  Milan,  Himalaya Ki God Mein and  Jab Jab Phool Khile were the movies which made Bakshi a lyricist with his own class. He has written songs for various iconic movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Bobby, Amar Prem, Taal, Mohra, Pardes and many more. Saawan Ka Mahina, Kora Kagaz, Bindiya Chamkegi, Jaadu Teri Nazar, Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast and lots such memorable songs.

Bakshi won four Filmfare Awards in total. Aadmi Musafir Hai, Tere Mere Beech Mein Kaisa Hai Ye Bandhan, Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana Sanam and Ishq Bina made him win the trophy.

Bakshi has also sung songs as a singer for various movies. Baaghon Mein Bahaar Aayi Hothon Pe Pukaar Aayi from the movie Mome Ki Gudiya was his first song as a singer along with Lata Mangeshkar and was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal. He also sang for some more films like Sholay, Balika Badhu andCharas.

As a result of his smoking habit, he suffered from heart and lung disease. In March 2002, he underwent a heart surgery, during which he caught a bacterial infection. At the age of 72, Bakshi breathed his last on 30 March 2002 at 8 pm at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.

His last film as a lyricist was Mehbooba starring Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan and Manisha Koirala.

With more than 3500 songs and 638 movies, Anand Bakshi remains a legend.