Happy Birthday Prasoon Joshi: 6 Award-Winning Songs by the Lyricist

Today, we are celebrating the 53rd birthday of Prasoon Joshi, the acclaimed lyricist, screenwriter and poet known for transforming profound emotions into simple, relatable lyrics. Lajja (2001) marked one of Prasoon Joshi’s early notable contributions as a film lyricist. He rose to fame with Yash Chopra’s Hum Tum and several blockbuster Bollywood films including Fanaa, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, Black and Delhi 6.

Notably, he also ventured into dialogue writing with Rang De Basanti in 2006. Over the years, his work has garnered numerous awards, including Filmfare and National Awards. In 2015, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contributions to the arts, literature and advertising.

Additionally, Joshi has also been serving as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since 2017. To mark his birthday, let take a look at some of his award-winning songs:

1. Zinda (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)This song won the 2014 Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist. This energetic anthem embodies resilience and triumph, with its powerful lyrics reflecting the indomitable spirit of the film’s protagonist, Milkha Singh, while resonating deeply with the audience’s own personal struggles and victories.
2. Chand Sifarish (Fanaa)Almost all of us have grooved to the catchy tunes of this popular song. Prasoon Joshi received the 2007 Filmfare Award for Best Lyrics. The song is a romantic ballad that blends whimsical and passionate lyrics to express deep affection. It’s a perfect example of Joshi’s skill in weaving poetic charm into contemporary love songs.
3. Bolo Na (Chittagong)This beautiful song won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 2012. This song’s emotional and stirring lyrics capture the emotional intensity of the film’s historical narrative. It highlights Joshi’s ability to evoke strong feelings through his words.
4. Maa (Taare Zameen Par)There are barely any of us who have watched the film Taare Zameen Par and not shed a tear or two while this song played in the background. Winner of the 2008 Silver Lotus Award for Best Lyrics, Maa is an emotional tribute to mothers, with lyrics that beautifully encapsulate the depth of maternal love and support. This song also won the National Film Award, Filmfare Award and Producers Guild Film Award for Best Lyricist.
5. Roobaroo (Rang De Basanti)Prasoon Joshi won the 2006 Global Indian Film Award for Best Lyricist for the song Roobaroo from Rang De Basanti. The youthful and energetic lyrics reflect the film’s vibrant energy and revolutionary spirit, conveying a sense of liberation and optimism that perfectly resonates with the themes of youth and change in the film.
6. Sasural Genda Phool, Delhi-6Prasoon Joshi penned this upbeat track for Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor starrer. The music for this track, which blends traditional folk with contemporary Bollywood elements, was composed by A.R. Rahman. This song was widely appreciated by audiences, which is a significant reward in itself.

Prasoon Joshi has created a profound impact on Indian cinema through many other memorable songs, each reflecting his exceptional lyrical artistry and emotional depth.