Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan has recalled the creative challenges he faced while working with Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman, saying he found it particularly difficult to write lyrics for the music maestro.
Sameer recently appeared on film trade expert Komal Nahta’s Game Changers: The Music Series podcast, where he discussed his career and some of the collaborations that shaped his journey in Hindi cinema.
Speaking about his work with Rahman, Sameer said he had collaborated with the composer on only one film, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, but found the songwriting process challenging.
“I found it difficult to write for A.R. Rahman. I have only worked with him on one movie, The Legend of Bhagat Singh. If you listen to the songs, you’ll understand how difficult they were to write,” he said.
The lyricist recalled that some of the songs incorporated lines inspired by the original words of the freedom fighters, making the task of reimagining and adapting them particularly demanding.
“The movie has become a legendary film, and there were some lines taken from the original words of the ‘Shaheeds’. Reimagining and writing them was very difficult for me. It was a fun memory,” Sameer added.
The latest edition of Game Changers: The Music Series focuses on celebrated singers, composers and music maestros, exploring their creative journeys, inspirations and stories behind some of Indian cinema’s memorable music.
Sameer is among Hindi cinema’s most prolific lyricists and is known for holding a Guinness World Record for writing the highest number of film songs. He was particularly prominent during the 1990s and has worked with several leading composers and playback singers.
Known for his emotional, romantic and melodious songwriting, Sameer has received several honours, including Filmfare Awards, for his lyrical contributions.
His songs have often centred on themes of love, longing and human emotions, expressed through accessible and evocative language.