Well-known lyricist Inderjeet Singh Hassanpuri passed away at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital on Thursday. Hassanpuri was recently admitted for medical care after both his kidneys’ failed. He is survived by his wife three sons and a daughter. His last rights will be solemnized at his native village, Hassanpuri, tomorrow noon.

The life of this artist is much akin to that of Punjabi film industry that has seen its glorious past only to then fall into an abyss. While Punjabi cinema is trying hard to resurrect itself but Hassanpuri could not find a place in the changed dynamics. Born in year 1932, Hassan Puri is known for penning and producing films like Teri Meri ik Jindri, Daaj, Sukhi Pativaar, Dahej (Hindi) and others. He also penned songs for films like Man Jeete Jagjeet, Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam, Pappi Tere Anek, Fauji Chacha, Jai Mata Di, a cult film like Long Da Lishkara, Sangram and other to name a few.

A close friend of actor Dharmender, Hassanpuri has to his credit some famous songs like ‘Kurti mulmul di, dhai din na jawani rehndi’ sung by well-known ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, while his wife, Chitra, gave her voice to Hassanpuri’s song “Charkha mera rangla, vich charkhe de mekhan”. Legendary Mohammad Rafi too has also sung songs penned by Hassanpuri.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Hassanpuri. Badal recalled the outstanding contribution of Hassanpuri towards promotion of Punjabi language and literature throughout his life. He described him as an institution who worked tirelessly for Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat. “In the death of Hassanpuri, a void has been created in the literary circle which is difficult to fill”, said Badal.

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