Mumbai, May 11: “I am a poet for a moment…” These lines evoke a deep sense of longing and pain, reflecting the sentiments of Sagar Sarhadi, born Ganga Sagar Talwar, who felt the anguish of the country’s partition deeply. Sarhadi was not just a poet or filmmaker; he was a sensitive human being who never forgot the pain of division. His connection to nature was profound, and his words resonated with the essence of rural life, the sound of rivers, and the struggles at the borders.
Born on May 11, 1933, in a small village in undivided India, Sagar Sarhadi’s childhood was filled with the beauty of nature, flowing rivers, lush mountains, and starry skies. However, he lost his mother at a young age. His life took a drastic turn when he was just 14 years old, coinciding with the partition of India, which uprooted his family and transformed their lives forever.
Initially, they moved to Srinagar and later found refuge in a camp in Delhi. This upheaval left a lasting impact on him, prompting questions like, “Why do borders exist? Why does division happen? Why are people uprooted from their roots?” This pain led him to change his name to Sagar Sarhadi, incorporating the essence of border struggles into his identity.
Even after moving to Mumbai, Sarhadi’s life was filled with challenges. He tried various jobs, but his true calling lay in creativity. He began writing Urdu plays, with works like “Shaheed Bhagat Singh,” “Heer Ranjha,” and “Tanhai” gaining immense popularity. His foray into cinema began in 1974 with “Goonj,” and after meeting Yash Chopra, his career soared. He wrote dialogues and screenplays for films such as “Kabhi Kabhi,” “Silsila,” “Chandni,” and “Bazaar,” and even directed “Bazaar” in 1982, featuring actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, and Farooq Sheikh.
When Rakesh Roshan decided to launch Hrithik Roshan, he chose Sarhadi to write the dialogues for “Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai,” which still resonates with audiences today. Sagar Sarhadi breathed his last in Mumbai on March 22, 2021.
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
