Santosh Anand was a celebrated Indian Hindi film lyricist and poet, best known for writing some of the most memorable songs of Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. His lyrics are known for their emotional depth, optimism, romance and philosophical themes. He worked extensively with composers such as Laxmikant–Pyarelal and R. D. Burman.
Among his best-known songs are “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai,” “Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi,” “Mohabbat Hai Kya Cheez,” “Main Na Bhoolunga,” “Tera Saath Hai To,” “Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi” and “Mehboob Mere.”
Santosh Anand received the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist twice, for “Aadmi Musafir Hai” from Apnapan (1977) and “Mohabbat Hai Kya Cheez” from Prem Rog (1982). He was also honoured with the Yash Bharti Award by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Santosh Anand was born on 5 March 1939 in Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, India. He developed an interest in poetry and literature from an early age and eventually moved toward the Hindi film industry.
He began his career as a lyricist in the late 1960s. One of his early notable opportunities came with the film Purab Aur Paschim (1970), which helped establish him in Hindi cinema.
His career gained significant momentum through his collaboration with the celebrated composer duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal. Together, they created numerous songs that became popular for their memorable melodies and emotionally expressive lyrics.
One of Santosh Anand's most enduring songs is “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai” from the 1972 film Shor. Composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal and sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh, the song became a timeless part of Hindi film music. Its philosophical reflection on life, love and human relationships continues to resonate with listeners.
He also wrote the popular song “Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi” from Kranti (1981), another composition associated with his characteristic emotional and patriotic style.
Santosh Anand won his first Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist for the song “Aadmi Musafir Hai” from Apnapan (1977). The song was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi and became one of the memorable songs of the decade.
He won his second Filmfare Award for “Mohabbat Hai Kya Cheez” from the film Prem Rog (1982). The song was composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal and sung by Suresh Wadkar and Sudha Malhotra.
His other important film credits include Shor, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Kranti, Prem Rog, Sharda, Purab Aur Paschim, Bobby and several other films. His songwriting often combined romance with philosophical observations about life and human emotions.
Santosh Anand's personal life was marked by profound tragedy. His son, Sankalp Anand, died in a train accident in 2014. The loss deeply affected the veteran lyricist. Despite this tragedy, Santosh Anand continued to appear at public events and poetry and music programmes.
In 2021, he appeared on the television reality show Indian Idol 12, where his emotional appearance and life story attracted considerable public attention. During the programme, several artists paid tribute to his contribution to Hindi film music.
Santosh Anand was honoured with the Yash Bharti Award, one of Uttar Pradesh's highest cultural honours, for his contribution to literature and Hindi cinema.