More than showering the important women of your life with gifts, Women’s Day is more about celebrating their priceless place your existence. That’s exactly what poet and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi did so well with his work and it’s only fitting that his birthday falls on Women’s Day.

We take this opportunity to wish all you lovely ladies a great day today, through the words of The People’s Poet, the romantic writer, Sahir.

Kabhi Kabhie 

Kishor Kumar’s voice and the Yash Chopra romance has immortalised this song in the memory of cinegoers and music enthusiasts alike. And of course it talks about romance in the classic Indian way, but with an additional female rendition through the melodious Lata Mangeshkar. Brownie points if you can recite the poetry from the prelude.

Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle 

Of course the 21st Century Imran Khan-Genelia D’Souza starrer Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na imprinted the song int he minds of the current generation. But its original charm is captured by Kishor’s vocals in Aa Gale Lag Jaa. The romance in this song even makes rebirth seem like a reality for once.

Yun Toh Humne Lakh Haseen Dekhe Hain

From the golden age of Bollywood music, Mohammad Rafi’s peppy vocals set the house on fire with Shammi Kapoor’s moves, which were often called the Indian equivalent of a certain Elvis Presley. The 1957 classic, Tumsa Nahin Dekha is easily one of the most progressive love stories of its generation.

Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen

You’re not an Indian kid if you haven’t heard your dad sing this gem from Waqt for your mom. Sahir’s lyrics reiterate the fact that you’re never too old for some PDA and Manna Dey’s voice makes the song live in our memories for ever! 

Abhi Na Jaao Chhodkar

There’s a certain sense of romance even in separation. And this super hit from Dev Anand, Sadhana-starrer Hum Dono teaches you exactly how to be sweet without being creepy while convincing your loved one to stay back for another drink. Are you listening Aziz Ansari?

Here’s raising a toast to Sahir Ludhianvi on Women’s Day!