Why lyricist Yogesh dropped his surname

Lyricist Yogesh came to Bombay from Luckw in 1950s in search of work after his far's death and in an effort to make a mark in film industry on his own he decided to get rid of his surname -- Gaur, according to a book.

Yogesh had a cousin in tinsel town, popular screenwriter of time, Vrajendra Gaur, but he didn't want to be accused by him of exploiting his connection for work.

claim finds a mention in Main Shayar Toh Nahin, a book on Hindi film lyricists penned by veteran journalist Rajiv Vijaykar and published by HarperCollins India.

venerated Hindi lyricist passed away on Friday at of 77. He has left behind an array of songs, those commended for quality lyrics such as Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye, Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare and Rimjhim Gire Saawan .

Yogesh Gaur had come to Bombay from Luckw after his far's death. He had help from his cousin, popular screenwriter Vrajendra Gaur, but he was supported by a close friend until he found work.

He lived alone in a chawl (buildings with rooms having common toilets) and got rid of his surname, so that his cousin could never accuse him of exploiting ir connection for work, book states.

Vijaykar writes that Yogesh's flair for memorising poetry since schooldays had made him consider writing scripts, dialogues and songs as a career choice.

His mor had been extremely fond of poetry and he had been brought up in literary culture of Luckw, so he began to try writing songs. He recited verses to his neighbours, who loved m and refused, in some cases, to believe that he had written m, according to book.

book also mentions some or anecdotes from life of songwriter.

Having started work in films in early 1960s, Yogesh collaborated with legendry lyricist Shailendra but success and fame were still elusive.

After Shailendra's demise in late 1960s, a down and out Yogesh got connected with master composer Salil Chowdhury, who too was hoping to make a comeback. That's when Anand happened.

In late 60s, with Shailendra gone, Sabita (a friend of Yogesh and wife of Salil Chowdhury) recommended him to her husband who was attempting a comeback with Anand'. Yogesh admits that he had returned to Luckw, disillusioned that he was t making good progress and was stuck with small films, states book.

1971 film, helmed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and starring Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan and Sumita Sanyal, was a superhit. It swept half a dozen Filmfare awards besides National Film Award for Best Film.

"Anand" did really well, and Yogesh's career was secured. He formed a team with Salil Chowdhury and with filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee ( Sabse Bada Sukh', Mili', Rang Birangi', and Kisise Na Kehna')."

On music front, film didn't won any awards, but songs like Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli Haay and Kahin Dur Jab Din Dhal Jaaye had catapulted Yogesh to spotlight. or songs of film were penned by Gulzar.

Basu Chatterjee had heard his songs and wanted him for Us Paar and Rajnigandha.Till Pratiksha' (unreleased in 90s), Chatterjee's last film, Yogesh wrote for most of his movies, including Chhoti Si Baat', Priyatama', Dillagi', Manzil', Baaton Baaton Mein', Apne Paraye' and Shaukeen', book adds.

Im credit: Twitter/@IPRSmusic