Mumbai, February 26: Celebrated lyricist and screenwriter Manoj Muntashir turns a year older on February 27, marking another milestone in a career defined by heartfelt lyrics and patriotic fervor. From the epic ‘Baahubali’ anthems to the soul-stirring ‘Teri Mitti’, Muntashir’s journey to stardom was no cakewalk. Few know the grit behind his rise.
Long before he became the go-to man for romantic ballads and nationalistic hits, Muntashir penned 39 songs that didn’t quite hit the mark. It was his 40th creation, ‘Teri Galiyan’ from the film ‘Gadar 2’, that catapulted him into Bollywood’s spotlight. Sung by the powerful voice of B Praak, this track not only won hearts but also changed his life overnight, adding a gleaming BMW to his garage.
Born with a poet’s soul, Muntashir’s tryst with words began in childhood. A heartbreak in 11th grade fueled his romantic flair. He reminisced about the days of love letters hidden in hearts, contrasting them with today’s digital romances: ‘Har faisla hota nahi sikke uchhaal ke, yeh dil ka mamla hai jara dekh sambhaal ke.’ That pain birthed gems like ‘Kaun Tujhe Yun Pyaar Karega’, ‘Tere Sang Yaara’, and ‘Main Phir Bhi Tujhko Chahunga’.
His TV writing stint started in 2005 with Kaun Banega Crorepati scripts and family soaps. Transitioning to films, he infused patriotism into tracks like ‘Teri Mitti’ from ‘Kesari’. Interestingly, he still keeps an unreleased stanza of ‘Teri Mitti’ under his pillow, a personal treasure close to his heart.
Today, as Bollywood’s king of romance and emotion, Muntashir continues to weave magic. His stories of struggle remind aspiring artists that persistence pays off—40 songs later.