Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan reflects on the challenges of writing for acclaimed composer A.R. Rahman during the 2002 film ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh.’
MUMBAI—Renowned lyricist Sameer Anjaan has shared his experiences of writing for Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman, describing the process as particularly challenging. His reflections come from his work on the 2002 film, The Legend of Bhagat Singh.
In a recent appearance on film trade expert Komal Nahta’s podcast, Game Changers: The Music Series, Sameer discussed his career and the unique difficulties he faced while collaborating with Rahman.
“I found it difficult to write for A.R. Rahman. I have only worked with him on one movie, The Legend of Bhagat Singh. If you listen to the songs, you’ll understand how difficult they were to write,” Sameer explained.
He elaborated that some of the lyrics were inspired by the original words of the ‘Shaheeds,’ which added an extra layer of complexity to the writing process.
“The movie has become a legendary film, and there were some lines taken from the original words of the ‘Shaheeds.’ Reimagining and writing them was very difficult for me. It was a fun memory,” he said, reflecting on the creative challenge.
Sameer Anjaan is a Guinness World Record holder for writing the highest number of film songs and is considered one of Hindi cinema’s most prolific lyricists. He gained prominence in the 1990s and has received numerous accolades, including Filmfare Awards, for his contributions to the industry.
The podcast Game Changers: The Music Series is available on YouTube, offering insights into the music industry and the experiences of various artists, including Sameer Anjaan.
According to IANS, Sameer’s candid remarks shed light on the intricate relationship between lyricists and composers, especially when working with someone as esteemed as A.R. Rahman.

