Gopaldas Neeraj, a noted Hindi poet and lyricist breathed his last on Thursday. He was 93.
According to media reports, Neeraj’s health deteriorated on Monday and he was moved to Agra from Aligarh for better treatment. When his condition took a turn for even worse, he was moved to AIIMS in New Delhi. He passed away on Thursday evening, said his family.
Neeraj was awarded India’s highest civilian awards Padma Sri in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in the year 2007. He also won the Filmfare award for best lyrics three times for writing songs ‘Kal Ka Pahiya’ (Chanda Aur Bijli). His song ‘Bas Yahi Apradh MainHarr Baar Karta Hoon, Aadmi Hoon Aadmi Se Pyaar Karta Hoon’ (Pehchan), and Ae Bhai! Jara Dekh Ke Chalo (Mera Naam Joker).
Neeraj was born on January 4, 1925 in Itawa district in Uttar Pradesh. He was a professor of Hindi Literature in Dharma Samaj College in Aligarh.
