The iconic filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently reflected on one of Indian cinema’s most iconic creative collaborations during a podcast conversation, calling the combination of legendary composers Laxmikant–Pyarelal and lyricist Anand Bakshi truly “irreplaceable.” Metaphorically calling their association a beautiful house based on four pillars, Subhashji cited, “Like the four pillars, each one of us ensured the house (the music) stayed evergreen until centuries. Even if a pillar is broken, the entire foundation suffers.”
He further shared, “Pyareji was our strongest pillar. Laxmikant-Pyarelal had consistently delivered hit songs for 35 years, they were the no.1 music composers for Hindi films. Pyarelalji breathed the spiritual soul into the film’s music.”
Subhashji further shared, “My thoughts are highly influenced by Dillip Kumarji and Pyarelalji and it is because they could see the hunger with me, the hunger to learn.”
Speaking about the golden era of music that shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable albums, Subhash Ghai opened up about how the trio together created melodies and lyrics that continue to resonate across generations.
“People often talk about the success of those songs, but what made that sangam special was that each person had a distinct responsibility and soul in the process. Laxmikantji took complete care of the music, Pyarelalji ensured that every melody would stay in the hearts of people for a hundred years, and Anand Bakshiji wrote lyrics that touched the soul. That combination is irreplaceable. It was only after the massive success of Kalicharan that, by my third film, I had the confidence and standing to ask for the music composers I truly wanted,” shared Subhash Ghai.
The filmmaker’s reflection serves as a nostalgic reminder of an era where music was crafted with emotion, depth and timelessness. The collaboration between Subhash Ghai, Laxmikant–Pyarelal and Anand Bakshi went on to give Hindi cinema some of its most unforgettable musical masterpieces, many of which continue to remain beloved even decades later.
