Nagme, Kisse, Baatein, Yaadein

by Rakesh Anand Bakshi

An intimate peek into the life of the soldier-turned-lyricist Anand Bakshi, from his formative years in undivided Punjab to eventually moving to Bombay and landing his first film Bhala Aadmi in 1958. Along the way, he lost his mother, his place of birth, and his home and wealth, but his zeal to stand up and walk after every stumble and his desire to become a film artist never abated. He eventually rose to become one of the most revered and sought-after lyricists in Hindi cinema, writing nearly 3300 songs in about 630 films over the next five decades. Written by his son, this is an inspiring story of faith, dreams, success and, above all, human values.

352 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[Vaishnavi Swaminathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of the book itself is catchy, immediately one of my favourite songs, title of movie Yaadein starts playing in my mind. As i started reading I could imagine it happening like a movie.
Some of the life lessons shared here are just so relatable and applicable to our own lives just like his lyrics. Some of the lines like “The only person that has given me the most trouble is myself” and “Mai barf nahi hoon jo pighal jaaonga” show the complexities of the human mind and how he perceived life.
The two lines that are very motivating are: “Your dream is a chance. If you take it, its risky. If you do not take it, it’s dangerous.” And “What a man needs to survive is good work rather than just a name”.
Truly inspiring. The more I read it, the more i learn.

[Rohit Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust the author to take you down the path through the eyes of 13 years old Nand in his Pind, his trials and tribulations, it's an interesting read for the millions of fans, and then looking into the mind of the master genius his naseehatein to the impressionable mind of the author as a youngster.
It would be even more fitting tribute to put it down on celluloid.

[Saurabh Garg · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I must congratulate and thanks Mr. Rakesh Bakshi for sharing the life and thoughts of soldier turned lyricist the great Mr. Anand Bakshi with his fans.
The book presents a portrait of the man who created one of the best lyrics of his times and his times continued for 40 years (ie. from 1962-2002).
The journey of Mr Bakshi is an amazing story of a man who came to bambai with his dreams and blessings of Bhagwaan Bansi waale and his parents.
Interested anecdotes (there are many to read again and again ..he walking 19 kms ,his kurta pocket being cut ,instances when his his fears, emotions, insecurities get better of him )quoted are very inspiring and the way it was written will take you in those times be it in pindi ,karachi , delhi,lucknow, jubbalpore or bambai. Thanks Mr. Rakesh for this beautiful book which will be a treasure for all his fans. And I must say you have made many fans too by sharing this book to us. One request if we can see a biopic on his life in coming years.....!!!!

[Minnie Mehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entire generation has grown up listening to evergreen melodies thanks to the memorable lyrics by Anand Bakshi. Even today, this name casts its magic, on the radio.
But the raw truth, the dark phases, the multitude and myriad experiences that the genius underwent, back then, makes a very compelling biography. It evokes more than just nostalgia, thank you Rakesh for such a soul-baring, honest and simple account of one of our greatest legends. Your father, Anand Bakshi.