Mumbai, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Renowned lyricist and poet Prasoon Joshi has revealed that Amitabh Bachchan played an unexpected role in his entry into Hindi cinema by recommending him to filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi for the 2001 film ‘Lajja’.
Prasoon made the revelation while appearing with playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan on the hotseat of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, where he spoke to Bachchan about the early stages of his career as a writer.
Recalling his transition from independent music and poetry in Delhi to Bollywood, Prasoon told Bachchan that he began writing for films because of his intervention. He said Bachchan had written to him after hearing his album, which featured the song ‘Maati’, and subsequently informed Santoshi about his work.
Prasoon said Santoshi then approached him to write for ‘Lajja’, making it his first opportunity as a Hindi film lyricist.
The revelation highlights Bachchan’s contribution to Prasoon’s early career and the connection that helped bring the Delhi-based writer into mainstream Hindi cinema.
‘Lajja’, directed by Santoshi, was released in 2001 and featured Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Rekha and Mahima Chaudhry in key roles. The film became an important early milestone in Prasoon’s journey as a film lyricist.
During the conversation, Prasoon also spoke about the evolution of the Hindi language and the increasing use of newer words in everyday communication.
He said Hindi had always welcomed new words and should continue to evolve, but expressed concern when newer terminology completely replaces words carrying cultural meaning and emotional depth.
Referring to the increasing use of the word “text” instead of the Hindi word “sandesh”, Prasoon said both could coexist, but replacing traditional words entirely could weaken the richness and resonance of the language.
He emphasised the emotional and cultural significance of Hindi, describing language as being akin to a mother and stressing the importance of preserving its depth while allowing it to evolve.
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