Few names evoke as much instant joy and nostalgia in the Sindhi community as Govardhan Bharti. A versatile poet, playwright, and lyricist, he single-handedly shaped the golden era of Sindhi music, radio, and stage.
From immortalizing Sindhi cinema with legendary playback singers to captivating thousands on live stages, Govardhan Bharti did it all. Here is a tribute to the unparalleled genius whose words continue to unite Sindhi hearts worldwide.
By Nari Lachhwani
The very mention of the name Govardhan Bharti (13 Jan. 1929-22 June 2010), or even the mere utterance of it, brings a special kind of peace to the heart. It immediately fills one with joy and happiness. Is this merely a coincidence? Perhaps not! There seems to be a special emotional attachment associated with this name. And it is not just me who feels this way; almost everyone who has seen him, heard him, or read his work must have experienced the same feeling.
Among us, there are many poets, writers, playwrights, scriptwriters, dialogue writers, stage anchors and lyricists. However, the kind of popularity that our beloved and much-admired Mahboobani Mahboob, Govardhan Bharti, has achieved across all these fields is perhaps unparalleled.
Govardhan Bharti did not limit himself to writing songs, ghazals and poems. He also wrote numerous literary and musical radio programs for All India Radio, including programs based on the legendary heroes of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Every one of his presentations was unique and exceptional.
Through stage shows across India, he presented Sindhi cultural programs, musical performances, humorous theatrical sketches and many other forms of entertainment. He possessed an extraordinary God-gifted talent for winning the hearts of audiences. His group comprised a huge team of artists who, through their colorful and varied performances, could captivate thousands of spectators sitting before them.
We are fortunate witnesses who had the opportunity to see and hear artists such as Kamla Keswani, Kala Hazari, Gurdasmal, Mirchumal Soni, Shewkram Soni, and two melodious non-Sindhi singers, Latika Sen and Madhu Mathur, among others, performing together on the same stage.
And the one person who held all these performers together, like a ringmaster, was none other than Govardhan Bharti!
If I am not mistaken, alongside the other instrumentalists, there was also a young and talented musician who displayed remarkable skill on the harmonium. That young man was none other than Dholan ‘Rahi’! (Yes, the very same Dholan ‘Rahi’!)
Govardhan Bharti also wrote the scripts, dialogues and songs for the ballet performances of internationally acclaimed dancer Anila Sundar.
When it came to writing songs for Sindhi films, it was almost as though one lyricist had established an undisputed monopoly in the field. And that lyricist was Govardhan Bharti!
Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Mahendra Kapoor, Usha Mangeshkar, Bhagwanti Navani, Satram Rohra, Kamla Keswani, Kala Hazari, Jethalal and countless other artists have sung both film and non-film Sindhi songs, Ladas, Sakhiyoon, humorous songs, lullabies and many other musical compositions.
Through their voices, these songs have brought immense joy not only to countless households across India but also to Sindhis living all over the world.
If all the credit and recognition for this remarkable musical and literary legacy were to be given to one person, it would belong to none other than the versatile genius, poet and lyricist:
Songs Sung by Renowned Singers and Composed by Award-Winning Lyricist Govardhan Bharti
If we were to place all the songs written by the award-winning lyricist Govardhan Bharti, sung by numerous renowned singers and vocalists, on one side, and all the songs written by every other lyricist and poet across India on the other, then even the combined collection of the latter might fall short of matching Govardhan Bharti’s remarkable contribution. I say this with complete conviction!
Isn’t that truly astonishing?
Here is a glimpse of some of the distinguished singers and vocalists who have sung his songs:
Bharat Ratna, the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar:
“Muhinja Supiri Tokhan Vichhuri, Muhinji Dil Chha Kare? Roi Roi Aahiyun Thi Bhare…”
Asha Bhosle:
“Sariyan Vethi Sajan Tokhe, Hariyan Vethi Ludik Hazaar, Tunhinje Vichhore Maari Aahiyan, Au Achi Milu O Manathar, Tunhinje Vichhore Maari Aahiyan…”
Mahendra Kapoor:
“Ke Mandir Mein Maala Phere, Raamu Raamu Rat Lain, Ke Tha Sulphi-a Je Sute Saan Kooro Rangu Chadhain, Bam Bam Bholenath Jape Ke, Ghotin Ghati Bhang, Waah Waah De Rangi Tunhinja Rang…”
“Halu Halu De, Halu Halu De, Halu Halu De Hitaan Tun Hari…”
“O, Sorath Ja Singaar, Dijain Siru Ghore Ghore…”
Usha Mangeshkar:
“Aayi Aayi Aayi Ritu Mastani, Jhoome Jhoome Jhoome, Jhoome Thi Jawani, Acho De Acho De, Acho-Acho-Acho, Nacho De Nacho De, Nacho-Nacho-Nacho, Pukaare Thi Jawani…”
Music Composer Bulo C. Rani:
“O… Dili Thi Chaahe, Taara Laahe, Tunhinji Seendh Sajayaan, Haaye! Tunhinji Seendh Sajayaan, Par, Hika Doori, Bee Majboori, Rahiji Vendi Aas Adhoori, Aau Kiyan Neenhun Nibhayaan? Haaye! Aau Akelo Aahiyan…
Chandru Atma:
“Jag Mediya Traamen Ja Tukura, Moon Geetan Ja Moti…”
“Moon Tunhinje Gila Ji Laali-a Lai, Gul-Gul Khe Kedo Lilaayo, Piribhaatiyun Khaan Mehndi Varti, Raatiyun Jo Kaajal Choraayo,
Mithidi! Moon Tokhe Murka Dini, To Aansun Jo Dariyaah Dino…
Sik Mein Eda Soora Dinai Chho, Pyasi-a Dil Khe Poora Dinai Chho, Jee-a Khe Jhori Laaye, Ludika Daee Chho Yaara Liki Viyen…
Kamla Keswani:
Hutide Meenh Vasan, Hitide Nen Timan, Muhinje Maarun Ja, Muhinje Sangiyun Ja Pal-Pal Poor Pavan…
Gurdasmal:
“Har Taar-Taar, Har Phool-Phool Te Jadahin Sarau Satindo, Chha, Tadhahin Sajan Eendo?”
(This song received the First Prize in the All-India Akashvani Sugam Sangeet Competition.)
Kala Hazari:
“Sare Thi Sariyan Sariyan, Har Har Thi Hanjun Haariyan, Kiyan Visariyan Tokhe, Kiyan Visariyan…”
“Hindore Mein Jhool Jhool Jhool Pyari, Hindore Mein Jhool…”
“Lai Ghoda! Keen Latho Tham Pet Suru Sartiyun! Soor Maran, Haaye!…”
Jethalal (with Kamla Keswani):
“Aaya, O Pireen Aaya, Dinhara Sawan Ja, Dinhara Sawan Ja De! Meenhara Sawan Ja…”
Mirchumal Soni and Shewkram Soni:
“Kursi Maan Na Chhadindus…”
“Naarumal, Naarumal Ho… Chau, Paarumal, Paarumal Ho Ho Ho…”
Anita Jaisinghani:
“Vendi Moomal Mari, O Vendi Moomal Mari, Toon Moti Aau, Moti Aau Mendhira…”
Master Chand and Ram Panjwani have also sang songs written by Govardhan Bharti.
And what can one possibly say about Bhagwanti Navani and Satram Rohra?
They have sung countless songs, musical compositions, Sakhiyoon, Ladas, lullabies, humorous songs and theatrical songs written by Govardhan Bharti Sahib.
They have taken these compositions not only to films but also to radio, stage performances, every village, every city and every settlement, with extraordinary dedication and passion.
In this way, they have reached the hearts of Sindhis across the entire world and established an everlasting place for our beloved and much-admired lyricist, Govardhan Bharti.
Some of those unforgettable songs include:
* Peke Hali Vendi Sain…
* Sasu Ta Muhinji Saadeli Aa…
* Ghoda Ghoda Ghoda, Muhinji Zaal Kare Thi Taal…
* Asanjo Kaano Bi Aghaano Halyo Sahure…
* Aayo De Mizimaan…
* Tapaali! Ghot Jo Khatu Dekhaar…
* O! Maxi Wari Chhokiri…
* O, Nandhida Sher Aa, Wadhaaye Per Aa…
* Paise Te Zamano Disu Aa Deewano Paise Te…
* Sanha Maanhu Suhina…
* And many, many more!
What more can I write? What more is there to say?
What should I write, and how much should I write?
One more thing…
I had made a statement at a seminar organized by the Sahitya Akademi in Ajmer, and today I wish to repeat it once again__
“There have been, and continue to be, many Sindhi writers and artists in Ajmer. Yet, among them all, there was one undisputed sovereign, one supreme personality, one king among the kings of Sindhi literature — Govardhan Bharti!
After his departure from this world, it almost seems as though:
“Ajmer no longer appears SUHAAGIN (as beautiful and charming as it once was!)”
The same sentiment seems to echo through the entire world of Sindhi literary songs and music.
Alas! What a tremendous loss!
May his immortal contribution to Sindhi literature and music continue to live forever.
(Paper read at Indore Literary Conference, organized by Madhya Pradesh Sindhi Sahitya Akademi on 14–15 November 2026)
Read: A Tradition Born of Love
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Nari Lachhwani, is a seasoned poet, singer, actor and broadcaster from Hirdaram Nagar (Bairagarh), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh state of India
