Cinema VinesLyricist Manoj Muntashir Shukla has described his recent triumph at the 72nd National Film Awards as both “divine and exhilarating.” The award, which recognises the best lyricist, was earned for the song “Jaate Hai Hum Jaane Do,” featured in Ajay Devgn’s 2024 film Maidaan. Muntashir’s win marks the second time he has received the coveted honor, the first coming for the song “Saina” in 2022.
In a candid interview, Muntashir recalled the moment the song was composed. He said that composer A.R. Rahman had already hinted that the lyrics would be award‑worthy. “Rehman sir is a night person, and I am a day person,” he explained. “We were in Chennai, and Boney Kapoor told us we needed to do this. On director Amit Sharma’s narration and Rahman’s tune, I went to the studio’s first floor, sat on his swing, and wrote the song in an hour.” Muntashir added that Rahman’s first reaction was, “Manoj, this is a National Award.” He smiled and replied that the prediction would come true.
It was only after the song’s release that Muntashir learned of the award. “When I reached backstage, I was flooded with calls and messages. It was truly divine,” he said. He expressed excitement and gratitude, noting that the award feels like a second chance for him. Three years earlier, the lyricist had faced controversy over his work on the 2023 film Adipurush, a situation he described as “the world’s stones were searching for me.” He reflected that acknowledging mistakes and seeking forgiveness can lead to new opportunities.
Muntashir also highlighted his broader achievements, mentioning that he has not accepted popular television awards after the 2019 song “Teri Mitti” from Kesari failed to win one. He has, however, received the Sahitya Akademi Award for literature and now the National Film Award for a Hindi song—a rare occurrence, as the last Hindi song to win was also his.
The lyricist explained why he believes the song resonated so strongly. He said the lyrics capture the emotional journey of Indian coach Syed Abdul Rahim, played by Devgn, who battles cancer while striving to lead India to football glory. Lines such as “Pehchanegi duniya humko aise din bhi aayenge, mehkenge hum khushboo banke nayi hawayein aane do” and “Maidaano mein dhoop na kam ho jaate hai hum jaane do” were crafted to reflect this struggle and hope.
