Prasoon Joshi (English: Prasoon Joshi, born: 16 September, 1968) is a famous lyricist of Indian cinema. Prasoon Joshi is not only famous as ‘Advertising Guru’ in the advertising world, but he is also the executive chairman of the international advertising company ‘McCann Erickson’. He is playing the role of creative director of this company in the Asian continent. Along with these business activities, he is a sensitive writer, his name is at the top among the composers of songs and ghazals in Bollywood. He has also received the ‘National Award’ for the song ‘Maa…’ from the superhit film ‘Taare Zameen Par’.
Prasoon Joshi was born on 16 September 1968 in Almora district of Uttarakhand. Prasoon Joshi’s ancestral village is Danya, Almora district. Prasoon Joshi’s father’s name is Mr. Devendra Kumar Joshi and his mother’s name is Mrs. Sushma Joshi. His childhood and his early education took place in Tehri, Gopeshwar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Narendranagar because his father was the ‘Director of Education’ in the Uttar Pradesh government and his tenure was mostly in these places. Prasoon Joshi was attracted towards nature, things created by the universe and natural beauty since childhood. Therefore, writing automatically entered his nature. In childhood, he used to publish his own handwritten magazine and thus writing became his hobby. As far as the question of composing songs is concerned, his parents were very knowledgeable about music. When he inherited music from them and became aware of its intricacies, then he became a composer of songs. When Prasun Joshi grew up and completed his professional education (MBA), he felt that he should pursue his creativity through another medium. This medium was no other than advertising. Whether it is writing or advertising, both are powerful mediums to convey your message to others. [1]
We all are aware of the songs written by lyricist Prasoon, but very few people know that he has also taken training in classical music from Ustad Hafiz Ahmed Khan. His Ustad wanted to make him a Thumri singer. Remembering those days, Prasoon says that when he did not have time for practice, he used to sing while returning home on his bike and his helmet used to act as “acoustic” for him.
Prasoon could not make music his earning. His father wanted him to become an administrative officer, but this was not his temperament, so after doing MBA, finally his creativity found a ground by entering the world of advertising. He was interested in English and Urdu language literature since childhood. A library in his city Rampur had a tremendous collection of Urdu poets. His first poetry collection came out at the age of just 17. Poetry is still his first love. Prasoon believes that if we talk about one component of music which reaches everyone, common and special, and where we have maintained consistency at the world level, then it is the component of songwriting.
From the 50s till today, lyricists of the film world have done amazing work. Prasoon, who won Filmfare for writing songs for films like “Hum Tum”, “Fanaa” and “Taare Zameen Par”, dedicates all his songs of Taare Zameen Par to his daughter Aishnia, and tells how an 80-year-old man, while praising the song “Maa” written by him, told him that he had lost his mother in childhood, and listening to the lyrics of the song reminded him of his childhood. When A.R. Rahman “requested” Prasoon, who was working with him in Ghajini, to give voice to the song, Prasoon said very affectionately that the day you start speaking fluent English, I will definitely sing for you. Let’s see when that day comes.[3]
Awards for national and international advertisements. Award for composing tunes for four super hit albums on Shubha Mudgal and ‘Silk Route’. Composed music for films ‘Lajja’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Kyon’. Published three books. International recognition received for popular advertisements like ‘Thanda matlab Coca Cola’ and ‘Barber shop-e ja baal kata la’.[4]
Famous lyricist Prasoon Joshi was awarded the ‘Shailendra Samman’ here today for his remarkable contribution in this field. Young lyricist Prasoon has written many superhit songs for films like ‘Delhi.6’, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, ‘Rang De Basti’, ‘Hum Tum’ and ‘Fanaa’. After receiving this award, Prasoon joined the ranks of Kaifi Azmi and Gulzar. These people have already received the Shailendra Samman.[5]
He has also written songs for many English films. He received the National Award for the song ‘Maa…’ from the superhit film ‘Taare Zameen Par’.[6]