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I have never asked for money and I never will: Santosh Anand
Ek kalakar ko izzat aur samman chahiye,” says senior lyricist Santosh Anand, who appeared in an episode of a singing reality show, Indian Idol, recently, after which many started wondering about the fate of yesteryear artistes in our country.
“It felt good to be remembered par baad mein kuch aisi baatein hui jo galat hain,” he adds referring to the viral video, where singer Neha Kakkar offered five lakh rupees to him as a gift, which led to people thinking that he was in need of financial help.
“Mera ghar theek se chal raha hai. Neha is good person, and when she gave me the money, I told her that I can’t take it. Main ek swabhimani aadmi hoon. I’ve never asked for money and I never will. I didn’t ask help from anyone. I participate in Kavi sammelans and earn through that. I don’t have any problems. Had she not said apni poti samaj ke le lijiye’, I wouldn’t have taken it,” says Anand, who has penned lyrics for hit songs such as Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai (Shor, 1970) and Main Na Bhoo
Call me on a stage and give me respect. Samman aur madad mein farak hai. I don’t want help. SANTOSH ANAND,
Even at 74, Mumbaibased auto driver Desraj’s will to fend for his family, after the untimely demise of his two sons is inspiring. His story tugged at the heartstrings of people on social media, many of whom donated to help him, raislonga (Roti Kapda Aur Makan; 1974), among others.
The lyricist points out that after the episode aired “people started talking about things that were not true”. “Call me on a stage, give me respect and that’s all. Samman aur madad mein farak hai. I don’t want help,” says Anand.
The 82-year-old lyricist says he ing a whopping ₹24 lakh. A thankful Desraj says, “Maine kabhi nahi socha tha meri life aise change ho jayegi. I am grateful to everyone who helped me.”
Talking about his life, he says, “I had come to Mumbai with my father, who worked at a hotel. I earn only ₹10,000 a enjoys going to various functions and reciting his poetry. “I got emotional on the show as I thought the industry had forgotten me but what I experienced was overwhelming. Since the episode, so many people have contacted me. I can’t run around anymore and so, I will only take up work that suits me,” he concludes. month, drive all day and am used to living in my auto.” Desraj had also sold off his house to pay for his granddaughter’s education, moving his family in Himachal Pradesh to a relative’s place.
So what does he plan to do with the money? “I could only educate my daughter till 10th standard. I want my granddaughter to study as much as she wants. I will now provide for it. Diya is very happy; she hopes to pursue BEd, and I can now pay for her tuition so she can prepare for it,” says Desraj.
Hailing from Himachal, the auto driver can now also buy a house. But will he continue to stay in Mumbai? “I have been away from my wife for years. Now she wants me to go back to her. Vo keh rahi hai, bohot saal alag reh liye, ab ghar ajao. But Mumbai is also like home to me; I might stay here for a while, and then head home. But I’ll continue coming here,” he says.