Manoj Muntashir

Manoj Muntashir, born Manoj Shukla, is a celebrated Indian lyricist, poet and screenwriter whose emotionally resonant, deeply romantic songs have become some of the most-loved in modern Hindi cinema. From the aching "Galliyan" to the patriotic "Teri Mitti", his words consistently strike a chord with.

Manoj Muntashir, born Manoj Shukla, is a celebrated Indian lyricist, poet and screenwriter whose emotionally resonant, deeply romantic songs have become some of the most-loved in modern Hindi cinema. From the aching "Galliyan" to the patriotic "Teri Mitti", his words consistently strike a chord with mass audiences.

A poet first and foremost, Manoj rose from humble beginnings in a small town in Uttar Pradesh to become one of Bollywood's most sought-after songwriters. He is also a popular performer of Urdu-Hindi shayari and poetry on stage and online, and has worked as a screenwriter and dialogue writer on major projects.

This page covers the Manoj Muntashir biography, real name, age, family, education, career, biggest songs, awards and net worth. Alongside his song credits, he has written for blockbuster films including the Hindi versions of the Baahubali franchise and the mythological epic Adipurush.

Manoj Muntashir was born Manoj Shukla on 27 February 1976 in Gauriganj, in the Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh, into a Hindu Brahmin family. His father was a farmer and his mother a school teacher who, by his own account, made great sacrifices to fund his education and nurture his early love of poetry.

He studied at schools in his hometown and earned a B.Sc. from the University of Allahabad in 1999. Before adopting the pen name "Muntashir" — an Urdu word he interpreted as a "scattered" or restless soul — he wrote under his birth name. He is married to writer Neelam Muntashir, and the couple have a son named Aaru.

Manoj Muntashir is married to writer Neelam Muntashir, and the couple have a son, Aaru. Deeply attached to his roots and to Urdu-Hindi poetry, he frequently credits his mother's sacrifices for his success and performs shayari to enthusiastic live audiences.

In recent years Manoj has also become a widely recognised public personality beyond his song credits, thanks to his poetry recitals, motivational talks and outspoken views on cultural and social issues. Fans often look up his religion, his shayari, and the story of how he changed his name from Manoj Shukla to Manoj Muntashir. He continues to balance mainstream film work with independent poetry, and his journey from a small town in Amethi to national prominence is one he often shares to encourage young writers to pursue their craft.

As one of Bollywood's most successful lyricists and a popular poetry performer, Manoj Muntashir's net worth is reported to run into crores of rupees. His income sources include film songwriting and screenwriting, publishing and royalty income, live poetry shows and public appearances.

No official figure has been confirmed by him, so any specific number seen online should be treated as an unverified media estimate.

Manoj Muntashir's appeal rests on his ability to write for the heart of the mass audience. His lyrics are emotionally direct, rooted in classical Urdu-Hindi poetic traditions yet accessible to listeners with no literary background. Whether it is the longing of "Galliyan", the devotion of "Teri Mitti" or the tenderness of "Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga", his words consistently find the emotional core of a song.

He is also unusual among lyricists in being a public performer in his own right. His live recitals of shayari and poetry draw large crowds and huge online audiences, giving him a personal following that most songwriters never achieve. This dual identity — as both a behind-the-scenes hitmaker and a front-facing poet — has made his name a recognisable brand in a way few lyricists manage.

Rising from a farming family in a small Uttar Pradesh town to the top ranks of Bollywood songwriting and screenwriting, Manoj's journey is itself a story he often shares to inspire others. He credits his mother's sacrifices and his early love of Urdu poetry for his success, and remains one of the most sought-after and widely quoted lyricists working in Hindi cinema today.

Over the years, Manoj Muntashir has earned wide recognition, including:

Zee Cine Award for Best Lyrics (Kesari, 2020)

IIFA and multiple industry awards for "Galliyan"

Yash Bharati Award (Uttar Pradesh Government, 2016)

Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman for Best Lyricist