MUMBAI: It was since the age of twelve that the 'Sun Raha Hai Na Tu' lyricist, Sandeep Nath started writing poetry. Nath went on to write many hit numbers for films like 'Saawariya' and 'Page 3'. He has also penned the lyrics for a couple of tracks in the upcoming movie 'Singham Returns'.

When asked about his early inspiration in poetry he said, "The songs which played on the radio then were my core inspiration. There were times when my thoughts would often come from reading comics and story books. I developed a diary in which I would pen my thoughts." Nath started participating in small poetry festivals and went on to get associated with India's fastest growing poetry group Poets Corner Group and Delhi Poetry Festival.

He was awed by the writing skills of renowned poet Dushyant Kumar and wished to write like him some day. "I heard Dushyant Kumar's 'shayris' and that impressed me so much that I wanted to read more about him. I somehow got hold of his book 'Saaye Mein Dhoop', which I consider as a turning point of my life. Since then I wanted to pursue my career as a lyricist in Bollywood."

When quizzed about controversial lyrics used in songs these days he said, "I think a lyricist has the power to write something good in a bad way and vice versa, so he or she should refrain from using inappropriate lyrics in the songs."

According to Nath, Bollywood is an epitome of communal harmony. "You hear the song 'Man Tarpat Ko Hari Darshan Ko Aaj' from the film 'Baiju Bawra', not a single Hindu is involved in the making of the song. The song is written by Shakeel Badayuni, composed by Naushad and sung by Mohammed Rafi. I salute all of them for such a soothing melody which we still listen to. I believe Bollywood is a place where one leaves behind all their background and religion behind to work together as a team."