[4][5] On 8 March 2013, the ninety-second anniversary of Sahir's birth, a commemorative stamp was issued in his honor by India Post.

[4][6] Sahir was born on 8 March 1921, in a Gujjar family in Karimpura, Ludhiana, Punjab, British India.

His mother, Sardar Begum, left her husband, thus forfeiting any claim to financial assets from the marriage.

[9] Sahir's place of birth in Ludhiana is marked with a small plaque on the building's arched entrance.

[10] As a college student, Sahir was popular for his ghazals and nazms (poetry in Urdu) and empassioned speeches.

Sahir edited Urdu magazines such as Adab-e-Lateef, Shahkaar, Prithlari, and Savera[11][12] and became a member of the Progressive Writers' Association.

However, when he made controversial statements promoting Communism, a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Government of Pakistan.

[14] After this film, Sahir and Burman went separate ways due to artistic and contractual differences.

[16] Sahir also worked with music director Laxmikant–Pyarelal in the films like Izzat (1968), Man Ki Aankhen (1970), Dastaan (1972) and Daag (1973).

From about 1950 until his death, Sahir collaborated with Baldev Raj Chopra, a film producer and director.

[17] In 1958, Sahir wrote the lyrics for Ramesh Saigal's film Phir Subah Hogi, which was based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment.

The song Woh Subah Kabhi Toh Aayegi with its minimal background music remains popular.