New Delhi: KarwaGujar Gaya, Guba rDekhte Rahe... Veteran poet and lyricist Gopal Das ‘Neeraj’ whose melodious songs remind you of golden era of Indian cinema died on Thursday at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He suffered a head injury after he had fallen at his house in Agra. The 93-year-old was a recipient of Padma Bhushan.

“He was shifted to the trauma centre here last night in a critical condition. He had kidney failure, infection all over his body and head injury,” said Dr Rajesh Malhotra, chief of the AIIMS trauma centre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death. “Saddened by the demise of noted poet and lyricist ShriGopaldas ‘Neeraj.’Shri Neeraj’s unique style connected him with people from all walks of life, across generations. His works are unforgettable gems, which will live on and inspire many. Condolences to his admirers,” Modi said in a tweet.

Born on January 4 ,1925 in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah, Neeraj wrote several hit Bollywood songs in the 60s and 70s and was at the peak of his career when he gave it all up for a quiet life in Aligarh. He continued to be a popular fixture at poetry meets (kavi sammelans), winning hearts and applause with his simple and affable style. He also wrote some ghazals with focus on harmony.

Some of his popular songs include Phoolonke Rang se (PremPujari), E Bhai Zara Dekhke (Mera Naam Joker), and Mera Mann Tera Pyasa (Gambler).

Neeraj is survived by three sons and a daughter. Kundanika Sharma, his daughter, said the family would go to Aligarh on Friday to fulfil Neeraj’s last wish of donating his body.