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Manoj Muntashir Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 6, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth27 February 1976

Age45 Years

BirthplaceGauriganj, Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh, India

ProfessionPoet, Screenwriter, Dialogue Writer, Lyricist, Show Presenter

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseNeelam Muntashir

FamilyFather: Shiv Pratap Shukla; Mother: teacher; Children: Son Aru

Manoj Muntashir Biography

Manoj Muntashir is an Indian poet, lyricist, screenwriter and dialogue writer whose work for television and film has produced several widely heard songs. H

Early life and background
Manoj Shukla, who later adopted the pen name Manoj Muntashir, was born on 27 February 1976 in Gauriganj in Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh. Raised in a Brahmin family, he is the only son of Shiv Pratap Shukla, a farmer who also worked as a pandit at weddings and religious ceremonies. Manoj’s mother worked as a teacher.

From a young age Manoj displayed a deep appetite for reading and language. A chance encounter with a book of Ghalib’s poetry sparked his interest in Urdu; he taught himself the language and used it to expand his literary range. He completed his schooling at H.A.L. School Korwa and later earned a B.Sc. degree from the University of Allahabad in 1994.

Manoj showed compassion early on and often shared what little pocket money he received. After a teenage relationship ended, he channeled his feelings into writing and resolved to pursue a career as a lyricist, a choice his parents found difficult to accept at first.

Name change and move to Mumbai
At age 21, in 1997, Manoj adopted the surname Muntashir. He said the name, which he heard on radio and liked for its poetic quality, better suited his identity as a writer. With his family’s reluctant blessing, he used his savings to travel from Lucknow to Mumbai to pursue work in the entertainment industry.

Those early years in Mumbai were difficult. Short of money and without stable accommodation, Manoj sometimes slept on pavements while continuing to write and seek opportunities. He drew motivation from his father’s belief that patient effort would eventually bear fruit.

Career
Manoj’s first major break came in television. A script he wrote attracted the attention of Sony Entertainment and led to work on the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati. That initial success opened the door to writing for several popular TV formats, including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India’s Got Talent, Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. His television work earned him steady assignments and financial reward, but he remained focused on a career in songwriting for films.

He achieved a notable career milestone when one of his film songs became a mainstream hit in Ek Villain; the song “Galliyan” brought him wide recognition. After that, he was consistently sought for film songs and dialogues. Among the songs credited to him are Teri Mitti, Kaun Tujhe, Tere Sang Yaara, Dil Meri Na Sune, Kaise Hua, Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga, Sanu Ek Pal, Tera Hua, Kaun Hai Wo, Wajah Tum Ho, Dekha Hazaro Dafa and Mere Rashke Qamar. He has also written dialogue for several successful films.

Awards and recognition
Manoj’s songwriting has been acknowledged with multiple awards. Records in the available information note he won Best Lyricist five times in 2015, twice in 2016 and twice again in 2018. His work, particularly emotional and patriotic songs such as Teri Mitti, has been widely praised and frequently performed.

Public profile
Manoj Muntashir is married to Neelam Muntashir, who is also a writer. The couple have a son named Aru. He has described a deep respect for women and often dedicates work to his mother. Despite his success, Manoj has spoken about his humble roots and the hardships his family endured; he has also fulfilled a promise to his father by improving the family’s circumstances and providing vehicles to him.

Manoj’s interests extend beyond songwriting; he has an interest in sacred texts and a familiarity with the Vedas. He continues to emphasize the importance of discovering and cultivating hidden talent, advising others to take up the pen and persist in their craft.

Latest updates
Manoj remains active in film songwriting and screenwriting. The songs and dialogues listed above reflect some of his best-known recent contributions to Hindi cinema, and he continues to write for both films and other media.
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Recent Work

Galliyan (song)

Song written for the film Ek Villain that became a breakthrough hit for Manoj.

2014
Teri Mitti

Patriotic song credited to Manoj that became widely acclaimed.

Kaun Tujhe

Romantic film song written by Manoj.

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Career Highlights

  1. Wrote scripts and shows for Kaun Banega Crorepati, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India’s Got Talent, Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
  2. Broke through as a film songwriter with the song Galliyan from Ek Villain
  3. Credited writer on many popular Hindi film songs including Teri Mitti, Kaun Tujhe and Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga
  4. Multiple Best Lyricist awards in 2015, 2016 and 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Manoj Muntashir born?

27 February 1976

What is Manoj Muntashir known for?

Poet, Screenwriter, Dialogue Writer, Lyricist, Show Presenter

What is Manoj Muntashir’s marital status?

Married

Who is Manoj Muntashir married to?

Neelam Muntashir