When Nida Fazli reached Mumbai, other than Bollywood that era was also known for literature and cultural activities. Soon he got a place in literary corridors. Firstly, Ali Sardar Zafri gave him work in a literary magazine ‘Guftgu’. From here, his journey started. He used to visit Sahir Ludhianvi’s bungalow for evening liquor and dinner. There, Sahir’s poetry was appreciated and in return classy wine and dinner was on offer.
But one day, in inebriated condition, Nida made some comment on Sahir’s poetry, that comment resulted in debate and eventually took the form of deliberation, and for that Nida paid the price, that night Sahir didn’t offered him food but gave him some money as he was leaving. That night passed like any other nights, but Sahir’s displeasure did not diminish.Bollywood’s famous songwriter Shakeel Azmi explains that Sahir expressed his anger when Nida wrote a song for a film in which R.D 
Burman was music composer .The song got finalised but Sahir by using his influence on the producer got the song expunged from the movie. R. D. Burman called Nida to the studio, apologised and offered him some money.
According to Shakeel Azmi, Sahir again expressed his anger on Nida, when a urdu poetry(Mushayara) function was organized on behalf of the Film Writers’ Association, which was to be presided over by Sahir Ludhianvi. Sahir, using his position, told the organizers that if they call Nida then he will not come. Under the pressure the organizers, fired Nida from the list of urdu poets.
But Nida didn’t quit liquor and afterwards found Jagjit Singh’s voice for his urdu poetry, after ‘Insight’ Nida’s glory was at its peak.Nida turned to urdu poetry functions (mushayara) and as the time passed he became a big name in the world of urdu poetry. His friends were Zubair Rizvi, Baker Mehdi and Jai Prakash Chaikse. Chaikse was also a big film producer and journalist. For this reason, from Rajkapoor to Mahesh Bhatt all met him frequently. The result of this was that Mahesh Bhatt gave Nida Fazli the task of writing songs for the film ‘Tamanna’ and ‘Chahat’, and this was the turning point in Nida Fazli’s career. Chaikse also helped Nida get appointed as an assistant director in Raj Kapoor Productions. But as the time passed by his songs started getting famous, and Nida Fazli was all over Bollywood.
A tribute to him on his third death anniversary
SUHAIL WAHEED