In 1949, he resigned from his job, moved to Bombay to write lyrics for Urdu/Hindi movies besides ghazals and nazms for general publication. Once in Bombay, he came in touch with other progressive writers, like Mulk Raj Anand, Krishan Chander, Rajinder Singh Bedi and Ismat Chugtai, who often met at Bombay's Silver Fish Restaurant, and subsequently came to be known as 'Bombay Group of Writers'. Success came his way quite late as a film lyricist, till then he was supported by his wife who had stayed back in Bhopal, though she died prematurely of cancer in 1953. Finally he had a career breakthrough, with "Yasmeen" (1955), with music by C. Ramchandra. His association with Madan Mohan, the music director resulted in many memorable movie songs. Some of his notable lyrics were, " Meri Neendon Mein Tum" in "Naya Andaz" (1956) by Kishore Kumar, Shamshad Begum, "Garib Jan Key Hamko Naa Tum Daga Dena" sung by Mohd. Rafi in "Chhoo Mantar", the hit "Piya piya piya..." in "Baap Re Baap" (1955) music by O.P. Nayyar, " Aap Yun Faaslon Se" by Lata Mangeshkar in "Shankar Hussain" (1977).