Iconic music composer Mohd. Zahur Khayyam Hashmi passed away at the age of 93.
Legendary music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, popularly known as ‘Khayyam Saab’. He had his last breath at 9.30 pm on 19th August. After battling for life in the ICU at a Mumbai hospital. He was admitted because of infection in the lungs and was in critical condition ever since admission.
To honour Khayyam’s work and life, we have compiled a list of his top 5 tracks that will be etched in history forever
Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein (Kabhi Kabhie 1972)
Khayyam composed the music of megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s film ‘Kabhi Kabhie’. The film received three Filmfare Awards for Best Lyrics, Best Music and Best Male Playback Singer. Reportedly, Yash Chopra asked Khayyam to pray for the film’s success. And ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ broke all the records at the box office. In other words, undoubtedly a classic number to date.
In Aankho Ki Masti Ke (Umrao Jaan 1981)
Maybe Khayyam’s most popular song, Asha Bhonsle’s best-loved song. And Rekha’s most famous song. It is one of those rare songs in which everything gels perfectly. Lyricist Shahryar’s great lines were given an enchanting tune by Khayyam and Rekha’s ‘mujrah‘ ensured it would always remain a pleasure to watch as well.
Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar (Noorie 1979)
The music of the film played a major role in making Manmohan Krishna’s only film as director. The film was a huge hit at the box office and the seventh highest-grossing film in 1979. The film starred Farooq Shaikh, Poonam Dhillon, Madan Puri and Iftekhar in lead roles.
Dil Cheez Kya Hai (Umrao Jaan -1981)
Khayyam’s music from Muzaffar Ali’s debut movie Umrao Jaan speaks all about Khayyam’s work without any description. Actress Rekha, who played the role of a Lucknow courtesan, brought alive the character with Khayyam’s compositions. And he totally justified his involvement in the movie by giving outstanding composition.
Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shair Hoon (Kabhi Kabhie 1972)
The soundtrack includes the following tracks, composed by Khayyam, and with lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. And both of them won the Filmfare Award for the year. The soundtrack was listed as number 7 on the list of 100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks. Kabhi Kabhie will remain an ode to the brilliant melody.
Moreover, apart from music in the films that had the touch of ghazal but was rooted in Indian classical music, Khayyam’s non-film songs are equally loved by his fans including the evergreen compositions like; Brij Mai Laut Chalo and Gazab Kiya Tere Vaade pe Aitbaar Kiya.
Khayyam observed his 92nd birth anniversary in February this year. On the occasion, Khayyam had donated Rs 5 lakh to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund towards relief efforts for the family members of those who died in the Pulwama terror attack. As well as, he had also decided to bequeath his life earnings (Rs 10 crore) to support the film industry’s artists and technicians in need.
Mohd. Zahur Khayyam Hashmi had said
“I’m glad to do my bit for all those unsung people who work behind the scenes. In many ways they’re the real heroes of the industry,”
Many famous personalities took to their social media handles to express their grief over the loss of a legend. PM Narendra Modi, Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachhan and many others mourned the demise of the legend.
Here’s what they shared-
The iconic singer Lata Mangeshkar took a stroll down the memory lane
The nonagenarian Padma Bhushan and the recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Khayyam Saab has composed iconic music all his life. He will always be remembered for his immense contribution to music. Furthermore, his last rites will be carried out soon. May his soul rest in peace.
