Kaifi Azmi was a poet, a lyricist, a dialogue writer, an activist and above all a humanitarian known for his deep concern for social issues, advocacy for justice, equality, and communal harmony. Some of his best songs include “Ab Tumhare Hawaale Watan Saathiyon” “Jane Kya Dhoondti Rahti,” “Aur Kuchh Der Thahar,” “Meri Aawaz Suno Pyar ka Raaz Suno,” “Chalte Chalte koi yunhi,” “Aye Dil-E-Nadaan” and many more
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Willum Skeener
Kaifi Azmi was born “Syed Athar Hussain Rizvi,” in Mijwan, Azamgarh, was a prominent Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, and dialogue writer. Renowned for his poignant and socially relevant poetry, Azmi was a key figure in the Progressive Writers’ Movement. His verses reflected a deep concern for social issues, advocating for justice, equality, and communal harmony.
Azmi’s lyrical contributions to Hindi cinema are legendary, with timeless songs that continue to resonate. Collaborating with music directors like S.D. Burman and R.D. Burman, he penned memorable songs that transcended generations. His collaborations with renowned filmmakers such as Guru Dutt, B.R. Chopra, and Yash Chopra further solidified his impact on Indian cinema.
Azmi wrote his first song for the film “Buzdil,” directed by Shaheed Latif and music by SD Burman, released in 1951. Film have songs like “Majhdhaar Mein Kashti Doob Gayi” and “Dar Laage Duniya Se Balma Ho.” he then wrote the songs for Bahu Beti(1953), Yahudi Ki Beti (1956), Parvin (1957), Miss Punjab Mail (1958) and Sone Ki Chidiya(1958)
In 1959, he wrote lyrics for Gurudutt’s dream project, “Kagahz ke Phool,” which ahs the classics like “Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam” and “Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari.” In 1961, he wrote “Jane Kya Dhoondti Rahti” for Shola Aur Shabnam, followed by films like Razia Sultana (1961), Nakli Nawab (1962), Id Ka Chand (1964), and Main Suhagan Hoon (1964).
He collaborated with Hemant Kumar for 1964 horror-thriller “Kohra,” which has some hautingly beautiful songs like “Yeh Nayan Dare Dare,” “Rah Bani Khud Manzil,” “O Beqarar Dil,” and “Jhoom Jhoom Dhalti Raat.” Same year he came Chetan Anand’s “Haqeeqat,” which went on to become one of the most memorable film of Kaifi’s career with songs like “Ho ke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaya Hoga” “Ab Tumhare Hawaale Watan Saathiyon,” “Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai To Dil Sochta Hai,” “Masti Mein Chhedke Tarana Koi Dil Ka” “Khelo Naa Mere Dil Se O Mere Saajana” and “Main Ye Sochkar Uske Dar Se Utha Tha.”
Some of the films where he gave his lyrics are Anupama (1966), Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966), Aakhri Khat (1966), Uski Kahani (1966), Naunihal (1967), where his song “Meri Aawaz Suno Pyar ka Raaz Suno” sung by Mohammad Rafi was picturised over the funeral procession of Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Anokhi Raat (1968), Saat Hindustani (1969), Satyakam (1969), Parwana (1971), Bawarchi (1972), Pakeezah (1972), Hanste Zakhm (1973), Garm Hava (1973), Dhoop Chhaon (1977), Shankar Hussain (1977), Arth (1982), Razia Sultan (1983), Bhavna (1984), Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee (1993), and Tamanna (1997)
His greatest feat as a writer was Chetan Anand’s Heer Raanjha (1970), wherein the entire dialogue of the film was in verses. Heer Ranjha also has songs like “Milo Na Tum Toh Hum Ghabraye” “Do Dil Toote Do Dil Hare,” “Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil Mere Kaam Ki Nahin,” “Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil Mere Kaam Ki Nahin,” and “Nache Ang Ve”
Azmi also won great critical accolades for the script, dialogue, and lyrics of M.S. Sathyu’s Garam Hawa (1973), based on a story by Ismat Chughtai. Azmi also wrote the dialogues for Shyam Benegal’s Manthan (1976) and Sathyu’s Kanneshwara Rama (1977).
Some of the his other famous songs include “Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha,” “Ya Dil Ki Suno,” “Tum Bin Jeewan Kaisa Jeewan,” “Chalte Chalte Yun Hi Koi Mil gaya,” “Betaab Dil ki Tamanna Yehi Hai,” “Mana Ho Tum Behad Haseen,” “Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho,” “Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar” “Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho,” “Simti Si Sharmai Si,” “Aur Kuch Der Thehar,” “Tumhari Zulf Ke Saaye Mein,” “Jalta Hai Badan,” “Badal Jaye Agar Maal,” “Kaahe Kanha Karat Barjori,” “Ye Raat Hai Pyasi Pyasi,” “Mile Na Phool Toh Kaanto Se Dosti Kar Li ,” “Uth Meri Jaan,” among others.
Beyond his poetic and cinematic pursuits, Kaifi Azmi was a committed social activist, addressing issues of labor rights, education, and communal harmony. Alongside his wife, the eminent actress Shaukat Kaifi, he founded the Mijwan Welfare Society, working towards the empowerment of rural India.
He also played the memorable role of Naseem’s grandfather in Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s Naseem (1995). Azmi died on May 10, 2002. He was survived by his wife, legendary theatre and film actress Shaukat Kaifi, his son, cinamatographer Baba Azmi, and his daughter, Shabana Azmi.
Kaifi Azmi’s legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and social fabric of India. His profound words continue to inspire and resonate, capturing the essence of human emotions and societal aspirations.
