Remembering great lyricist Kafi Azmi

kar chale ham fidaa jaan-o-tan saathiyon

ab tumhaare hawaale watan saathiyon

Apt words because great poets like Kafi Azmi, who penned this exceptional patriotic song for Chetan Anand’s movie HAQEEQAT have left this world and it is for the young and budding poets to retrieve the culture and heritage of Mother India. But alas with Bollywood lyrics degrading so cheap as Halkat Jawani… ; 'Laila Teri Le Le Gi Tu Likh Ke Le Le…. Or Don't touch my body oh mere saiyaan...tera jala dungi, gadda aur takia'. Need we say more? 

January 14 marks the birth anniversary of the legendary poet Kafi Azmi; Raaga.Com pays homage to the departed soul and takes a look at some of his timeless numbers.

Among his most beautiful lyrics Kafi Azmi’s shining gem is Waqt ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam Tum Rahe Na Tum Hum Rahe Na Hum from Guru Dutt’s classic KAAGAZ KE PHOOL (1959). The song exceptionally expresses the anguish of two people who had loved each other but had changed over time. This song is one of Kaifi Azmi’s most cherished numbers. 

Though Kafi Azmi became immortal with Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaan O Tan Saathiyo…in Chetan Anand’s HAQEEQAT” (1964) but the movie also had two more exceptional songs that beautifully bring out the emotions of solder’s and their deprived wives in the songs Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaya Hoga…. and Zara si Aahat Hoti Hai….

Yet another song that marvels the genius of Kafi Sahab is the soulful song Meri Awaz Suno Pyaar Ka Raaz Suno… that he penned as tribute on the demise of Jawaharlal Nehru. 

With Chetan Anand’s HEER RANJHA, that had some sterling hits like Ye Duniya Ye Mehfil Mere Kaam ki Nahin… and Do Dil Toote Do Dil Haare…Kafi Azmi created history by writing the entire dialogues of the film in poetry. 

Surprisingly Kaif Azmi even worked with Bappi Lahiri but gave such melancholic numbers like Mana Ho Tum Behad Haseen… sung by Yesudas. 

Some of his other timeless songs include Chalte Chate Yun Hi Koi Mil Gaya Tha… (PAKEEZAH); Jane Kya Dhoondti Rahti (SHOLA AUR SHABNAM); Jhum Jhum Dhalatee Rat Leke… (KOHRA) ;Yaa Dil Kee Suno Dooniyawalo …(ANUPAMA) ;Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe .. (ARTH) and many more.