Kaifi Azmi

(On Red's request)

Kaifi Azmi is another jewel from the lanes of Lucknow, who has stamped his indelible mark in poetry and literature. I always thought all these leftist have precious little to boast about apart from religiously opposing every thing under the Sun, but this comrade was clearly different from the rest of his flock.

However, he was born in Azamgadh, and later shifted to Lucknow. His first gazal, at that age eleven, was an impromptu, that too in a mushaira, which was later sung by legendry Mallika-e-Gazal, Begam Akhtar, another legend from Lucknow. The gazal went on to become one of his most popular one - 'Itna to Zindagi Mein Kisiki Khalal Pade, Hasne Se Ho Sukoon Na Rone Se Kal Pade..'

He has worked both as writer and lyricist in the films. As the writer he has won the National Award and lot of critical acclaim for M.S. Sathyu's Garam Hawa. Another accomplishment was Heer Ranjha; the entire dialogue of the film was in verse. He also wrote dialogues for Shyam Benegal's Manthan.

But I love his lyrics more. My favourites songs of his are these:

Arth -"Tum Itanaa Jo Muskuraa Rahe Ho ", and "Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar, Bekarar Hai Ki Nahin";

Kagaz Ke Phool -"Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Hasin Sitam", "Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari, Bichhdey Sabhi Bari Bari";

Haqeeqat - "Kar chaley Hum Fida Jan-O-Tan Sathiyon", "Zara Si Ahat Hoti Hai To Dil Sonchta Hai", "Hokey Mazboor Mujhey Usney Bukaya Hoga";

Hanste Zakhm - "Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho", "Betaab Dil Ki Tamanna", "Haan, Yeh Mana Meri Jaan Mohabbat Saza Hai";

Heer Ranjha - "Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehphil, Merey Kaam Ki Nahin", "Milo Na Tumto Hum Ghabrai";

Pakeezah - "Chalte Chalte Yun Hi Koi Mil Gaya Tha";

Anupama - "Dhire Dhire Machal AyeDile Beqarar Koi Aata Hai", "Ya Dil Ki Suno Duniya Walon";

Aakhri Khat - "Baharon Mera Jiwan Sanwaaro";

Tootey Khilauney - "Mana Ki Tum Ho Behad Hansi, Aise Burey Hum Bhi Nahin";

Parwana - "Simti Si, Sharmai Si, Kis Duniya Se Tum Aayi Ho", "Yun Na Sharma, Phailaa De Apni Bahein";

His wife Shaukat Azmi is herself an actress, so is his daughter Shabana Azmi. His son Baba Azmi is a renowned cinematographer whose works include films such as Shekar Kapur's Mr India, N Chandra's Tezaab, Boney Kapoor's Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja and Prem, and Inder Kumar's Dil and Ishq. Baba's wife Tanvi Azmi is also an actress. Not to forget son-in-law Javed Akhtar. Family full of talent.

Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho ..

.. is a beautiful, haunting song is from the film Hanste Jakhm. No points for guessing that the movie was produced Chetan Anand as the leading lady was a deadpan Priya Rajvansha.

Coming back to the song. I reckon this is one of the most romantic song ever written. The lyricist is great Kaifi Azmi. The song is full of some very lovely similes and metaphors, yet very simple. For example, "Ek Bhatke Hue Rahi Ko, Karwan Mil Gaya", "Ek Sureela Nagma Ho", "Bheegi Raton Mein Masti, Tapte Dil Pe Saya Ho". Terrific work.

Mohammad Rafi did full justice to the lyrics and music. The way he has moved to high pitch, and then came down effortlessly to lower one is amazing. It is he who gives the haunting touch to the song. For example how well he switches from "Ek Bhatke Hue Rahi Ko" to "Karwaan Mil Gaya". Fantastic.

But the real magic is created by the music director, Madan Mohan, who else. The genius saw the opportunity to immortalize those lovely lyrics, and he did something very unconventional. He actually recorded the sound of sea waves live, and used them in the song. Not once it appears in the song that this is an outside studio work.

In all, the song took 22 hours in a stretch to record. Such an effort, that too in lesser films require tremendous self belief and motivation. Enjoy the lyrics.

Mixed Bag

Of poems, that is. Two different works. One a Hindi poem, other one a Gazal. Ek Boond is by famous poet Ayodhya Singh Upadhyaya 'Hariaudh'. Had read it at some point of time during schools. A simple but very pertinent poem. The same can be said about us humans.


The other one is a Gazal by the great shayar Kaifi Azmi. He has portrayed the dilemma and desperation faced by a lover very beautifully.

Bas Ik Jhijhak Hai Yahi Haal-E-Dil Sunaane Mein

Bas Ik Jhijhak Hai Yahi Haal-E-Dil Sunaane Mein
Ki Teraa Zikra Bhi Aayegaa Is Fasaane Mein

Baras Padi Thi Jo Rukh Se Naqaab Uthaane Mein
Woh Chaandini Hai Abhi Tak Mere Gareeb-Khaane Mein

Isi Mein Ishq Ki Qismat Badal Bhi Sakati Thi
Jo Waqt Beet Gayaa Mujh Ko Aazamaane Mein

Ye Keh Ke Toot Padaa Shaakh-E-Gul Se Aakhiri Phool
Ab Aur Der Hai Kitani Bahaar Aane Mein


[jhijhak=hesitation; zikr=mention; fasaanaa=tale]
[ruKh=face; naqaab=veil]

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