By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

On His Death Anniversary

Kaifi Azmi, born in a village in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh & father of actress Shabana Azmi was an Urdu poet who made a place in the Hindi cinema in early 1950s as a lyricist with “Buzdil”(1951) directed by Shahid Lateef starring Nimmi, Kishore Sahu, Premnath,Cuckoo & Kanhaiyalal Chaturvedi.

Azmi’s wife Shaukat Azmi ( ‘Umrao Jaan’ & ‘Bazaar’ fame) was a well known actress & theatre personality.His son Baba Azmi is a cinematographer & daughter-in-law Tanvi Azmi ( ‘Darr’ & ‘Thappad’ fame) is also an actress.

Kaifi Azmi is best known for his songs in Chetan Anand’s “Haqeeqat” starring Balraj Sahni,Dharmendra & Priya Rajvansh.”Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai To Dil Sochta Hai,Kahin Yeh Woh To Nahin”,”Ab Tumhare Hawaale Watan Saathiyon” & “Ho ke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaya Hoga” were some of the most popular songs.

“Jeet Hi Lenge Baazi Hum Tum”( Shola Aur Shabnam ),”Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Hasin Sitam” ( Kaagaz Ke Phool),””Dheere Dheere Machal” (Anupama), “Simti Si Sharmai Si Is Duniya Main Tum aai Ho” (Parwana), “Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho” ( Arth), “Tera Husn Rahe Mera Ishq Rahe” ( Do Dil)”Milo Naa Tum Toh Ham Ghabaraye”,”Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil Mere Kaam Ki Nahi”, “Chalte Chalte, Yuhi Koi Mil Gayaa Tha” (Pakeezah) & “Hai Kali Kali Ke Lab Par, Tere Husn Ka Fasana” under the music score Khayyam are some of his most popular numbers.

Kaifi Sahib were bestowed with many accolades including Two Naional Awards for Best Lyrics(Saat Hindustani) & Best Story (Garam Hawa ) & Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue,Screenplay & Best Story for “Garam Hawa”.

Born Athar Husain Rizvi on 14 January 1919 ,the noted song writer died on this Day in 2002.