Kaifi Azmi birthday: Ten gems penned by the legendary poet

January 14 marks the 96th birth anniversary of one of the greatest, and by far the most influential, Hindi lyricist to grace the Indian film industry, Kaifi Azmi.

January 14 marks the 96th birth anniversary of one of the greatest, and by far the most influential, Hindi lyricist to grace the Indian film industry, Kaifi Azmi.

Celebrating the 96th birth anniversary of Kaifi Azmi, we bring a playlist his ten gems. (PTI)

Azmi, who has been honoured with the Padma Shri and the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu for his collection Awaara Sajde and the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy Award among several others, was born in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh in 1919.

He penned songs for several Bollywood films like Kaagaz Ke Phool (Guru Dutt), Garam Hawa (MS Sathyu) and Manthan (Shyam Benegal), apart from writing poems. He is also credited with the Raaj Kumar-Priya Rajvansh-starrer Heer Ranjha, a film that was completely written in rhyming verses.

Read: Celebrating Kaifi Azmi

Celebrating his birthday, here’s a playlist of ten timeless gems penned by the brilliant lyricist: Each one of them good enough to stand the test of time for sheer creativity and greatness.

1. Chalte Chalte

Pakeezah (1972)
Actors: Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar

2. Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho

Hanste Zakhm (1973)
Actors: Priya Rajvansh, Navin Nischol

3. Kar Chale Hum Fida

Haqeeqat (1964)
Actors: Balraj Sahni, Dharmendra, Priya Rajvansh, Vijay Anand

4. Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye

Arth (1982)
Actors: Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbhanda, Raj Kiran

5. Betaab Dil Ki Tamanna

Hanste Zakhm (1973)
Actors: Balraj Sahni, Priya Rajvansh, Navin Nischol

6. Waqt Ni Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam

Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
Actors: Waheeda Rehman, Guru Dutt

7. Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil

Heer Raanjha
Actors: Raaj Kumar, Priya Rajvansh

8. Dekhi Zamaane Ki Yaari

Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
Actors: Guru Durr, Waheeda Rehman

9. Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne

Haqeeqat (1964)
Actors: Balraj Sahni, Dharmendra, Priya Rajvansh, Vijay Anand

10. Aurat
Here’s a touching poem by Kaifi Azmi in his voice. Verses from the Urdu poem Aurat: Interestingly, written in the 1940s before India’s independence, an era when our society was traditional and very much a man’s world.

11. Doosra Banwas
Another sharp poem that touches the right chords, Doosra Banwas was written in the aftermath of Babri Masjid demolition.

Did we miss your favourite song by the poet? Share them in the comment box below.

Read: Kaifi Azmi’s life was a song
Read: Celebrating Kaifi Azmi