Kaifi Azmi: His life was a song

January 14 marks the 95th birth anniversary of one of the greatest Hindi lyricist who graced the Indian film industry. Here's a playlist of 5 timeless songs from Kaifi Azmi, the master poet: Each one of them good enough to stand the test of time for its sheer creativity and greatness.

January 14 marks the 95th birth anniversary of one of the greatest, and by far the most influential, Hindi lyricist who graced the Indian film industry.

Kaifi-Azmi

Also, did you know that Azmi is credited with the Raaj Kumar-Priya Rajvansh-starrer Heer Ranjha, a film that was completely written in rhyming verses.



Here's a playlist of five timeless songs from the brilliant lyricist: Each one of them good enough to stand the test of time for its 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. Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye

Arth (1982)

Actors: Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbhanda, Raj Kiran

4. Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil

Heer Raanjha

Actors: Raaj Kumar, Priya Rajvansh

5. Dekhi Zamaane Ki Yaari

Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)

Actors: Guru Durr, Waheeda Rehman

Here's a touching poem by Kaifi Azmi, in his own voice.



Aurat

Verses from the Urdu poem Aurat: Interestingly, written in the 1940s before the independence of India, an era when the Indian society was very traditional and very much a man's world.

Any list of songs can never do justice to Azmi's vast body of work. Share your fav poem/song by the legendary poet in the comment box below.