Kaifi Azmi’s work remains relevant over the ages: Shabana Azmi on her father's enduring legacy

Twenty-four years after the passing of legendary Urdu poet and lyricist Kaifi Azmi, his words continue to resonate across generations, finding relevance in a world grappling with social and emotional upheaval. On the occasion of his death anniversary, the Postal Department’s Maharashtra Circle released a special postal cover in Mumbai to honour the celebrated poet’s contribution to literature, cinema and progressive thought.

For actor Shabana Azmi, the tribute was both emotional and deeply affirming. “Kaifi Azmi is being remembered all over the country 24 yrs after he passed away. This is testimony to the fact that his work remains relevant over the ages,” she said.

Reflecting on the breadth of his writing, she added, “Whether it is women’s rights, or those of the laborers or concern for the environment, his poetry encompassed all these issues as a leading light of the progressive writer's movement whilst retaining a strong romantic streak.”

The event featured a screening of filmmaker Feroz Abbas Khan’s directorial Raag Shayari, which moved Azmi deeply. “To have great artists like Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Akhtar, Purbayan Chatterjee and others paying tribute to him is quite overwhelming. I was surrounded by family, close friends and likeminded people,” she said.

Among the many verses that continue to guide her, one sher remains especially close to her heart, “Pyaar ka jashn nayi tarah manana hoga, Gham kisi dil mein sahi gham ko mitana hoga, which she described as her enduring source of inspiration,” which she described as her enduring “source of inspiration.”

Speaking with emotion, Shabana said the poet’s presence still feels tangible in her life. “24 saal guzar gaye after he left us but aisa nahi lagta hai ki woh hamare beech nahi hain. Aisa lagta hai ki, Abba hamare saath hain, hamaara haath pakde huein hain, humein raasta dikha rahein hain.” At a time when she believes the world is increasingly weighed down by hostility and despair, she finds solace in Kaifi Saab’s poetry. “Aaj jo mahual hain, na sirf hamare mulk mein, puri duniya mein; aisa lagta hai ki bahut nagawar mahul roz banta ja raha hai,” she said, before recalling one of his iconic lines: “Dil naumeed toh nahi, nakaam hi toh hai,Lambi hai gham ki shaam, magar shaam hi toh hai.” She added, “When you feel you cannot go on anymore, tab Kaifi Saab ka koi na koi nazam hamesha saamne aati hai, aur raasta dikhati hai.”

For Shabana, her father’s legacy lies not just in poetry, but in the quiet call to keep striving for change. “I feel whoever we are, whatever we do, usi ko agar bahut behtareen tarike se karne ki koshish karein toh cheezein badal sakti hain.”
Kaifi Azmi's work in Bollywood:

• Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho — Arth (1982)
• Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar — Arth (1982)
• Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye — Arth (1982)
• Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam — Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
• Chalte Chalte Yun Hi Koi — Pakeezah (1972)
• Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha — Anupama (1966)
• Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho — Hanste Zakhm (1973)
• Betaab Dil Ki Tamanna Yehi Hai — Hanste Zakhm (1973)
• Simti Si Sharmai Si — Parwana (1971)
• Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil — Heer Raanjha (1970)
• Milo Na Tum To Hum Ghabraye — Heer Raanjha (1970)
• Ab Tumhare Hawale Vatan Sathiyon — Haqeeqat (1964)
• Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai — Haqeeqat (1964)
• Baharon Mera Jeevan Bhi Sanwaro — Aakhri Khat (1966)
• Aur Kuchh Der Thahar — Aakhri Khat (1966)

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