Legendary composer
Mohammed Zahur Khayyam
has passed away on Monday night at a hospital in Mumbai. He was 93. Popularly known as Khayyam, was rushed to the hospital and was in ICU since July 28.
And at 9:30 pm, the doctors declared cardiac arrest his cause of death.
Messages of condolences and tribute poured in over social media from his fans as well as from Bollywood celebs.
Remembering the legend, here are a few of the most loved songs from the film albums.
'Aakhri Khat'
'Aakhri Khat' was Rajesh Khanna’s debut film and on the other hand, Khayyam's last Hindi film before his eight-year sabbatical. The lyrics of the songs were penned by Kaifi Azmi and the soundtrack includes the famous song 'Baharon Mera Jeevan Bhi Sanwaro', sung by
Lata Mangeshkar. Bhupender Singh marked his debut as a playback singer with this film album.
'Kabhie Kabhie'
Khayyam composed the music of megastar Amitabh Bachchan's film 'Kabhie Kabhie'. The film received three Filmfare Awards for Best Lyrics, Best Music and Best Male Playback Singer. Reportedly, Yash Chopra asked Khayyam to pray for the film's success. And 'Kabhie Kabhie' broke all the records at the box office!
'Umrao Jaan'
The music of Rekha's 'Umrao Jaan' was composed by Khayyam, however, he was not the first choice of the director of the film. Reportedly, Khayyam was brought on board after the original music composer of the film and the director had some irreconcilable differences. He won both the Filmfare Award and the National Film Award for Best Music Director.
'Phir Subha Hogi'
For 'Phir Subha Hogi',
Sahir Ludhianvi recommended Khayyam. The composer also had to pass
Raj Kapoor's test of tuning a 'Tanpura' to get the film. Songs like 'Cheen O Arab Hamara' and the duet version of 'Woh Subah Kabhi To Aayegi' became popular among the audience.
'Bazaar'
'Bazaar' had many great songs. But the best pick will always be 'Karoge yaad to har baat', brilliantly sung by the gifted Bhupinder Singh. Beautifully picturised on Naseeruddin Shah and
Smita Patil who are considered as the two of Hindi cinema's most talented actors.
'Razia Sultan'
Khayyam was nominated in Filmfare Awards in the category of Best Music Director for the music of this film. The lyrics were penned by Jan Nisar Akhtar and Nida Fazli. However, music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal was the first choice of the director of the film. He asked them to rework on a particular song. When he went to meet them, he was asked to wait as the duo was in a meeting. Feeling insulted, the director replaced them with Khayyam.
'Noorie'
The music of the film played a major role in making Manmohan Krishna’s only film as director. The film was a huge hit at the box office and the seventh highest-grossing film in 1979. The film starred Farooq Shaikh, Poonam Dhillon, Madan Puri and Iftekhar in lead roles.
'Ahista Ahista'
1981 was a great year of Khayyam as three of the four albums released in the year were hits. The songs 'Kabhi Kisi Ko Muqammal Jahan Nahin Milta', 'Mana teri nazar mein', 'Bin bulaye hum chale aaye' and 'Nazar se phool chunati hai nazar' from the film had the music lovers raving it.
'Thodisi Bewafaii'
This is the only film in which Khayyam worked with Gulzar. And their work together was welcomed by everyone. Songs 'Hazar Raahen Mud Ke Dekhin' and 'Aaj Bichhde Hain' which were the sad songs of separation made a place in everyone's heart.