Fenil and Bollywood: Umrao Jaan, Razia Sultan are closest to my heart-Khayyam

Legendary music composer Khayyam, 93, who passed away on August 19, spoke to us last year about his musical journey, movies that were special to him, and why it is important to embrace change in music with times
Soumya Vajpayee (BOMBAY TIMES; August 21, 2019)

A musical era has come to an end with the legendary Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi’s demise on the night of August 19. The Padma Bhushan recipient was synonymous with classical music, rich in melody and poetry. His legacy has ensured him a place amongst the immortals. Songs such as Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein and Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon (Kabhie Kabhie, 1976); Ankhon Mein Humne Aapke Sapne (Thodisi Bewafaii, 1980); Dil Cheez Kya Hai and Zindagi Jab Bhi (Umrao Jaan, 1981); Phir Chhidi Raat and Karoge Yaad Toh (Bazaar, 1982); and Ae Dil-e-Naadaan (Razia Sultan, 1983) are some of his haunting melodies.

In an interview with us last year, the celebrated music composer expressed satisfaction with the way his life and career panned out over the years. “By the grace of God, I’ve had a great journey in the Hindi film industry,” he had said, adding, “There were many hardships on the way, but God and my love for music kept me going. I fulfilled my responsibilities to the best of my ability. I’m happy that I made some tunes that people love and admire even today.”

Khayyam always spoke about his love for Umrao Jaan and considered it his favourite work. “I remember when I was supposed to start work on the music of Umrao Jaan (1981). The songs of Pakeezah (1972) were a rage. I was tensed as it was difficult to come up with something as spectacular and to make a mark.”

“I had to do a lot of research about the history of Awadh before composing the songs of Umrao Jaan. I wanted the tracks to have the right essence. It’s because of those challenges that Umrao Jaan is closest to my heart,” Khayyam had said.

While Khayyam was always vocal about the fact that his favourite soundtrack was Umrao Jaan, he held Razia Sultan close to his heart, too. “The film’s script and how the songs were penned made it immortal, especially the track, Ae Dil-e-Nadaan, sung beautifully by Lata Mangeshkar. It is very special to me. Another film that’s close to my heart is Phir Subah Hogi (1958); it was my first collaboration with Raj Kapoor saab,” said the National Award winner.

Synonymous with classic music, high on melody and poetry, Khayyam, however, had no qualms in embracing the changes in music with times. He said, “Music in films today has a lot of western influence, which I don’t enjoy personally, but there’s nothing wrong in that. That’s the kind of music that the younger generation enjoys. It’s the demand of the changing times. See, change is the only constant, and you should know how to go with the flow. The kind of music that’s made for a film completely depends on the subject of a project. Musicians of our time — my seniors and contemporaries — were privileged and lucky to get amazing subjects to work on as our music, poetry and melodies were all dependent on the stories.”

The Padma Bhushan recipient was a fan of the Academy Award-winning composer A R Rahman. “He does some amazing work. His song, Dil Hai Chota Sa Choti Si Asha (Roja, 1992) is incredible. I listen to it over and over again,” he said.

The last few films he composed music for were Yatra (2007), Bazaar E Husn (2014) and the unreleased Ghulam Bandhu.

MEMORIES IN MUSIC: KHAYYAM’S EVERGREEN SONGS

Khayyam, who passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness at the age of 92, created evocative, soul-stirring music reminiscent of the era gone-by in classics such as Umrao Jaan and Kabhi Kabhie. Songs such as Woh Subah Kabhi To Aayegi, Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein, Dil Cheez Kya Hai, Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar and In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke will keep Khayyam’s memory alive for generations to come

Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein: KABHI KABHIE (1976)