Mumbai: Poet-lyricist Ibrahim Khan ‘Ashq’, who penned songs in films such as ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ and ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, passed away on Sunday due to Coronavirus-related pneumonia. He was 70.

His pen name, Ashq, means tears, but his penmanship brought smiles to music lovers. He was also a familiar name in literary circles for his ghazals and nazms.

Daughter Fazila said, “My father suffered from cough each winter, and we thought this time was no different. It was only when he coughed blood on Saturday that we realised it was serious.”

She added that he was rushed to hospital, where he passed away within hours.

Composer Rajesh Roshan said, “Ibrahim Ashq ji had written quite a few songs for me, most of them became hits. It is sad to know he is no more with us for he was very close to my heart and I shall miss him forever.”