Mohammed Zahur “Khayyam” Hashmi, fondly known as Khayyam, has always been one of those legends who had always let his music speak instead of himself. And it does speak beautifully, reverberating in melody & pathos, creating its own soothing soulful aura.

A second world war veteran, with growing up years deeply impacted by partition, Khayyam found his calling in music composition as early as 1948 for the film Heer Ranjha, when he made his debut along with partner Rahman Varma as Sharma’ji of the Sharmaji – Varmaji composer duo. However this partnership didn’t last long, as Rahman Varma decided to move to Pakistan, and the event turning a blessing in disguise for Khayyam. He soon found his footing as an independent music composer for Biwi in 1950, and from that point on Khayyam didn’t ever have to look back.

However, Khayyam remained extremely selective with his work, and over the next six decades, he would not just composed for forty plus films or so. But the quality of his work remained superlative with him composing for all leading singers of their times working for some big banners, but never letting the scale or lure for popularity impacting the soul of his work. His immense contribution to the world of music is reflected in him being conferred the Padma Bhushan award in 2011, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award in 2010 and many others along the way.

In this tribute to the legendary composer, we look at a dozen outstanding songs from a dozen of his milestone films – an extremely difficult task given the treasure of music he has left behind. Of course most of these films have rich albums with multiple brilliant songs, which will remain a treat for a lifetime. This selection is not based on popularity, but more of a personal choice of what appeals to soul most in the unique Khayyam way. The songs are listed down in chronological order of their year of release.

While we dive in to his world of music, here’s hoping that Khayyam Sahab has moved to a good place of ultimate peace and eternal bliss:

01. Woh subah kabhi to aayegi | Phir Subah Hogi (1958) | Mukesh & Asha Bhosle

02. Jaane kya dhoondhti rehti hain | Shola Aur Shabnam (1961) | Mohammad Rafi

03. Rut jawaan jawaan | Aakhri Khat (1966) | Bhupinder Singh

04. Kabhi kabhi mere dil me | Kabhi Kabhie (1976) | Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh

05. Mohabbat bade kaam ki cheez hain | Trishul (1978) | Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar & Yesudas

06. Chori chori koi aaye | Noorie (1979) | Lata Mangeshkar

07. Aaj bichhde hain | Thodi Si Bewafai (1980) | Bhupinder Singh

08. Ahel-e-dil yun hi nibha lete hain | Dard (1981) | Lata Mangeshkar

09. Kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahaan nahi milta | Ahista Ahista (1981) | Asha Bhosle

10. Dekh lo aaj humko jee bhar ke | Bazaar (1982) | Jagjit Kaur

11. Justjoo jiski thi | Umrao Jaan (1982) | Asha Bhosle

12. Aye dil-e-nadaan | Razia Sultan (1983) | Lata Mangeshkar

To conclude, a legend with such a repertoire of gems has become immortal in his legacy. He will continue to live through his timeless music, forever.

Rishton ka roop badalta hain.. Buniyaadein khatam nahin hoti…
Khwaabon ki aur umangon ki.. Miyadein khatam nahin hoti…
Ek phool me tera roop basa… Ek phool me meri jawaani hai…
Ek chehra teri nishaani hain… Ek chehra meri nishaani hain…

Main har ek pal ka shaayar hoon… Har ek pal meri kahaani hain…
Har ek pal meri hasti hain… Har ek pal meri jawaani hain…

#Khayyam