Kaifi Azmi

Kaifi Azmi Biography

Kaifi Azmi is regarded as one among the most prominent Urdu poets of 20^th century. He has written a few songs for Bollywood film industry too, of which Haqueeqat and Kagal ka phool were most popular. The patriotic song ‘kar chale hum fida’ is still remembered a lot. He along with Jon Elia and Pirzada Qasim, have participated in the most memorable mushairas. Among all his works, Aurat, Daaera, Makaan, Saanp and Bahu roopni are regarded as the best. His daughter Shabana Azmi is one of the finest actresses of Bollywood and social activist who keeps the records of maximum awards in best acting category of National awards (both male and female). Kaifi Azmi’s son in law Javed Aktar is also a famous poet and lyricist of present times.

Kaifi Azmi started writing at the age of 11. It was a ghazal with words - Itna To Zindagi Mein Kisi Ki Khalal. He abandoned his studies during Quit India Movement of India and became a member of Marxist party of India. He too started his writing as romantic ghazals and it appealed a lot of music lovers. While he was on a mushaira to Hyderabad he met Shaukat Azmi. They fell in love and got married. Shabana Azmi and Baba Azmi are their children. Baba Azmi is a famous cameraman.

Azmi's first collection of poems, Jhankar was published in 1943. His other works include Aakhir-e-Shab, Sarmaya, Awaara Sajde, Kaifiyaat, Nai Gulistan and Meri Awaaz Suno. He wrote Heer Ranjha in Sanskrit. Indian government has honoured him with Padma shri awards.

Now a word on his film journey. He worked as a lyricist, script writer and actor. As a lyricist his first movie was Buzdil in 1952. His leading works during 50’s include Parvin, Id ka chand and Miss.Punjab mail. He has also written scripts of a few movies. The hit movie - Heer Ranjha of 1970 is the best instance. He gave preference to his writing skills while scripting these movies. Other works include Manthan, Kanneshwara Rama and Garam hawa.

As a lyricist, his best works include Haqeeqat, Anupama, Razia sulthana, Parwana, Shola aur shabnam, Haste Zakhm, Pakeesa, Arth, Saat hindusthani, Kagaz ka phool and Kohra. He acted in the movie Naseem too in character artist role. 

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Updated: July 05, 2013