Veteran music director-composer Khayyam, best known for his music in classic films such as ‘Umrao Jaan’ and ‘Kabhi Kabhi’, passed away after a prolonged illness at a hospital in Mumbai yesterday.
He was 92. Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, popularly known as Khayyam, was admitted to Sujay Hospital in suburban Juhu a few days ago owing to breathing issues and other age-related illnesses.
According to the composer’s spokesperson, Khayyam’s mortal remains will be kept at his residential complex in Mumbai from 10 am onwards today for people to pay their last respects. Thereafter, his funeral will take place with full state honours.
President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed grief on the demise of music composer Khayyam. In a tweet, Mr Kovind said the legendary composer brought joy to millions and will always be remembered for his compositions. He extended his condolences to his family and well-wishers.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar and other Bollywood personalities also remembered Khayyam and paid their tributes.
Veteran music-director composer Khayyam began his career in music from the city of Ludhiana at the tender age of 17. Besides ‘Kabhi Kabhi’ and ‘Umrao Jaan’, the musician’s other notable works include films such as “Trishul”, “Noorie” and “Shola Aur Shabnam”.
In 2007, Khayyam was honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Creative Music by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Four years later, he was conferred with Padma Bhushan, the country’s third highest civilian award.
He won three Filmfare Awards for Best Music in 1977 for Kabhi Kabhie and 1982 for Umrao Jaan, and a lifetime achievement award in 2010.
In 2016, the veteran composer established Khayyam Jagjeet Kaur KPG Charitable Trust and pledged to donate his entire wealth to the trust to support budding artists and technicians in India. Khayyam’s non-film songs are also equally loved by his fans, especially ‘Paaon padun tore shyam,’ ‘Brij mein laut chalo’ and ‘Ghazab kiya tere vaade pe aitbaar kiya’. He also gave music for late Meena Kumari’s album, ‘I Write, I Recite’ featuring ‘nazms’ (poems) sung by her.
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