- Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi
- Birth Date: February 18, 1927
- Birth Place: Rahon, Punjab, British India (now in Punjab, India)
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Music Director, Composer
- Active Years: 1948–2007
Khayyam, born as Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, developed an early love for music despite his conservative family background. He initially trained under Baba Chishti, a renowned music director in Lahore. Inspired by classical Indian music and Western styles, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in Bollywood.
Musical Career
Early Career (1948–1958)
- Initially worked as an assistant composer with Husnlal Bhagatram and other musicians.
- First independent composition: Heer Ranjha (1948) under the name “Sharmaji”.
- First big success: Footpath (1953) – Shaam-e-Gham Ki Kasam became a hit.
Golden Era (1958–1985)
Khayyam became known for his soulful, ghazal-based, and melodious compositions. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he avoided loud orchestration and fast beats, focusing on melody and depth of lyrics.
Filmography
| Year | Film Title | Notable Songs / Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | Heer Ranjha | Debut as Sharmaji–Varmaji duo; post-partition, Khayyam continued solo |
| 1950 | Biwi | Featured “Akele Mein Woh Ghabrate To Honge” sung by Mohammed Rafi |
| 1951 | Pyaar Ki Baatein | Early work showcasing Khayyam’s developing musical style |
| 1953 | Footpath | “Shaam-e-Gham Ki Kasam” became a hit |
| 1953 | Gul Sanobar | Collaborative work with Bulo C. Rani |
| 1954 | Gul Bahar | Continued exploration of romantic themes |
| 1954 | Dhobi Doctor | Added to his growing repertoire of film scores |
| 1955 | Tatar Ka Chor | Diversified into different genres |
| 1958 | Phir Subah Hogi | “Woh Subah Kabhi To Aayegi” became an anthem of hope |
| 1958 | Lala Rukh | Further established his reputation in the industry |
| 1960 | Barood | Showcased versatility in composing for action films |
| 1960 | Bombai Ki Billi | Experimented with different musical styles |
| 1961 | Shola Aur Shabnam | “Jaane Kya Dhoondti Rehti” became a classic |
| 1964 | Shagoon | “Tum Apna Ranj-o-Gham” sung by Jagjit Kaur |
| 1965 | Mohabbat Isko Kehte Hain | Continued collaboration with prominent lyricists |
| 1966 | Aakhri Khat | “Baharon Mera Jeevan Bhi Sawaron” by Lata Mangeshkar |
| 1967 | Mera Bhai Mera Dushman | Explored themes of familial conflict |
| 1974 | Pyaase Dil | Delved into the emotional depth of unfulfilled love |
| 1975 | Sandhya | Composed music reflecting the nuances of twilight emotions |
| 1975 | Mutthi Bhar Chawal | Addressed social issues through poignant melodies |
| 1975 | Sankalp | “Tu Hi Sagar Tu Hi Kinara” became a soulful favorite |
| 1976 | Kabhi Kabhie | “Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein” remains an evergreen classic |
| 1976 | Naukar Biwi Da | A Punjabi film showcasing Khayyam’s versatility |
| 1977 | Shankar Hussain | “Aap Yun Faaslon Se Guzarte Rahe” highlighted his ghazal expertise |
| 1978 | Trishul | “Mohabbat Bade Kaam Ki Cheez Hai” added to his list of hits |
| 1979 | Khandaan | Explored familial themes with melodious compositions |
| 1979 | Noorie | “Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar Aaja” became immensely popular |
| 1979 | Meena Kumari Ki Amar Kahani | Paid tribute to the legendary actress through music |
| 1980 | Thodisi Bewafaii | “Hazaar Rahein Mud Ke Dekhi” touched hearts |
| 1980 | Chambal Ki Kasam | Composed for a dacoit drama, showcasing his adaptability |
| 1981 | Nakhuda | “Tumhare Pyar Mein Hum” was well-received |
| 1981 | Umrao Jaan | “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and “In Aankhon Ki Masti” are timeless classics |
| 1981 | Dard | “Na Tum Bewafa Ho” added to his repertoire of soulful songs |
| 1981 | Ahista Ahista | Title track “Ahista Ahista” became a soft romantic favorite |
| 1982 | Dil-e-Nadaan | “Dil-e-Nadaan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai” resonated with audiences |
| 1982 | Bazaar | “Karoge Yaad To” and “Phir Chhidi Raat” are considered gems |
| 1982 | Baawri | Continued to deliver melodious scores |
| 1982 | Sawaal | “Jeene Ka Maza To Hai” showcased his musical brilliance |
| 1982 | Dil…Akhir Dil Hai | Explored the complexities of love through music |
| 1983 | Razia Sultan | “Aye Dil-e-Nadaan” is a standout track |
| 1983 | Mehndi | Added to his diverse portfolio of film scores |
| 1984 | Lorie | “Aaja Nindiya Aaja” was appreciated for its lullaby-like quality |
| 1985 | Bepanaah | “Aap Ki Yaad Aati Rahi” became a memorable song |
| 1986 | Tere Shahar Mein | Continued to compose meaningful music |
| 1986 | Anjuman | “Kahe Ko Byahi Bides” was a notable track |
| 1986 | Devar Bhabhi | Explored familial relationships through music |
| 1988 | Ek Naya Rishta | Addressed contemporary themes with his compositions |
| 1988 | Parbat Ke Us Paar | “Tumhe Yaad Karte Karte” was well-received |
| 1990 | Jaan-E-Wafa | Contributed to the romantic genre with his music |
| 1995 | Mohabbaton Ka Safar | Continued to compose for films into the mid-90s |
| 2000 | Ek Hi Manzil | Demonstrated his enduring musical talent |
| 2007 | Yatra | “Jab Se Tune Mujhe” marked |
Collaboration with Singers
- Lata Mangeshkar – Worked with her for numerous soulful songs.
- Mohammed Rafi – Created many iconic melodies.
- Jagjit Kaur (His Wife) – Gave her some memorable songs.
- Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar – Worked on romantic and ghazal-based songs.
Unique Musical Style
- Minimalist Orchestration – Preferred soft, soothing tunes with poetic lyrics.
- Use of Classical Music – Often incorporated Hindustani classical ragas.
- Slow and Soulful Melodies – Focused on deep emotions rather than commercial trends.
Later Career and Contributions
- Stopped composing for commercial films after the 1990s to focus on classical and ghazal music.
- Composed music for TV serials and independent albums.
- Was known for supporting new talent and musicians.
Awards and Recognitions
National Film Award – Umrao Jaan (1981)
Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – Lifetime Achievement
Padma Bhushan (2011) – One of India’s highest civilian honors
Personal Life
- Wife: Jagjit Kaur, a singer
- Son: Pradeep Khayyam (passed away in 2012)
- Lived a simple and disciplined life, away from Bollywood glamour.
Death and Legacy
- Died: August 19, 2019, at the age of 92 in Mumbai.
- Left behind timeless melodies that continue to be celebrated.
- Inspired later composers like A. R. Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj.
- His music remains popular in ghazal and classical circles.
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