KHAYYAM 

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.

Notable Films and Hit Songs

 Phir Subah Hogi (1958) – Woh Subah Kabhi To Aayegi
Shola Aur Shabnam (1961) – Jaane Kya Dhoondti Hai
Kabhi Kabhie (1976) – Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein
Trishul (1978) – Mohabbat Bade Kaam Ki Cheez Hai
Noorie (1979) – Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar Aaja
Bazaar (1982) – Dikhai Diye Yun
Umrao Jaan (1981) – Dil Cheez Kya Hai, In Aankhon Ki Masti

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 AwardUmrao Jaan (1981)
Filmfare Award for Best Music DirectorKabhi 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZaNcf1RvDU&pp=ygUoTW9oYW1tZWQgWmFodXIgS2hheXlhbSBIYXNobWkgIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D