In a loss to Indian Cinema, veteran music director and composer Khayyam, passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Monday. He breathed his last at the age of 92 after suffering from a prolonged illness.
Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, widely known as Khayyam, had been admitted to Sujay Hospital in Juhu a few days ago due to difficulties in breathing and other age-related illnesses.
The music maestro enthralled the audience with his music in classic films such as 'Umrao Jaan' and 'Kabhi Kabhi'.
According to reports, Khayyam's mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Mumbai today from 10 am onwards for people to pay their last respects. Thereafter, his funeral will take place with full state honours. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar and other Bollywood personalities remembered Khayyam and paid their tributes.
Mahan sangeetkar Aur bahut nek dil insan Khayyam sahab aaj humare bich nahi rahe. Ye sunkar mujhe itna dukh hua hai jo main bayaa'n nahi kar sakti.Khayyam sahab ke saath sangeet ke ek yug ka anth hua hai.Main unko vinamra shraddhanjali arpan karti hun. pic.twitter.com/8d1iAM2BPd
— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) August 19, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences through a tweet.
India will remain grateful to Khayyam Sahab for giving us some of the most memorable compositions, which will be remembered forever. He will also be remembered for his humanitarian gestures to support upcoming artists. His demise is extremely saddening.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2019
Apart from 'Kabhi Kabhi' and 'Umrao Jaan', the musician was also best known for his works in films such as "Trishul", "Noorie" and "Shola Aur Shabnam".
The veteran music composer was bestowed with several awards during his lifetime, such as:
- 1977- Filmfare Award for Best Music (Kabhi Kabhie)
- 1982- Filmfare Award for Best Music (Umrao Jaan)
- 2007- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Creative Music by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- 2010- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award
- 2011- Padma Bhushan
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.