Veteran music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam popularly known as Khayyam passed away at the ripe old age of 92 years today. He was a celebrated music composer whose career spanned four decades in which he gave some evergreen classics. 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. He was awarded the 2007 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Creative Music, by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Khayyam ji was also a Padma Bhushan awardee.

Khayyam ji was a renowned music composer who started his career at the tender age of 17 years. He teamed up with such celebrated lyricists like Kaifi Azmi and Sahir Ludhianvi to give music to their beautiful words. Here are some of his best songs.

In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke –Umrao Jaan

Probably the most popular song composed by Khayyam was In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke from Umrao Jaan. Starring Rekha and Farooq Sheikh the film is a cult classic with the song becoming an iconic number synonymous with the actress.

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Ye Kya Jagah Hai Doston- Umrao Jaan

The song’s poignant and heartbreaking rendition will make you quiver with the attitude we shelve out to our fellow humans. The song portrays the anguish and disappointment of Rekha in the film.

Phir Chhidi Raat Baat Phoolon Ki Raat Hai –Bazaar

Phir Chhidi Raat Baat Phoolon Ki Raat Hai is sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Talat Aziz. The film stars Farooq Shaikh, Smita Patil, Supriya Pathak Kapur and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead.

Dil Cheez Kya Hai – Umrao Jaan

Another great composition from Khayyam was Dil Cheez Kya Hai from Umrao Jaan. Sung by Asha Bhosle the song till date is one of the most popular numbers.

Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein – Kabhi Kabhie

Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein from Kabhi Kabhie is another masterpiece from the legendary music director. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Rakhi, Shashi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman in the lead. The film was directed by Yash Chopra and the lyrics were penned by Sahir Ludhianvi.

Tere Chehre Se Nazar Nahi –Kabhie Kabhie

A peppy number, Tere Chehre Se Nazar Nahi was sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. The song was featured on Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor and remains one of the most well-known songs ever.

Jeet hi lenge baazi ham tum – Shola Aur Shabnam

Sung by Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar the song gave Khayyam his footing in the industry. Penned by Kaifi Azmi the song evokes a sense of faith and hope.

Jane Kya Dhoondti Rahti- Shola Aur Shabnam

The song is sung by Mohammed Rafi and is regarded as one of his best in his illustrious career. Composed by Khayyam and lyrics penned by Kaifi Azmi, Jane Kya Dhoondti Rahti is one of the best songs of the music composer.

Aye Dil e Nadaan- Razia Sultan

Aye Dil E Nadaan is a haunting composition by Khayyam and sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Featuring Hema Malini the film Razia Sultan was a historical drama based on the only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Shaam e Gham ki Qasam- Footpath

The song Shaam-e-Gham ki Qasam is from Khayyam’s first film Footpath. Sung by Talat Mehmood and lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri and Ali Sardar Jafri the song is one of the notable ones of Khayyam’s career that propelled him and provided him with his footing in the Hindi film industry.

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