Khayyam, veteran music composer known for 'Kabhie Kabhie' passes away; PM Modi, Lata Mangeshkar pay respects

Veteran music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, better known as Khayyam, passed away at a hospital in Mumbai on Monday. He was admitted to the ICU at Sujoy Hospital in the city after he suffering from an infection in his lungs a few days ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned his loss, hailing him for his 'memorable music' and his humanitarian acts for upcoming artists.

He wrote, "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."

READ: President Ram Nath Kovind Meets Lata Mangeshkar At Her Mumbai Residence, Calls Her 'the Pride Of India'

Lata Mangeshkar, who  voiced some of Khayyam’s iconic tracks, expressed her grief over the musician’s death while conveying her respects to him. The legendary singer termed him as a ‘great musician’ and a person with a good heart. She added that she was a loss of words to express her feelings after hearing the news of his death. Mangeshkar continued that with his passing, an era of music had ended. 

She wrote, "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."

READ:Lata Mangeshkar Hails Acts Of Humanity Amid Multiple States Battling Floods, Sends A Message

The 89-year-old had lent her voice to some of Khayyam’s best songs in Amitabh Bachchan-Raakhee-Shashi Kapoor-starrer ‘Kabhie Kabhie’, among others, including the title track. 

READ:'A Remarkable Woman': Lata Mangeshkar Remembers Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit Following Her Sudden Demise

Meanwhile, Lata Mangeshkar’s sister and legendary singer Asha Bhosle had sung the iconic tracks of his other famous album, ‘Umrao Jaan.’  'Dil Cheez Kya Hai' and 'In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke' are considered evergreen even today. 

 Khayyam was felicitated with the  Hridaynath Mangeshkar, an award in honour of music director Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award, Lata Mangeshkar-Asha Bhosle’s brother, in 2018. 

The veteran music composer was also honoured with Padma Bhushan honour by the Government in 2011. ‘Noorie’ was among his other popular albums. 

READ: Sushma Swaraj Passes Away: Lata Mangeshkar, Anushka Sharma, Arjun Kapoor & Other Bollywood Stars Pay Respects