Veteran music director-composer Mohammad Zahur Khayyam, who was admitted intensive care unit (ICU) of Sujay Hospital in Mumbai few days ago, is no more.  The musician, who composed music for many films including 'Kabhie Kabhie' and 'Umrao Jaan', breathed his last at 9:30pm today (19th August). Khayyam, who was admitted in hospital in a critical condition due to infection in lungs, passed away due to cardiac arrest.

Confirming the same, veteran ghazal singer Talat Aziz told a leading daily that, "He was on the ventilator for a while. The doctors informed me that Khayyam saab passed away at 9.30 pm. I’ll take his body home today and will make arrangements for the burial tomorrow. He wanted his burial to happen at the Four Bungalows graveyard. I’m extremely worried about Jagjit ji. I don’t know how she’ll respond. She, too, has been unwell for a while."

He further told TOI that, "I used to recite the Quran to him every day at the hospital. In fact, Khayyam saab’s wish was that I recite the surah Yaseen (recited at the time when someone is about to breathe his/her last) during his last moments. I did that today."

Mohammed Zahur 'Khayyam' Hashmi, better known as Khayyam, began his career in music from the city of Ludhiana at the tender age of 17. He was the recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Padma Bhushan.


He won National Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan and also a Filmfare Award, besides a few other tributes for composing music featuring prominent actors.

Khayyam's non-film songs are 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.


May his soul rest in peace!

(With inputs from ANI)