Kala Samvad | 22 September | Rayat Samachar
(Feature) “Kar chale hum fida jaano-tan saathiyo, ab tumhare hawale watan saathiyo…” — the moment these lines are heard, every Indian feels pride, pain, and inspiration at once. Written after the 1962 India–China war and featured in Chetan Anand’s film Haqeeqat (1964), this song became a timeless tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Ladakh. The lyrics were penned by renowned Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi, set to music by Madan Mohan, and immortalized in Mohammed Rafi’s powerful voice. Even today, this song echoes across the nation on Republic Day and Independence Day.
(Feature) This is not just a film song; it embodies the sacrifice of an entire generation. Lines like “Kat gaye sar hamare to kuch gham nahin, sar Himalaya ka humne na jhukne diya” symbolize the indomitable courage of Indian soldiers.
Kaifi Azmi was born on 14 January 1919 in Mizwan village, Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. His real name was Athar Hussain Rizvi. From a young age, he was drawn to Urdu poetry. Later, he became a part of the Progressive Writers’ Movement, giving voice to the struggles of workers and the marginalized.
Azmi enriched Hindi cinema with his lyrics, dialogues, and scripts in films such as Kaagaz Ke Phool, Haqeeqat, Heer Ranjha, Garam Hawa, and Katha. Especially through Garam Hawa, he portrayed the trauma of Partition and the plight of Indian Muslims with rare sensitivity.
For his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1974, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the National Film Award, and several others.
His wife, Shaukat Azmi, was a noted theatre and film actress. Their daughter, Shabana Azmi, is one of India’s leading film actresses, while his son, Baba Azmi, is a renowned cinematographer and director.
Kaifi Azmi’s legacy lies at the intersection of art, literature, and social commitment. Songs like “Zindagi maut se mil rahi hai gale” and “Ab tumhare hawale watan saathiyo” continue to inspire generations with their message of sacrifice and patriotism. The song, and the poet behind it, remain immortal in India’s cultural and emotional memory.