Kaifi Azmi honoured with special postal tribute, mushairas on his 24th death anniversary

Renowned poet and lyricist Kaifi Azmi was remembered on his 24th death anniversary on Sunday through the release of a special postal cover, along with cultural performances and literary events celebrating his legacy. The late Urdu poet and lyricist is known for bringing Urdu literature into the film industry. Some of his notable works include ''Chalte Chalte'' from the 1972 film ''Pakeezah'', ''Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye'' from ''Arth'' directed by Mahesh Bhatt, ''Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil'' from ''Heer Ranjha'' directed by Chetan Anand, and the poem ''Aurat'', regarded among his finest contributions to Urdu and Hindi literature. The Postal Department in Mumbai released a special cover dedicated to Azmi, which was unveiled by chief postmaster general, Maharashtra and Goa, Amitabh Singh. This was followed by a screening of the film ''Raag Shayari'' at G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture. Based on Kaifi Azmi's poetry, the film features his son-in-law, acclaimed lyricist Javed Akhtar, reciting Urdu verses, while his actor daughter Shabana Azmi reads their translations. The film also featured musician Shankar Mahadevan, who composed and sang music for 13 of Kaifi Azmi's poems, along with late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee. Originally staged as a live performance during Kaifi's 100th birth anniversary celebrations, the programme has now been adapted into a film directed by Feroz Abbas Khan. The Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) is also hosting a festival in honour of the poet, bringing together artists and performers to revisit his contributions to literature and cinema. Meanwhile, in Lucknow, All India Kaifi Azmi Academy has organised a mushaira and a play based on Kaifi's celebrated work, ''Zehr-e-Ishq''.

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