The legendary music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, known by the stage name, Khayyam, has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry. His work in films like Kabhi Kabhie, Umrao Jaan, Razia Sultan and Shola Aur Shabnam continues to resonate with audiences today. A significant part of Khayyam’s success was his magical collaboration with the iconic singer Asha Bhosle. Their partnership produced unforgettable melodies that have become timeless classics.
Khayyam and Asha Bhosle’s collaboration is particularly notable for their work on the 1972 film Pakeezah and the 1982 film Umrao Jaan. In a throwback interview during Asha Bhosle’s birthday celebration, Khayyam shared fascinating stories about their journey together. He fondly recalled how they began working on Arabic-style songs like ‘Mere Mann Ke Aangan, Chaand Chamka’ and ‘Humein Chhod Ke Na Jaana, Hua Dil Ka Nishaana’, which were among their first successful collaborations.
Khayyam praised Asha Bhosle’s versatility, highlighting her ability to sing in any style or language. He described her as a singer who could master any genre, which made their partnership even more special. Their collaboration reached new heights with Umrao Jaan, a film that required a unique musical approach to capture the emotions of its central character, played by Rekha. The story of a young girl kidnapped and sold into a brothel, where she becomes a courtesan and poet, demanded a different kind of music.
To achieve this, Khayyam demanded Asha Bhosle for a strictly different style, for which she went on to rehearse intensively for over ten days, ensuring that every note and emotion was perfect. The result was a soundtrack that became iconic, with music that is still celebrated as one of the finest ever composed. Khayyam’s work on Umrao Jaan, combined with Asha Bhosale’s ethereal voice, created something truly extraordinary, a collaboration that remains unmatched.
The bond between Khayyam and Asha Bhosle was one of mutual respect and admiration, and their music continues to be cherished by fans worldwide. To hear more about Khayyam’s reflections on his work with Asha Bhosale, watch the full interview below.
The heartwarming memories shared by Khayyam about his collaboration with Asha Bhosle remind us of the enduring legacy of their work, leaving an everlasting impact on Indian music.
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