The long-lasting hits of Faruk Kaisar – Birth centenary special

In a four-decade-long career, Faruk Kaisar tried his hand at writing and direction, but eventually got fame as a lyricist. Kaisar, who was born in 1918, grew up in Bombay and had a great love for poetry and literature.

He happened to be a neighbour of filmmaker Kamran Khan who encouraged him to join the Hindi film industry. Later, he wrote the lyrics for a few of Khan's films as well. Kaisar also worked as an assistant director, but it was as a lyricist that he remained until his death in 1987.

On his birth centenary, we present five songs that Faruk Kaisar is remembered for till today.

1. 'Sari Sari Raat Teri Yaad Sataye' – Aji Bas Shukriya (1958)

Starring Geeta Bali and Suresh, Aji Bas Shukriya (1958) featured a who's who of comedic talent from Johnny Walker and Tun Tun to Shubha Khote, Shammi, Mukri and others. The hit film revolved around Geeta Bali's character, whose interest in singing and dancing turns her into a star. Faruk Kaisar also worked as an assistant to director Mohammed Husain and supplied both serious and fun lyrics in the film.

For 'Sach Keheta Hai Johnny Walker' sung by Asha Bhosle, he kept the lyrics light, but his lyrics grew poignant for 'Sari Sari Raat Teri Yaad Sataye' sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Reportedly he wrote the song for his wife Aisha when she was ill and hospitalized with tuberculosis.

The music of Aji Bas Shukriya (1958) was composed by Roshan. The song was picturized on Geeta Bali's character as she sings the number in a recording studio with a live orchestra and later pictures herself waiting for her love.

2. 'Ooee Maa Ooee Maa Yeh Kya Ho Gaya' – Parasmani (1963)

In Laxmikant-Pyarelal's first film as music composers, Faruk Kaisar penned the popular song 'Ooee Maa Ooee Maa Yeh Kya Ho Gaya' for Parasmani (1963). It was his only song for the film's album, and while it did not make the Binaca Geetmala countdown like their other outstanding number 'Hansta Hua Noorani Chehra', the newspaper The Hindu said the song could still leave you in a trance.

The writeup on the film said, "The captivating voice of Lata Mangeshkar and the artistic movements of Helen make for a heady combination. It is the first song of the movie and sets the trend really."

The number featured a special appearance by Helen who exuberantly danced away decked in a ghagra-choli. The fantasy film became a big hit largely due to the musical contributions of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and the film's three lyricists — Kaisar, Asad Bhopali and Indivar.

3. 'Qurbani Qurbani' – Qurbani (1980)

The music of a Feroz Khan film would almost always be memorable. Such was the case with his third film as director, Qurbani (1980), which also starred Vinod Khanna and Zeenat Aman. Songs like 'Aap Jaisa Koi' and 'Laila Ho Laila' were chartbusters, but the qawwali written by Faruk Kaisar, which featured the film's title, has also remained in the memory of listeners.

Sung by Anwar, Aziz Nazan Sholapuri and Kishore Kumar, 'Qurbani Qurbani' is an ode to friendship in an upbeat number composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. The song was picturized on the film's two macho leads, Feroz Khan and Vinod Khanna, who frolic in front of a suspicious Amjad Khan, who naturally thinks the two miscreants are up to something.

4. 'Koi Yahaan Aha Nache Nache' – Disco Dancer (1982)

Not many would know that the lyricist behind the catchy number, 'Koi Yahaan Aha Nache Nache' from the Mithun Chakraborty starrer Disco Dancer (1982) was 64 when he wrote the number. Composed by Bappi Lahiri, the song was heavily influenced by the MTV hit song, 'Video Killed the Radio Star', by the English band The Buggles.

Set on the dance floor, the song was picturized on Karan Razdan and Kalpana Iyer. Once again, this was Kaisar's contribution to the soundtrack that would go on to be a global hit in countries such as Russia and China. 'Koi Yahaan Aha Nache Nache' was sung by Usha Uthup and Lahiri.

5. 'O Yaara Tu Pyaaron Se Hai Pyaara' – Kaash (1987)

For one of his last assignments, Faruk Kaisar wrote all the songs of the Kaash soundtrack. He died two months after the film's release on 10 November 1987. The family drama starred Jackie Shroff and Dimple Kapadia as a couple who separate and reunite for the sake of their terminally ill son.

Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Kaash was a sensitive look at the relationship of a married couple and the toll it takes on their young child. The film's music was composed by Rajesh Roshan and also became one of the last soundtracks that singer Kishore Kumar sang for, making the music even more abiding.

The song 'O Yaara Tu Pyaaron Se Hai Pyaara', a duet by Kishore Kumar and Anupama Deshpande, has the power to tug at your heartstrings.