Versatile poet Ahmed Rahi remembered on death anniversary

Ahmed Rahi, whose real name was Ghulam Ahmed, was born on November 12, 1923, into a Kashmiri family in Amritsar. He continued to receive poetic correction from his college friend Saifuddin Saif in Amritsar, and his poetry began to be published in several literary journals, including the monthly Afkar.

After the establishment of Pakistan, Ahmed Rahi came to Lahore. In 1953, Ahmed Rahi's first poetry collection, 'Taranjan', was published, which was so well received that it was made a part of the Punjabi curriculum.

Ahmed Rahi began his film songwriting career in 1948 by writing songs for the Punjabi film 'Belly' at the behest of Saadat Hasan Manto. He went on to write songs for more than 100 films, including Mahi Munda, Chomantar, Yeke Wali, Mehndi Wale Hath, Mirza Jatt, Sasi Pannu and Heer Ranjha.

Ahmed Rahi was also awarded the Nigar Award for his song Laga Hai Hassan Ka Bazaar in Urdu Film Bazaar, while heartwarming songs like Chanda Tori Chandni Mein Jiya Jala Jaye Re, Ab Het Koi Nahi Koi Nahi Aaye Ga and Lot Aao Mere Pardesi Bahaar Aaye Hai still touch hearts today. On September 2, 2002, he died.