Lyricist and Writer Akhtar Romani Passes Away

It is a sad day for Bollywood as it loses its one of the notable lyricist and writer Akhtar Romani who passed away on 14^th July, 2015 in Mumbai where he had spent most of his life. Romani’s contemporaries from college days included people like Vijay Anand (director), Mahendra Kapoor (playback singer) and Ameen Sayani (radio and stage legend).

From his college days itself Romani showcased interest in dramas. He had knack towards Urdu language and poetry and consequently during the 1950s, soon after his college, he started writing for Hindi film songs. He started working as a writer with Ameen Sayani who was the writer and voice of Binaca Geetmala and also produced radio advertising campaigns to promote Hindi films. Sayani’s first venture in the film publicity production was Hatim Tai and it featured a hit song by Romani. During the late 60s Romani started writing dialogues for Hindi films.

Romani, during his journey in Hindi film industry worked with Raj Khosla for movies like Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Kuchche Dhaage, Kabeela, and for Shakti Samanta’s movies including Mehbooba, Ajanabee, and also Kalyanji – Anandji with whom Romani worked as a lyricist. A flair for Urdu language definitely calls for the skill to write Ghazals and Romani made much significant contribution in this arena as well.

Life is mortal but actions of the great people cannot be forgotten. Though Romani has left us but at the same time he has left his footsteps in the history of Hindi film industry to be always treasured and cherished.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wfUNzgqSOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeQzagyzm2Q