Web Desk (July 11, 2018): Today marks the 17th death anniversary of poet Qateel Shifai. Qateel inked more than 900 songs for over 201 films. The first film he penned the lyrics for was Teri Yaad, which was first movie of Pakistan.
Qateel Shifai was born as Muhammad Aurangzeb December 24, 1919 in area of Haripur, KPK. He adopted Qateel Shifai as his pen name in 1938, under which he was known in the world of Urdu poetry. Qateel was his ‘takhallus’ and Shifai was in honour of his teacher Hakeem Mohammed Yahya Shifa Khanpuri, whom he considered his mentor.
Qateel Shifai started poetry at the age of 13 and his first collection was published in 1942.
His songs and poems were included in Pakistan’s first released film ‘Teri Yaad’. Some of the most famous songs of Pakistani film industry were penned down by him only. He has contributed his words to almost every musician of that time.
Qateel Shifai wrote songs for many super hit films including ‘Naila’, ‘Naukar’, ‘Ishq Laila’ and ‘Intezar’, which are still remembered in India as well.
He wrote more than 900 songs for over 201 films. He was the first Pakistani poet/writer who wrote songs for Indian films as well. Apart from this, Shifai made many films which include Pashtu film ‘Ajab Khan Afridi’ and Hindko film called ‘Qissa Khwani’.
Some of his famous poetic collections include ‘Haryali’, ‘Jaltarang’, ‘Rozan’, ‘Jhoomar’, ‘Perahan’, ‘Bargad’, ‘Awaazon ke Saaye’, ‘Guftugo’ and others.
Qateel Shifai received the ‘Pride of Performance Award’ in 1994 for his contribution to literature by the Government of Pakistan, ‘Adamjee Award’, ‘Naqoosh Award’, ‘Abbasin Arts Council Award’ were all given to him in Pakistan, and then the much coveted ‘Amir Khusro Award’ was given in India. In 1999, he received a ‘Special Millennium Nigar Award’ for his lifetime contributions to the Pakistan film industry.
He died on 11 July 2001 in Lahore. The street on which he lived in Lahore has been named Qateel Shifai Street after him. There is also a sector of Haripur city that has been named after him – Mohallah Qateel Shifai.
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