Leading poet and educationist Hasan Akbar Kamal passed away in Karachi, leaving a legacy of patriotic songs and romantic numbers that will keep alive his name for many years to come. He was an English Professor who wrote lyrics in perfect Urdu and was loved by three generations because of his easy to remember and…
SAMAA | Omair Alavi – Posted: Jul 21, 2017 | Last Updated: 4 years ago
Leading poet and educationist Hasan Akbar Kamal passed away in Karachi, leaving a legacy of patriotic songs and romantic numbers that will keep alive his name for many years to come. He was an English Professor who wrote lyrics in perfect Urdu and was loved by three generations because of his easy to remember and influence lyrics. Some of his best work is presented below so you can know what a loss it has been for Pakistan.
Kabhi Tum Idhar Se Guzar Kay To Dekho (Alamgir)
Hasan Akbar Kamal was a poet for 10 years before he turned to songwriting in 1979; his first song was composed and sung by Alamgir and is still remembered as one of the best romantic numbers of the era.
Azaad Rehna Hai Abaad Rehna Hai (Khalid Waheed)
This hard-to-find song won the first prize in an all Pakistan competition where people from all over the country sent their entries. This Javed Allah Ditta composition was sung by Khalid Waheed and the lyrics are still valid to this day despite being 30 years old.
Koi Baat Karo (Tina Sani)
Arshad Mehmud composed this number for PTV (no drama, just election transmission) and it went onto become a rage and people still ask Tina Sani to sing this number whenever she is performing.
Aise Hum Jeeyain (Vital Signs)
Junaid Jamshed and his team at Vital Signs then became students of Hasan Akbar Kamal the lyricist and every album of theirs after the second one had at least one number from the maestro. The Air Force song is still fresh although it has lost its voice and writer in the last 12 months.
Yehi Zameen (Vital Signs)
Vital Signs’ 3rd album had this brilliant number penned by Hasan Akbar Kamal; the love for your country is described in the best manner and that’s the reason why people still go teary-eyed when the listen to this emotional track.
Hum Hain Pakistani (Vital Signs)
We may not have won the World Cup in 1996 but Hasan Akbar Kamal’s song has been making our sportsmen perform to the best of their abilities ever since. No matter what the occasion, whenever the team wins (be it Cricket, Hockey, Squash or Tennis), this song is the first thing we play!
Qasam Us Waqt Ki (Junaid Jamshed)
Junaid Jamshed paid a tribute to Mujeeb Alam’s Qasam Us Waqt Ki song 30 years after it was released; Hasan Akbar Kamal changed most of the lyrics and modernized it for the audience who have been thanking him since.
Maula (Vital Signs)
We don’t know if the three strangers walking into the town were spirits or actual travelers but what we know is that the lyrics were so powerful that they evoke emotions inside the heart. And today, Maula took back the guy who made people realize that it would be best to thank the Creator whenever you can!
Dil Mangay Dil Mangay (Junaid Jamshed)
The song was targeted to the current youth who have issues with everything yet don’t try to solve the problems. The lyrics are so well-penned that you will feel motivated to do anything after you are through the song.
Hai Meri Sar Zameen Roshan (Arshad Mehmood + Amir Zaki)
And his final swansong had all the renowned singers in the country (15 years back) who combined to pay tribute to the Sar Zameen that is Roshan! Thank You Hasan Akbar Kamal sahab for giving us all the more reasons to love Pakistan.
