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Shakeel Azmi
Shakeel Azmi
Shakeel Azmi
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Shakeel Azmi (born 20 April, 1971) is an Indian lyricist and poet. Born in Azamgarh, India, he writes in Urdu language and is primarily known for his contribution as a film lyricist in Bollywood.[1][2] Most of his poetry revolves around ghazals, a genre of Urdu poetry.[3]

Key Information

Filmography

[edit]
As lyricist[4]
Year Film Composer(s) Notes
2023 Bheed Anurag Saikia One song
2022 Anek
Kaun Pravin Tambe?
Atithi Bhooto Bhava Prasad S.
Middle Class Love Himesh Reshammiya Two songs
2021 Mera Fauji Calling Vijay Verma One Song
2020 Ateet Harish Sagane All songs
Thappad Anurag Saikia
Hacked Jeet Gannguli One song
2019 Ghost Nayeem - Sabir
Article 15 Anurag Saikia Four songs
2018 1921 Harish Sagane
Nirdosh Liyakat Ajmeri One song
Mulk Prasad Sashte
Anurag Saikia 		All songs
2017 Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana[5] Rashid Khan
JAM8 		Five songs (Two with Kunaal Vermaa)
The Forest N/A
Sweetiee Weds NRI Raaj Aashoo One song
Baaraat Company Ali-Ghani
The House Next Door Girishh G
2016 Tum Bin II Ankit Tiwari Two songs
based on the original "Ghazal" by Faaiz Anwar[6]
2015 Luckhnowi ishq Raaj Aashoo One song
Ishq Ke Parindey[7] Vijay Varmaa Three songs
2014 Zid Shaarib-Toshi All songs
Karle Pyaar Karle Prashant Singh One song
Ya Rab Amjad-Nadeem All songs
2012 1920: Evil Returns[8] Chirantan Bhatt Three songs
2011 Haunted – 3D One song
2010 Life Express Roop Kumar Rathod All songs
2009 Three – Love, Lies and Betrayal Chirantan Bhatt
Trump Card Lalit Sen One song
2008 EMI Chirantan Bhatt
Pehli Nazar Ka Pyaar Ali-Ghani
Dhoom Dadakka Roop Kumar Rathod
2007 Showbiz Lalit Pandit
Dhokha M. M. Kreem
2006 Woh Lamhe Roop Kumar Rathod
2005 Nazar One song
Zeher Two songs
Tezaab – The Acid of Love N/A
2004 Madhoshi Roop Kumar Rathod
Woh Tera Naam Tha Two songs

Publications

[edit]
  • Shakeel Azmi (2017). Paron Ko Khol. Manjul. ISBN 9788183227957.
  • Pokhar Mein Singhaade, Childhood Biography (Poetry Collection) – 2014
  • Mitti Mein Aasmaan (Poetry Collection) – 2012
  • Khizan Ka Mausam Ruka Hua Hai 9 Poetry Collection – 2010
  • Raasta bulata Hai (Poetry Collection) – 2005
  • Ashtray (Poetry Collection) – 2000
  • Dhoop Dariya (Poetry Collection) – 1996

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shakeel Azmi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shakeel Azmi (born 20 April 1971) is an Indian Urdu-language , , and renowned for his poignant ghazals, nazms, and contributions to Bollywood cinema. Born in , , as Shakil Ahmad Khan, he later relocated to , where he has established himself as a versatile literary figure blending traditional with contemporary film narratives. His work often explores themes of love, longing, societal introspection, and human resilience, earning acclaim in both literary circles and the entertainment industry. Azmi's poetic oeuvre includes several acclaimed collections that highlight his mastery of Urdu verse, such as Dhoop Dariya (1996), Ashtray (2000), Raasta Bulata Hai, Khizan Ka Mausam Ruka Hua Hai, Mitti Mein Mil Jaane Wala Aadmi, and the recent Vanvaas. These works have been praised for their emotional depth and linguistic , with Vanvaas securing the Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman in 2025 for its insightful portrayal of and identity. In addition to poetry, he has received the Gaurav Award from the Gujarat Urdu Sahitya Academy for his overall contributions to . As a lyricist, Azmi has penned songs for over a dozen Bollywood films, including Tum Bin II (2016), Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), Article 15 (2019), Thappad (2020), and Anek (2022). His standout composition, "Ek Tukda Dhoop Ka" from Thappad, celebrates themes of personal freedom and autonomy, earning him a nomination for Best Lyricist at the 66th Filmfare Awards in 2021 and the FOI Online Award for Best Lyrics in 2020. Azmi's screenwriting credits further extend his influence, blending poetic sensibility with cinematic storytelling to address social issues and emotional narratives.

Early life

Birth and family background

Shakeel Azmi, born Shakil Ahmad Khan, entered the world on April 20, 1971, in , , . His parents were Wakeel Ahmed Khan and Sitarunisa Khan, who provided a stable family environment during his early years. , his birthplace and childhood home, holds a prominent place in 's cultural landscape as a cradle of literary traditions, having produced numerous influential poets and scholars. This regional heritage, steeped in the nuances of and prose, surrounded Azmi from a young age, fostering an early immersion in the linguistic and artistic elements that would later define his creative path. Growing up in this intellectually vibrant district, Azmi's formative experiences were shaped by the local emphasis on expression, which naturally attuned him to the rhythms and sentiments of poetic tradition.

Education and influences

Shakeel Azmi received his early education in , , a region celebrated for its deep-rooted tradition in and scholarship, including institutions like Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy, which serves as a hub for writers and poets. Growing up in this culturally vibrant environment, Azmi was exposed to the nuances of , , and related linguistic forms from a young age, fostering his innate affinity for .

Literary career

Poetry and publications

Shakeel Azmi has authored nine notable collections of , primarily featuring ghazals and nazms that explore motifs of , separation, , and social issues. These works have garnered acclaim in Urdu literary circles, with Azmi becoming a sought-after performer at mushairas and kavi sammelans, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary . His debut collection, Dhoop Dariya (1996), introduces a blend of ghazals and nazms reflecting on personal emotions and natural imagery, marking his early foray into introspective verse. This was followed by Ashtray (2000), which delves deeper into themes of longing and transience through poignant poetic forms. In 2005, Raasta Bulata Hai presented a series of ghazals and nazms centered on journeys—both literal and metaphorical—evoking social reflections and human resilience. Khizan Ka Mausam Ruka Hua Hai (2010) shifted focus to seasonal metaphors of decay and renewal, incorporating nazms that address emotional and societal stagnation. Subsequent publications include Mitti Mein Aasmaan (2012), a collection blending earthy realism with aspirational motifs in ghazals exploring love and existential depth. Pokhar Mein Singhaade (2014) draws from childhood reminiscences in its nazms and ghazals, intertwining personal with broader . Paron Ko Khol (2017, ISBN 9788183227957), published by Manjul Publishing House, features liberating verses in ghazals and nazms that emphasize freedom, self-discovery, and relational dynamics, receiving positive reader feedback for its emotional accessibility. His most recent collections include Banwaas (also known as Vanvaas, 2020), a bestseller in circles, comprising reflective nazms and ghazals on , isolation, and return, resonating amid contemporary global themes, and Aag Se Bichhda Dhuan (2023), published by Arshia Publications. Overall, Azmi's publications have contributed to the revival of modern Urdu poetic traditions, with collections widely available through platforms like and praised for their lyrical depth and relevance.

Themes and recognition in Urdu literature

Shakeel Azmi's is characterized by recurring themes of and separation, often portrayed through evocative ghazals that capture the anguish of longing and loss, as seen in lines like "aaj ik aur baras biit gayā us ke baġhair," which laments the passage of time without a beloved. His works also integrate nature as a for human emotions and transience, with imagery of and paths evoking renewal and journeys, such as in "bārisheñ hoñ to bhiig jaayā kar," blending personal introspection with elemental forces. Additionally, socio-political undertones emerge in collections like Banwas (also known as Vanvaas), which reflects on displacement and ancestral lands before modern borders, drawing from the to comment on human divisions and exile in contemporary society. Stylistically, Azmi employs traditional Urdu forms like the and , infusing them with modern sensibilities through simple yet profound language that prioritizes emotional accessibility over ornate complexity. This approach allows his to resonate with diverse audiences, combining rhythmic flow and lyrical depth to explore resilience amid adversity, as in "haar ho jaatī hai jab maan liyā jaatā hai." Unlike more classical poets, Azmi's contemporary edge avoids archaic tropes, instead weaving personal narratives with subtle social critique, earning comparisons to modern voices for his ability to modernize heritage forms without diluting their essence. Azmi's recognition within the Urdu literary community stems from his frequent participation in prominent mushairas across and internationally, including events in , Qatar, and Deccan Literature Festivals, where his performances have drawn large crowds and fostered intergenerational dialogue in recitals. His collection Vanvaas achieved bestseller status for three consecutive years and received the Best Seller award at the Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman in 2025, highlighting its commercial and critical success. Overall, his contributions affirm his stature as a key figure in sustaining 's vibrancy amid its revival in contemporary through accessible publications and live engagements that bridge traditional and modern audiences.

Film career

Work as a lyricist

Shakeel Azmi made his debut as a lyricist in Bollywood with the film Madhoshi (2004), where he penned songs such as "Aye Khuda" and "O Jaane Jaana," marking his entry into through emotionally resonant tracks infused with poetic elements. His early work often featured individual contributions to soundtracks, blending his literary background with contemporary film narratives to create lyrics that emphasized themes of love, longing, and introspection. Over the course of his career, Azmi has contributed lyrics to numerous films, including over 25 projects, evolving from sporadic songwriting to handling complete soundtracks in several projects. Notable examples include Zid (2014), for which he wrote all songs like the title track "Zid" and "Mareez-E-Ishq," showcasing his ability to craft intense, passion-driven verses. Similarly, in Ateet (2020), he wrote the full set of lyrics, including "Akele Mein," a poignant ghazal-style piece that highlights his signature Urdu-infused Hindi phrasing. This progression reflects a deepening integration of his poetic roots into film music, prioritizing lyrical depth over commercial pop sensibilities. Azmi's collaborations with composers and singers have been pivotal in amplifying his Urdu-flavored lyrics within mainstream . He frequently partnered with on films directed by , such as Article 15 (2019) with tracks like "Intezari" and "Kahab Toh," which explore social and emotional undercurrents through melodic introspection sung by and . In (2020), his lyrics for "Ek Tukda Dhoop" and "Haye O Rabba Naiyo Lagda Dil" complemented Saikia's compositions, voiced by and Suvarna Tiwari, to underscore themes of resilience and quiet rebellion. Further collaborations include (2022), featuring "Voice of Anek" performed by , and (2023) with "Chanda Mama" sung by Romy, both maintaining his hallmark poetic elegance. With on (2016), Azmi adapted the ghazal-inspired "Teri Fariyad," rendered by and , bridging classical traditions with romantic film ballads. These partnerships have established Azmi as a who enriches Hindi film songs with linguistic nuance and emotional authenticity.

Contributions as a screenwriter

Shakeel Azmi transitioned from his roots in and film lyrics to during the , leveraging his literary background to contribute to cinematic narratives across genres such as social dramas, thrillers, and horror. His scripts and dialogues often explore themes of , familial and romantic relationships, and suspense, infusing emotional depth and poetic nuance into character-driven stories. With approximately 14 writing credits, Azmi's work emphasizes conceptual storytelling over spectacle, collaborating with directors on films that provoke reflection on societal issues. Azmi's screenwriting roles typically involve dialogue authorship and story contributions, distinguishing his narrative input from his lyrical efforts in shared projects. Notable examples include his dialogue writing for the horror sequel Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past (2025), where he helped craft tense exchanges amid supernatural elements. In social dramas like Bheed (2023), he contributed to the story exploring migrant struggles during the lockdown, emphasizing themes of inequality and resilience. Earlier works include story contributions to the 1920: Evil Returns (2012), enhancing its gothic atmosphere, and the medical thriller Ankur Arora Murder Case (2018), which delved into ethical dilemmas in healthcare. Upcoming projects such as Julia & Kaalia (2025) and Karamati Paudha (2025), the latter selected for festivals including the Habitat Film Festival and South Asian Short Film Festival in 2025, continue his involvement in thrillers and family-oriented narratives.

Awards and honors

Literary awards

Shakeel Azmi received the Gaurav Award from the Urdu Sahitya Academy in 2016 for his contributions to . In 2025, he was awarded the Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman for his poetry collection Vanvaas, receiving ₹50,000 along with other writers.

Film awards and nominations

For his lyrics in (2020), Azmi won the FOI Online Award for Best Lyrics for the song "Ek Tukda Dhoop" in 2020. He received a for Best Lyricist at the in 2021 for "Ek Tukda Dhoop" from . In 2022, Azmi won the (SWA) Award for Best Lyrics for "Mera Aasman Hain Papa" from . He also received the Jharkhand National Film Festival Special Jury Award in 2022 for "Voice of Anek" from .

References

  1. https://www.rekhta.org/poets/shakeel-azmi/profile
  2. https://gaihaanbooks.com/authors/shakeel-azmi/
  3. https://www.thedailyjagran.com/india/dr-mahendra-madhukar-honoured-with-jagran-sahitya-srijan-samman-piyush-mishra-shakil-azmi-among-other-awardees-10272922
  4. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/shakeel-azmi/IEIN009541
  5. https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2021/nominations/best-lyrics/shakeel-azmi
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1781121/awards/
  7. https://chiloka.com/celebrity/shakeel-azmi
  8. https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/hindi/lyricist/shakeel-azmi
  9. https://alchetron.com/Shakeel-Azmi
  10. https://www.rekhta.org/location/india/na/na/azamgarh
  11. https://urdumazamin.com/darul-musannefin-the-glorious-beacon-of-knowledge/
  12. https://www.rekhta.org/poets/shakeel-azmi/ebooks
  13. https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/dhoop-dariya-shakeel-azmi-ebooks
  14. https://www.amazon.com/Dil-Parinda-Hindi-Shakeel-Azmi-ebook/dp/B0DKB6DRXT
  15. https://www.amazon.com/Paron-Ko-Khol-Shakeel-Azmi/dp/8183227953
  16. https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/17814262.Shakeel_Azmi
  17. https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/banwas-ebooks
  18. https://www.amazon.in/Banwaas-Hindi-Shakeel-Azmi/dp/9355433298
  19. https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/aag-se-bichhda-dhuan-shakeel-azmi-ebooks
  20. https://www.rekhta.org/poets/shakeel-azmi/all
  21. https://www.amazon.in/Banwas-Hindi-Shakeel-Azmi-ebook/dp/B0FT1J2V5R
  22. https://www.indoamerican-news.com/a-grand-international-moshaira-at-houston-organized-by-aligarh-alumni-association-of-texas/
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5cKBSLPPiQ
  24. https://www.hindilyrics4u.com/movie/madhoshi.htm
  25. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/shakeel-azmi/credits/3060781499/
  26. https://www.hindigeetmala.net/movie/zid_2014.htm
  27. https://www.hindigeetmala.net/movie/ateet.htm
  28. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/song-lyrics/char/A/movie/article-15/
  29. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/song-lyrics/char/T/movie/thappad/
  30. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/song-lyrics/char/A/movie/anek/
  31. https://www.hindilyrics4u.com/movie/bheed_2023.htm
  32. https://www.hindilyrics4u.com/movie/tum_bin_2.htm
  33. https://trakt.tv/movies/haunted-3d-ghosts-of-the-past-2025/credits
  34. https://www.instagram.com/p/DFFkx8SIBXi/?hl=en
  35. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/urdu-academy-picks-4-names-for-gaurav-awards/
  36. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/10/11/lst2-award-literature.html
  37. https://theprint.in/ani-press-releases/swa-awards-2022-celebrates-good-screenwriting-in-the-hindi-entertainment-industry/1212463/
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