A. M. Turaz, whose full name is Aas Mohammad Turaz, is an Indian poet, lyricist and screenwriter known for his work in Hindi cinema and Urdu poetry. He has written lyrics for films including Guzaarish, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Badla, Kaabil, Satyaprem Ki Katha and Heeramandi.
Some of his well-known songs include “Udi,” “Aayat,” “Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse,” “Aaj Ibaadat,” “Ghoomar,” “Binte Dil,” “Khalibali,” “Jab Saiyaan,” and “Naseeb Se.” His lyrics often combine Hindi and Urdu poetic traditions with contemporary film music.
His association with Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been particularly notable. He contributed lyrics to Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi, among other projects.A. M. Turaz was born on 19 September, with several sources listing 1981 as his birth year. He comes from Sambhaleheda village in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh and later moved to Mumbai to pursue writing. Turaz has explained that he developed an interest in poetry when he was around 18 and began writing seriously before moving to Mumbai.
After arriving in Mumbai, Turaz initially worked in television and wrote for television serials. He has said that his first television project was Pali Hills, produced for ETV Urdu, and that he also worked on programmes for DD Metro. His first film lyric-writing assignment was Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamaana, released in 2006.
His early film work included Jail, Guzaarish, Chakravyuh and Jackpot. His songs “Udi” and “Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse” helped bring wider recognition to his writing.
Turaz received significant recognition for his work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. His lyrics for Bajirao Mastani included “Aayat” and “Aaj Ibaadat,” while his work on Padmaavat included “Ghoomar,” “Binte Dil” and “Khalibali.” He later contributed “Jab Saiyaan” to Gangubai Kathiawadi.
He has also continued to participate in mushairas and poetry events, maintaining a connection with Urdu poetry alongside his film work. In a 2024 Sahitya AajTak appearance, Turaz discussed his journey from Muzaffarnagar to Mumbai, his struggles in the film industry and his continuing interest in poetry.
His later songwriting credits include films such as Badla, Malaal, Marjaavaan, Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna, Satyaprem Ki Katha and other Hindi film projects. Birth Date: 19 September 1981 Birth Place: Sambhaleheda, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India Profession: Lyricist, Poet, Screenwriter, Dialogue Writer Genres: Hindi Film Music, Urdu Poetry, Ghazal, Bollywood Years Active: 2002–Present