Bashar Nawaz was a distinguished Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, critic and scriptwriter, best known in Hindi cinema for writing the timeless song “Karoge Yaad To Har Baat Yaad Aayegi” for the film Bazaar (1982). His literary work and film lyrics established him as an important voice in Urdu poetry and Indian film music.
He also wrote for radio and television and was associated with the progressive literary movement. His songs were sung by celebrated artists including Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle.
Bashar Nawaz was born as Basharat Nawaz Khan on 18 August 1935 in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. He was the son of Amin Nawaz Khan, a poet, critic and writer. He later became known in literary circles by his pen name “Bashar.”
After completing his intermediate education, he went to Hyderabad for higher studies but did not complete his graduation. He began writing poetry in 1953 and started receiving invitations to major mushairas from 1954 onward. At a Hyderabad mushaira, the renowned progressive poet Makhdoom Mohiuddin introduced him to a wider audience.
Bashar Nawaz became associated with the Progressive Writers' Movement and developed a distinctive style of poetry noted for its rhythm, musicality and emotional depth. His published literary works include the poetry collections Raigan and Ajnabi Samandar, as well as the critical work Naya Adab Naye Masail.
He also worked in the film industry as a lyricist. His most famous film song is “Karoge Yaad To Har Baat Yaad Aayegi” from Bazaar (1982), which remains one of his best-known works.
Apart from films, Bashar Nawaz wrote several radio dramas and scripted the television serial Amir Khusro, which was broadcast on Doordarshan. He also wrote 26 episodes of the musical programme Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara for All India Radio and worked on a television serial about Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
His poetry has been translated into several Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi and Kannada, and his work has appeared in numerous Urdu poetry anthologies.
Bashar Nawaz died on 9 July 2015 in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, following a brief illness. He was 79 years old.