Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Shakeel Azmi

Shakeel Azmi (born 20 April 1971) is an 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 . 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 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 , , 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 , 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 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 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 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. [1]
    Shakeel Azmi - Profile & Biography - Rekhta
    Poet and film lyricist. Profile of Shakeel Azmi Real Name : Shakil Ahmad Khan Born : Azamgarh, Uttar pradesh LCCN : no00092633
  2. [2]
    Shakeel Azmi – Gaihaan Books Pvt. Ltd.
    Shakeel Azmi (born 20 April 1971, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh) is a prominent Urdu poet, lyricist, and scriptwriter, celebrated for his evocative ghazals and nazms ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  3. [3]
    Dr Mahendra Madhukar Honoured With Jagran Sahitya Srijan ...
    Oct 11, 2025 · Shakeel Azmi, whose poetry collection Vanvaas was awarded, said, "My book has been a bestseller for three years now. It's heartening to see ...
  4. [4]
    Shakeel Azmi - Movies, Biography, News, Age & Photos
    Shakeel Azmi (Azmi) is an Indian lyricist born on 20 April, 1971 in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. Azmi has given his contribution to the Indian cinema.
  5. [5]
    Shakeel Azmi- Best Song Lyrics 2020 Nominee| Filmfare Awards
    Shakeel Azmi. Movie - Thappad. Song - Ek Tukda Dhoop. Ek tukda dhoop talks about having one's own place in the sun. It's a homage to freedom, to the ability ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Shakeel Azmi - Awards - IMDb
    2020 Winner FOI Online Award. Best Lyrics. Thappad. Song: "Ek Tukda Dhoop". Contribute to this page. Suggest an edit or add missing content.Missing: poetry collections
  7. [7]
    Shakeel Azmi Age, Movies, Biography - Chiloka
    Name. Shakeel Azmi (शकील आज़मी) ; Other Names. ShakeelAzmi, ; Date Of Birth. 20 April 1971 ; Age. 54 years 6 months 24 days ; Place Of Birth. Azamgarh, UP ...
  8. [8]
    Hindi Lyricist Shakeel Azmi Biography, News, Photos, Videos
    He was born to parents Wakeel Ahmed Khan and Sitarunisa Khan on April 20, 1971, in Azamgarh, UP. He started his career as a lyricist in the movie "Woh Tera ...Missing: father | Show results with:father
  9. [9]
    Shakeel Azmi - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia
    Oct 11, 2024 · Shakeel Azmi (born 20 April 1971 in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh) ... Parents. Wakeel Ahmed Khan, Sitarunisa Khan. Movies. Haunted ‑ 3D, Life ...Missing: father | Show results with:father
  10. [10]
    All Poets/Writers From Azamgarh List - Rekhta
    Saghar Azmi was a popular Urdu poet from Azamgarh in U.P. He has been a regular participant in international mushairas in Dubai, Sharjah, Pakistan, Saudi ...
  11. [11]
    Darul Musannefin: The Glorious Beacon of Knowledge and the
    Darul Musannefin or The House of Writers, tucked away in the quiet lanes of Azamgarh, far from the clamour of metropolitan academies and political capitals,
  12. [12]
    Urdu Books of Shakeel Azmi - Rekhta
    His song “Ek Tukda Dhoop Ka” from the film Thappad earned him a Filmfare nomination in 2021, while the Gujarat Urdu Sahitya Academy honored him with the ...Missing: collections | Show results with:collections
  13. [13]
    dhoop dariya by Shakeel Azmi | Rekhta
    ### Summary of "Dhoop Dariya" by Shakeel Azmi
  14. [14]
    Dil Parinda Hai (Hindi Edition) eBook : Azmi, Shakeel - Amazon.com
    30-day returnsDhoop Darya (1996) · Ash Tray (2000) · Rasta Bulata Hai (2005) · Khizan Ka Mausam Ruka Hua Hai (2010) · Mitti Mein Aasman (2012) · Pokhar Mein Singhade (2014) ...
  15. [15]
    Paron Ko Khol (Hindi Edition): 9788183227957: Shakeel Azmi
    30-day returnsBook details · Print length. 192 pages · Language. Hindi · Publisher. Manjul Publishing House · Publication date. January 18, 2017 · Dimensions. 8 x 5 x 0.5 ...
  16. [16]
    Books by Shakeel Azmi (Author of Paron Ko Khol) - Goodreads
    Rating 4.1 (16) Shakeel Azmi has 2 books on Goodreads with 101 ratings. Shakeel Azmi's most popular book is Paron Ko Khol (Hindi Edition) ... Banwas by Shakeel Azmi Banwas (Hindi ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    banwas by Shakeel Azmi | Rekhta
    Author : Shakeel Azmi Publisher : Arshia Publications, Delhi Year of Publication : 2020 Language : Urdu Categories : Poetry Pages : 203 Contributor : Rekhta
  18. [18]
    Buy Banwaas (Hindi) Book Online at Low Prices in India - Amazon.in
    Rating 4.2 (57) Paron Ko Khol. Shakeel Azmi. 4.4 out of 5 stars 106. Paperback. 5 offers from ₹195.28 · Dil Parinda Hai. Shakeel Azmi. 3.8 out of 5 stars 7. Paperback. 12 offers ...
  19. [19]
    All writings of Shakeel Azmi | Rekhta
    Shakeel Azmi collection of poetry, ghazal, Nazm in Urdu, Hindi & English. Read more about Shakeel Azmi and access their famous audio, video, and ebooks.”
  20. [20]
    Banwas (Hindi Edition) eBook : Azmi, Shakeel - Amazon.in
    Rating 4.2 (53) जंगल हमारा आबाई वतन है। हज़ारों बरस पहले जब ज़मीन पर इन्सानी ख़ून और बारूद की लकीरें नहीं खींची गई थीं, जब न मुल्क थे न शह्र थे, न रियासतें थीं, तब स़िर्फ ज़मीन थी, जंगल थे और हम थे।
  21. [21]
    A Grand International Moshaira at Houston: Organized by Aligarh ...
    Sep 9, 2016 · After recognition of great poetess, Urdu poetry collection of Dr. ... Iqbal Ashar and Shakeel Azmi presented heart throbbing ghazals and poems ...
  22. [22]
    A Poetic Evening with Shakeel Azmi | Grand Mushaira - YouTube
    Dec 30, 2024 · Witness the poetic brilliance of the renowned Urdu poet and Bollywood lyricist Shakeel Azmi at the Deccan Literature Festival 2024, ...Missing: themes recognition awards
  23. [23]
    March 03, 2016: 5th Veda: Mehfil-e-Shayari - WWI
    While Shakil Azmi who has won more than 11 literary awards and authored several books, left the students thinking with his thought-provoking poetry.
  24. [24]
    Lyrics and video of Songs from the Movie Madhoshi (2004)
    Lyrics and video of songs from Movie / Album : Madhoshi (2004); Music by ... Shakeel Azmi. Music Director: Roop Kumar Rathod. Film Director: Tanveer Khan.
  25. [25]
    Shakeel Azmi Filmography - Box Office India
    Shakeel Azmi Filmography. Lyrics. --, Film, Release Date, Nett Gross, Verdict. 37. Anek. 27 May 2022, 7,02,25,000, Disaster. 36. Mera Fauji Calling. 12 Mar 2021 ...Missing: debut lyricist
  26. [26]
    Lyrics and video of Songs from the Movie Zid (2014)
    Lyrics and video of songs from Movie / Album : Zid (2014); Music by ... Shakeel Azmi. Music Director: Sharib Sabri, Toshi Sabri. Film Director: Vivek ...
  27. [27]
    Article 15 Song Lyrics - Bollywood Hungama
    A : Article 15 ; Shuru Karein Kya · Slowcheetah ; Naina Yeh · Rashmi Virag ; Intezari · Shakeel Azmi ; Kahab Toh · Shakeel Azmi ; Intezari Unplugged · Shakeel Azmi.
  28. [28]
    Thappad Song Lyrics - Bollywood Hungama
    T : Thappad · Play. Haye 'O Rabba Naiyo Lagda Dil. Lyricist: Shakeel Azmi · Play. Dancing In The Sun. Lyricist: Shakeel Azmi · Play. Ek Tukda Dhoop. Lyricist: ...
  29. [29]
    Anek Song Lyrics - Bollywood Hungama
    Read Anek Song Lyrics now. Get all song lyrics from the movie Anek at Bollywood Hungama. ... Voice Of Anek. Lyricst: Shakeel Azmi. 00:00 / 00:00. Trending Lyrics.
  30. [30]
    Lyrics and video of Songs from the Movie Bheed (2023)
    Singer: Omprakash Yadav, Romy ; Lyricist: Dr Sagar, Shakeel Azmi, Traditional ; Music Director: Anurag Saikia, Traditional ; Film Director: Anubhav Sinha ; Film ...
  31. [31]
    Tum Bin 2 : Lyrics and video of Songs from the Movie Tum Bin 2 ...
    Lyrics and video of songs from Movie / Album : Tum Bin 2 ... Tum Bin 2 (2016) · Faaiz Anwar, Shakeel Azmi · Ghazals ... screen shot of song - Tum Bin (Tum Bin 2) ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Cast & Crew for Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past (2025) - Trakt
    Cast & Crew for Haunted 3D: Ghosts of the Past ( ... Dialogue · Shakeel Azmi · Lyricist · Vikram Bhatt · Lyricist, Writer ...