Qateel Shifai

Biography

Qateel Shifai was one of the most beloved Urdu poets and lyricists of the 20th century, known for bringing poetry into the homes and hearts of ordinary people through films and songs. His verses, often simple yet deeply moving, made him a household name across South Asia.

Born Muhammad Aurangzeb in Haripur in 1919, he grew up in modest circumstances. Life dealt him hardships early on—his father passed away when he was a teenager, forcing him to leave his education and work to support his family. But poetry was always in his soul. He chose the pen name “Qateel,” meaning “slain by love,” and “Shifai” as a tribute to his mentor Hakeem Mohammed Shifa.

In 1946, he began writing lyrics for films, quickly making a mark with songs that became instant hits. His big breakthrough came with the film Teri Yaad, which opened the door to a lifelong career in cinema. Over the decades, he wrote thousands of songs for Pakistani and Indian films, many of which are still cherished today. His collaborations with legendary singers like Mehdi Hassan, Noor Jehan, and Lata Mangeshkar turned his poetry into unforgettable melodies.

While film lyrics made him famous, Qateel never gave up on traditional poetry. His ghazals and nazms carried a gentle romanticism and a keen sense of human emotions. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he avoided overly complex language, choosing instead words that ordinary people could relate to. This simplicity became his strength.

In recognition of his literary and artistic contributions, Qateel Shifai received several national and international awards, including the prestigious Pride of Performance in 1994. Beyond awards, his greatest achievement was how deeply his words connected with people.

He lived most of his later years in Lahore, where he remained active in poetry circles until his health began to decline. He passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy that bridged classical Urdu poetry and popular culture.

Qateel Shifai will always be remembered as the poet who made Urdu poetry sing—sometimes in mushairas, sometimes on the silver screen, but always in the hearts of those who heard him.