Khayyam laid to rest with state honours; celebrities attend last rites

Veteran music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, known primarily by the name Khayyam, who passed away after suffering from lung-related diseases, was laid to rest with full state honours in Mumbai on Tuesday. Several celebrities like Sonu Nigam, Gulzar, among others were present at the last rites, while some even lifted his mortal remains on the way to burial ground. 

READ:Khayyam, Veteran Music Composer Known For 'Kabhie Kabhie' Passes Away; PM Modi, Lata Mangeshkar Pay Respects

In videos that have surfaced on social media, singer Sonu Nigam, veteran Ghazal singer Talat Aziz, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit are seen lending a helping hand while taking Khayyam’s mortal remains for the last rites. 

The officers of the Mumbai Police were also seen honouring the legend with a gun salute. The police officers lifted his coffin that was wrapped in the Indian tricolour and honoured him below his residence. Later, they honoured him after the last rites were completed at the burial ground. Khayyam was given a state funeral because he has been felicitated with the Padma Bhushan by the government in 2011. 

READ:Veteran Composer 'Khayyam' Passes Away, Icons Pay Tribute

Gulzar, Poonam Dhillon, Raza Murad were some of the other names who came to offer their condolences and pay last respects. On Monday night, Javed Akhtar was among the celebrities who had visited Khayyam at his residence. 

READ:Sushma Swaraj Passes Away: Daughter Bansuri Swaraj Performs Last Rites; Former EAM Cremated With State Honours At Lodhi Crematorium

Tributes: 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar,  and many other celebrities shared their fond memories of the classics produced by Khayyam.  PM wrote, “India will remain grateful to Khayyam Sahab for giving us some of the most memorable compositions, which will be remembered forever. He will also be remembered for his humanitarian gestures to support upcoming artists. His demise is extremely saddening.” 

“A legend in music .. a soft spoken amiable soul .. one that contributed to several films and some of the more important ones of mine .. passes away .. KHAYAM sahib .. for all the memorable music he conducted and produced .. prayers condolences,” wrote Big B. 

Legacy: 

Khayyam is known for the evergreen classics in movies like ‘Umrao Jaan’ and ‘Kabhie Kabhie’. ‘Kabhie Kabhie’, 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai', 'In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke' and ‘Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar Aaja’ from  ‘Noorie’ are some of his well-known tracks close to 40 years after its release. 

READ: Manohar Parrikar Cremated With State Honours; Thousands Bid Adieu