Amjad Islam Amjad

Amjad Islam Amjad was a poet, lyricist, writer/author, columnist, screenwriter and a playwright. He was born on 4th August 1944 in Lahore, Punjab (considered in British India). Amjad Islam Amjad used to write in Urdu language and therefore was also known as an Urdu writer. He received his school education from the University of the Punjab in Lahore. Later, he graduated from Government Islamia College. He did a masters degree in Urdu literature from Punjab University. Amjad had married Firdous Amjad with whom he had a child namely Ali Zeeshan Amjad. He had written more than 70 books and was honored with many reputed awards. His career began with him appointed as a lecturer in Government M.A.O. College, Lahore. He then was appointed as director general of Urdu Science Board in 1989.

Before getting appointed to this post, he, from 1975 to 1979 had worked as a director at Pakistan Television Corporation. Amjad has left his footprints in writing plays, essays, columns, translations and even criticism. Though his main and most popular art remained his Nazms, a genre of Urdu poetry. He even wrote television dramas including a popular work Waris. To mention his notably recognised dramas we can list Waqt, Dahlees, Apney Log and Raat. Being a lyricist, Amjad did not leave a faint image there also. As a lyricist too he had quite a famous reputation. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's bollywood debut was through the song Paap. Whose lyrics were penned down by Amjad in 2003. As a translator he had done a remarkable job translating the African poetries in Urdu language, which was Kale Logon Ki Roshan Nazmein.

Amjad has been awarded with many excellencies starting from Writers Guild award (1976 for best translation work), National Hijra Iqbal awards (1982, best poetry : fisher), Biaaz award (2005, for best nazm writer), best playwright (1980-2001), most honorary Pride of Performance award (awarded by the President of Pakistan, 1987) and Sitara-I- Imtiaz (awarded by President of Pakistan, 1998). These were some of the most honorary awards he had received. Although this is just a little glimpse into his achievements, there are more notable awards he has received throughout his career. Amjad unfortunately died on 10th February 2023 due to a cardiac arrest. His popularity has left a remarkable impression over upcoming and fresh lyricist, poets and musicians. Many singers were inspired from him.