Music legend Khawaja Pervez dies

LAHORE - Prominent composer and lyricist Khawaja Pervez died in Mayo Hospital here Monday morning after protracted illness. He was 79 years old. Khawaja Pervez was the most shining jewel in the golden crown of Pakistani music industry. Besides his unmatched services as top music composer, Khawaja Pervaiz wrote nearly 10,000 songs for Urdu and Punjabi films in his 40-year career. The songs he wrote and composed became very popular among the people. Khawaja Pervez who is survived by two widows, five sons and six daughters, was a long time asthmatic and diabetic patient and was admitted to Mayo Hospital a week back. His funeral prayers were attended by a large number of political and social figures and showbiz celebrities, including Shaukat Ali, Iftikhar Thakar, Nasir Chioti, Sohail Ahmed, Syed Noor and Shehzad Rafiq. He was buried at graveyard Miani Sahib. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed his grief and sorrow on the sad demise of Khawaja Pervez. In his message to the bereaved family, the prime minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the members. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower His blessings upon the departed soul and grant courage to the bereaved family. The prime minister paid rich tributes to the famous musician for his invaluable contribution to the promotion of music production in the country. Poets, musicians, singers and those associated with the film industry in Pakistan also expressed their grief over Khawaja Pervezs death. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of Khawaja Pervaiz. Showbiz celebrities expressed the deep sense of sorrow over the sad demise of the noted poet and musician. Musician M Arshad, singer Saera Naseem, famous poet Raizur Rahman Sahgair and others said that the deceased always helped the artists in their difficult times. They said the vacuum created by his death could not be filled. They further said that he served the film industry for a long time and wrote celebrated songs. Khawaja Pervezs first film as lyricist was Rawaj in 1965 and he got a breakthrough from one of the all-time-hit romantic Urdu song 'Tum hi ho Mehboob meray of film Aina (1966). He was equally popular in Urdu and Punjabi movies but penned more Punjabi songs. 'Sun way Balori Akh waleya, 'Jub koi Pyar Sai Bulai Ga, Tum Ko Aik Shakhs Yaad Aiy Ga, 'Kisay Da Yaar Na Wichray, Mahi Aavey Gaa, 'Meri Chichi da Challa Mahi la leye and 'Do dil ik doojay kolun door ho geye, 'Teray bina yun gharian beetin, 'Jan-e-Jan tu jo kahay, 'Dil veeran hay, teri yaad hay are some of his super-hit songs that earned him great fame among the masses. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali khan,Ghulam Ali, Madam Noor Jahan, Masood Rana and other seasoned vocalists sung his songs. Khawaja Pervez wrote some film stories as well. His real name was Ghulam Mohayudin and he was born at Amritsar in 1932. He also remained associated with theatre as director and playwright.