Veteran writer-producer-director-lyricist Saawan Kumar Tak passed away today (25th August) around 4.15 p.m. at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Bombay. He died of heart and multiple organ failure. He was 86 and had been battling lung-related ailments. His funeral will be held tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. at Pawan Hans crematorium. The funeral procession will start from his home (Dakshina Apartment, Juhu, Bombay) at 10 a.m.
Saawan Kumar had made such hits as Souten, Saajan Bina Suhagan and Sanam Bewafa. Among his other films were Bewaffa Se Waffa, Khalnaaikaa, Souten Ki Beti, Chaand Ka Tukdaa, Pyar Ki Jeet, Dil Pardesi Ho Gayaa, Salma Pe Dil Aagaya, Saajan Ki Saheli, Laila, Sanam Harjai, Oh Bewaffaa, Motherand Preeti. He made his debut as a director in 1972 with Gomti Ke Kinare, starring Meena Kumari and Mumtaz. He had made Naunihal on a shoestring budget but the film won a Presidential mention in the National Awards.
Saawan Kumar was known for his mass-appealing and catchy lyrics. His Shaayad meri shaadi ka khayal dil mein aaya hai / Isi liye mummy ne meri tumhe chai pe bulaaya hai song from Souten was a rage then. The Jijaji jijaji / Hone waale jijaji and Madhuban khushboo deta hai numbers from Saajan Bina Suhagan were also extremely popular. His Teri galiyon mein na rakhenge kadam aaj ke baad from Hawas was a chartbuster then. The music of many of his films was scored by Usha Khanna with whom Saawan Kumar was married for some years. The two then divorced.
Saawan Kumar had a very friendly disposition. His boyish looks, flawless skin and flamboyant dressing always made him appear younger than his age. He was on the executive committee of IMPPA for several years.