Amjad Islam Amjad, PP, Sitara-e-Imtiaz (4 August 1944 – 10 February 2023) was a Pakistani Urdu poet, screenwriter, playwright and lyricist. The author of more than 70 books, he received many awards for his literary work and screenplay for TV, including Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) awards. Later on, he also received the prestigious Tamgh-e-Imtiaz in 1998.

Early life and education

Amjad was born in Lahore, Punjab in British India (now Pakistan). His family originally belonged to Sialkot. He received his secondary education in Lahore, and graduated from Government Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore. He was also member of the college cricket team and participated in the inter-collegiate tournament. He gained a Masters of Arts degree in Urdu literature from Punjab University.

Career

Professional career

He began his career as a lecturer in Govt. M.A.O. College Lahore. He worked as a director at Pakistan Television Corporation from 1975 to 1979, before returning to teaching. In 1989, Amjad was appointed Director General of the Urdu Science Board. He had also worked as a project director of the Children Library Complex.

Literature

He has written many columns, translation, criticism and essays while his main focus remained writing nazms, a type of Urdu poetry.

Television scriptwriter

Amjad is the writer of many drama series for Pakistan Television Corporation including Waris. Among his most notable dramas are Dehleez, Samandar, Raat, Waqt and Apnay Log.

Lyricist

He wrote the lyrics of Mann Ki Lagan for the 2003 movie Paap, the song which launched the Bollywood career of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Journalism

In June 2008, he joined Urdu newspaper Daily Express and wrote column with the title of Chasham-e-Tamasha.

Illness and death

Amjad died from a cardiac arrest on 10 February 2023, at the age of 78.

Legacy

Amjad Islam Amjad has been a vital part of the literary world. some of his famous dramas include; Varis, Din, Fishar and many more. In 1975, his famous TV drama Khuwab Jaagtay Hain won an award. He also translated the poetries of the African poets in Urdu called Kale Logon ki Roshan Nazmein. In December 2019, Amjad received the Necip Fazil International Culture and Art Award in Istanbul, Turkey. Amjad Islam Amjad also wrote dramas based on criticism. He has been honoured with many national and international awards. He was a member of Blessing for All foundation.

Awards and honours

PTV drama serials

Private serials

Long plays (PTV)

Short plays (25 minutes, PTV)

General plays (50 minutes, PTV)

Adapted plays

Punjabi plays

Plays for children

Stage plays

Short films

Tele film

Audio albums

Publications