Subhash Ghai remembers 'Mahabharat' dialogue writer Rahi Masoom Reza, recalls him writing dialogues for 'Karz'
Mumbai, August 4
Ace filmmaker Subhash Ghai paid a heartfelt tribute to celebrated poet, novelist and screenwriter Rahi Masoom Raza on August 4.
The filmmaker, remembering him as an extraordinary literary figure, added how his contribution to Indian cinema and television continues to inspire generations.
Taking to his social media account, Subhash Ghai shared a portrait of Raza along with one of his famous quotes in Hindi.
The veteran filmmaker accompanied the post with a nostalgic note recalling how Raza penned the dialogues for his 1980 blockbuster "Karz" and praised the writer's incredible body of work.
Sharing the post, Subhash Ghai wrote, "I can never forget Dr RAHI MASOOM REZA who wrote the dialogues of B R Chopra sir evergreen TV series of Hindu epic #MAHABHARAT. A bold profound poet novelist n screenplay n dialogue writer from Aligarh university n witty man was like family to me so he had to push his pen to write the dialogues of my 1st film production #KARZ 1980. But all his work was better than Karz. (sic)"
He further added, "A Muslim scholar from Ghazipur should become the voice through which much of modern India rediscovered the Mahabharata remains one of the finest illustrations of India's composite civilisation. He used to say when asked 'I am a son of the Ganga.'"
For the uninitiated, talking about Rahi Masoom Reza, he is regarded as one of the finest literary minds of modern India and also for being a distinguished Urdu and Hindi writer.
He further became a household name after writing the dialogues for B.R. Chopra's iconic television series Mahabharat, which first aired in 1988.
Raza also made significant contributions to Hindi cinema by writing dialogues and screenplays for films like Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, Bemisal, Alaap and Karz.
Talking about Subhash Ghai's iconic movie Karz, it released in 1980 and marked Subhash Ghai's first production venture and was directed by him.
Starring Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim, Simi Garewal, Pran, Rak Kiran, and Premnath, the musical thriller revolved around reincarnation and revenge.
Legendary music duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal's evergreen soundtrack featuring chartbusters such as "Om Shanti Om," "Ek Haseena Thi" and "Dard-E-Dil," went onto become chartbusters.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is what India's composite culture looks like! A Muslim scholar writing dialogues for Mahabharat and making it so memorable for generations. This is the real India that we should celebrate. His work on Karz was amazing too - "Om Shanti Om" still plays in our house during every wedding! 💫
Respect for Rahi Masoom Raza ji. But honestly, I feel Subhash Ghai ji should have acknowledged him more during the release of Karz. Better late than never, I guess. Also, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki and Bemisal are underrated gems. Indian cinema owes so much to him.
"I am a son of the Ganga" - what a profound statement! This is the beauty of Indian civilization. Rahi sahab's work in Mahabharat is still unmatched. My grandfather used to say the serial was a phenomenon because of such brilliant dialogue writing. Truly irreplaceable talent. 🙏📖
Knew about his work in Mahabharat but didn't know he wrote for Karz too! Such an incredible talent. The way he blended Urdu poetry with Hindi cinema dialogues was unique. His legacy lives on through every re-run of Mahabharat on TV. Sad that today's writers don't get such recognition.
This is the India we need to remember - where art transcends religion. Rahi Masoom Raza ji wrote dialogues for a Hindu epic and did it with such
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