‘Tum To Thehre Pardesi’ Songwriter Zaheer Alam Dies in Nagpur

Nagpur: Zaheer Alam, the lyricist behind the iconic 1990s chartbuster “Tum To Thehre Pardesi, Saath Kya Nibhaoge”, passed away in Nagpur, bringing to an end a life marked by literary brilliance, struggle, and prolonged neglect.

The veteran songwriter, whose lyrics once echoed across tea stalls, autorickshaws, wedding ceremonies, and radio sets throughout the country, breathed his last at his modest residence in the Mominpura area of Nagpur.

Zaheer Alam had largely faded from public memory in recent years and was reportedly living a life of financial hardship despite penning one of the most emotionally resonant songs of the 1990s.

Song that defined an era

During the 1990s, “Tum To Thehre Pardesi” became a nationwide sensation after being sung by Altaf Raja in his music album. The soulful track, expressing heartbreak, separation, and emotional pain between lovers, struck a deep chord with listeners and became one of the most memorable non-film songs of its era.

The song’s haunting lyrics and Altaf Raja’s distinct voice created an unprecedented craze among music lovers, especially the youth of that generation.

Long before it became a commercial success, the song was reportedly performed locally in the form of a qawwali. However, after its inclusion in Altaf Raja’s album, it turned into an overnight blockbuster and earned massive popularity across India.

Fame for the song, struggles for the lyricist

While the song generated enormous commercial success for the music industry and became synonymous with Altaf Raja’s career, Zaheer Alam himself allegedly remained deprived of recognition and financial stability.

Despite writing lyrics that touched millions of hearts, the lyricist reportedly received only Rs 3,000 as remuneration for the song.

Sources close to him said Zaheer Alam had hoped the success of the song would change his financial condition, but that never truly happened.

Life of hardship after Empress Mill closure

Before becoming known as a lyricist, Zaheer Alam had worked at the historic Empress Mill. However, after the mill shut down, his life reportedly entered a prolonged phase of economic struggle.

Even after achieving recognition through his writing, he continued to live in modest conditions in Nagpur, away from the limelight and largely forgotten by the mainstream music industry.

It is also learnt that Zaheer Alam had written songs for a film project and had insisted that proper credit be given solely in his name. However, despite his contribution, his identity never received the prominence many believe he deserved.

Leaves behind an immortal legacy

Though Zaheer Alam spent much of his later life in obscurity, his words continue to live on through a song that became the voice of heartbreak for an entire generation.

For millions who grew up in the 1990s, “Tum To Thehre Pardesi” remains more than just a song, it is an emotion deeply connected to memories of love, separation, and longing.

With his passing, Nagpur has lost a forgotten literary voice whose lyrics once ruled the hearts of music lovers across the country.

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