Khayyam impressed with young composers, says they can do wonders

The music maestro behind music of films like "Kabhi Kabhie" and "Umrao Jaan", Khayyam says although the standard of music has deteriorated in Bollywood, "talented young" musicians and writers have the capability to do "wonders".

"The standard of music no doubt fell. But our young composers and writers are immensely talented and if they get freedom, they can do wonders," the 86-year-old said here in an interview.

Khayyam is particularly happy with the infusion of Sufi style in songs.

"There is a realisation in the film industry... I think all of them believe in the Sufi style today. Some music directors have started to give Sufi touch to songs. It feels very good that young composers and writers are using Sufi," Khayyam said.

Khayyam welcomes changes that the industry underwent in the last 100 years, but dominance of western culture on Bollywood upsets him.

"Our cinema is no longer as Indian as it used to be. It is more westernised. Why did this happen? Our filmmakers know, they must have thought something good only. But if possible, we should not forget the real India, its culture and morals," Khayyam said.

Some of his popular songs are "In aankhon ki masti", "Kabhi kabhie mere dil mein khayal aata hai", "Ankhon men humne aapke sapne", "Dikhayee diye yun", and "Aaja re o mere dilbar aa ja".