Poet, writer, actor and an outspoken political activist, Kaifi Azmi has been associated with some legendary films. Poetry was the beating heart of films like Kaagaz Ke Phool, Pakeezah, Garm Hava and Manthan. The sublime lyricism in the songs was the handiwork of Kaifi Azmi. Kaifi was also an active participant in both the Progressive Writers' Movement (PWA) and Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), in addition to being a lifelong member of the Communist Party of India.