Imroz, Amrita Pritam's Longtime Partner, Passes Away At 97

Amrita Pritam’s longtime companion, artist-poet Imroz, passed away at his Mumbai home at the age of 97 due to age-related ailments. Even after her passing in 2005, Imroz continued to cherish her memories, as shared by friends and relatives.

Imroz's demise was confirmed by poetess Amiya Kunwar, who noted his hospitalisation due to age-related issues. Confirming Imroz's passing, poetess Amiya Kunwar revealed that he had been dealing with health issues and was hospitalised.

Amrita Pritam's Partner Imroz, Passes Away at 97

Despite his health struggles, he never forgot Amrita and detested discussing her in the past tense. Imroz believed Amrita was always present, often saying, “Amrita is here; she's around.” Kunwar expressed, "He would hate it if someone would talk of her in the past tense. He would say ‘Amrita hai, yahin hai’. Imroz might have left the physical world today but he has only joined Amrita up in the heavens and their love story is not the one that would die with their physical passing. It would only get more beautiful for the world to remember."

Imroz, born Inderjeet on January 26, 1926, in Lyallpur, undivided Punjab, initially pursued artistry. He collaborated with Amrita Pritam in 1966 for her magazine Naagmani, adopting the name Imroz from Inderjeet. 

Imroz - Amrita Pritam Love-Story

Their unconventional love story, lasting over 40 years, remained a memorable chapter despite their decision not to marry. Following Pritam's illness, he ventured into poetry, dedicating numerous works to her even after her passing, including books like Jashan Jaari Hai, Manchaaha Hi Rishta, and Rang Tere Mere. Imroz’s heartfelt expressions continued with lines like, "Kabhi kabhi khoobsurat khyaal, khoobsurat badan bhi akhtiyaar kar lete hain... (Sometimes, beautiful thoughts also take the shape of beautiful bodies.)"

Imroz is often credited with Amrita's success and remained devoted to her even after her death in 2005. Amrita’s last poetic tribute, 'Main tainu pher milangi' (I Will Meet You Again), dedicated to Imroz in 2004, reflected her belief in their reunion. In 2022, a film titled 'Imroz: A Walk Down Memory Lane' chronicled their enduring love saga.

Residing with Amrita's daughter-in-law, Alka, Imroz immersed himself in Amrita's sketches and photographs, preserving her essence in his life. Even during his ill health, he commemorated Amrita’s birthday annually, cherishing her memory by admiring her portraits and reminiscing about their moments together.