So far in the last seven years I have written on many composers of the golden era of Hindi cinema. Still I’ve missed a few who were never highlighted on the blog.
One of them is O P Nayyar. 16th January 2025 marked the beginning of his birth centenary year. I enjoy his songs, mainly the light hearted playful songs and the club songs. His contribution to Hindi cinema was significant. His peppy and energetic numbers, the catchy and captivating rhythm, everything was magical. Very aptly he was called The King of Rhythm. But at the same time, his songs had melody as well. Though he never received a formal training in music, he composed all the songs of the movie Phagun (1958) in Raag Pilu. In addition, he also composed a few more classical based songs too.
I must also add that after a while his songs sound a bit stereotyped. A similar rhythm, similar interludes, similar orchestration etc.
I wished to dedicate a series of posts to him for the entire year, which would be my tribute to him. So here I’m with the list of my favourite songs composed by O P Nayyar.
Born on 16th January 1926 in Lahore, Onkar Prasad Nayyar was much interested in music, and very little in studies. Before moving to Mumbai after the partition, Nayyar had composed ‘Preeta Aan Milo’ which was rendered by C H Atma and had become popular too. Dalsukh Pancholi was very much impressed with it, but both of them had to leave Lahore after the partition. Ultimately it was Pancholi again with whom O P Nayyar started his career in 1952 with the movie Aasman. Right from his first film he chose Geeta Dutt. And Geeta Dutt and Shamshad Begum, both complemented his style of composition. It’s said that though Lata Mangeshkar was in the top position at that time and he respected her, he thought her voice unsuitable for his style of composition. So he never chose her. There’s also a story of Lata Mangeshkar not being able to keep her recording appointment with him and he felt insulted and parted ways with her. Whatever is the truth, Lata Mangeshkar was never a part of his songs. It is creditable that he not only survived in the industry in spite of shunning Lata Mangeshkar completely, but also dominated it for a number of years with commercial and critical acclaim.
Let’s visit the first song on the list,
1. Dekho Jadu Bhare More Nain – Aasman (1952) Geeta Dutt / Lyrics by Prem Dhawan
The movie Aasman was full of melodious songs and Nayyar offered the songs to Geeta Dutt and C H Atma, who sang 4 and 3 solos respectively. Rajkumari also sang her only song for Nayyar. Though I like the majority of the songs, this refreshing melody enchants me the most. The exquisite opening music of ‘Pom Pom Pom Baaja Bole’ is my mobile’s ringtone. It’s too captivating. Atma’s ‘Is Bewafa Jahan Mein’ is good too.
Aasman was followed by Chham Chhama Chham (1952) and Baaz (1953). Both were not popular though in my opinion Baaz had some a few good songs. Both the films also couldn’t succeed at the bix office.
Baaz (1953) was produced and directed by Guru Dutt and it was Nayyar’s first venture with him. Though he was not much in favour of engaging him for his next film, he finally did so on the insistence of Geeta Dutt, who was now his wife. The songs and the movie, Aar Paar (1954) were roaringly successful and Nayyar became his choice for his next two ventures, Mr & Mrs 55 (1955) and CID (1956). Let’s listen to songs from these films.
2. Babuji Dheere Chalna – Aar Paar (1954) Geeta Dutt / Lyrics by Majrooh
The song is presented as a club song picturised on Shakeela. The accordion pieces throughout the song are so beautiful! It’s one of the songs that I watched on Doordarshan in childhood and liked too. And Geeta Dutt’s voice portrayed so much variation in the film as she sang for Shakeela and Shyama both. All the songs of the movie are excellent and still very popular.
3. Jane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya – Mr & Mrs 55 (1955) Geeta Dutt & Rafi / Lyrics by Majrooh
It was extremely difficult to choose a song from this movie as all are favourites. This is also one of those songs shown in Rangoli on Doordarshan that introduced me to the melodies of Nayyar. I used to like it and of course still like it a lot. The beautiful actress with a dimple on her face is Yasmin (Vinita Bhatt) who appeared just in one movie and left the industry. Her facial expressions are good too. Though Johny Walker wasn’t the main lead of the movie, he had the most popular song (according to me) of the movie picturised on him.
4. Boojh Mera Kya Naav Re – C I D (1956) Shamshad Begum / Lyrics by Majrooh
I faced the saje dilemma again! Which song ro choose? Goshh…… should I choose Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein Ishara or Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar?
Finally settled for this beautiful solo picturised on Meenu Mumtaz. I just love it! The interlude music is so beautiful! Flows like a fresh breeze and melts the worries off your minds.
Shamshad Begum sang a couple of solos (and a duet with Rafi) for the movie. The mentioned one and the other was picturised on a very young Waheeda Rehman, who played vamp.
Now it’s time for a couple of my favourites from 1955. Thinking of O P Nayyar always makes us remember his songs with tonga rhythm. And it was in 1955 that his first song with tonga rhythm appeared on the silver screen.
5. Piya Piya Piya Mera Jiya Pukare – Baap Re Baap (1955) Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar / Lyrics by Jaan Nisar Akhtar
First song by O P Nayyar with the tonga rhythm. There’s a well known story about the recording of this song. Asha Bhosle made a mistake while recording, but Kishore Kumar assured her that he will cover it up during the shoot. And how cleverly it was done! The song is picturised on Kishore Kumar and Chand Usmani.
The remaining years of the 50s were very successful for Nayyar where he delivered many hits. Though not all of his films were commercially successful, the songs were popular. Of course it’s not possible for me to include all the films on today’s list, I’ve chosen a few.
6. Thoda Sa Dil Lagake Dekh – Musafir Khana (1955) Shamshad Begum & Rafi / Lyrics by Majrooh
It’s the only song by Shamshad Begum for the movie, but for me it’s the best song! What beautiful interlude pieces and what apt and energetic expressions by Shamshad Begum! So cheerful, carefree and melodious!
Shamshad Begum stood by Nayyar when no other female singer was ready to sing for him for the movie, Mehbooba (1955). Roshan was originally composing for the movie, but was replaced by Nayyar after recording a few songs. Lata Mangeshkar took the matters to the music directors association and appealed to all the singers not to sing for the movie.
7. O Mr Banjo Ishara To Samjho – Hum Sab Chor Hain (1956) Asha Bhosle & Rafi / Lyrics by Majrooh
A cute, sweet romantic duet. A delightfully melodious song! In addition to the singers, the on screen pair of Nalini Jaywant and Shammi Kapoor does its job pretty well. A totally enjoyable song!
The year 1957 proved to be very lucky for Nayyar as he composed for the prestigious banner of Filmistan, which was established in 1943 and Nasir Hussain was working there as a screenplay writer since 1948. His directorial debut was Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957) which was a musical blockbuster of the year. He also composed for B R films, which was established by B R Chopra in 1955 and had a successful film, Ek Hi Raasta (1956) to its credit.
Let’s have a look at the songs from these films.
8. Tumsa Nahin Dekha – Tumsa Nahi Dekha (1957) Rafi / Lyrics by Sahir
The film was actually meant to launch Ameeta and the story was woven around her character. The film became a musical superhit, but it mainly boosted Shammi Kapoor’s career. The freshness of the compositions and Rafi with Asha Bhosle had magical effects on the audience. Nayyar repeated his favourite tonga rhythm in this popular song, which was incidentally the title song of the film. Rafi’s energetic, fresh voice became Shammi Kapoor’s preferred voice and the film also helped him establish his typical on-screen image in the industry.
9. Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka – Naya Daur (1957) Rafi, Balbir & Chorus / Lyrics by Sahir
All the songs of the movie became popular and still continue to be. Nayyar infused a few of its songs with Punjabi flavour. There was the delightful, Main Bambai Ka Babu, so was Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jali Ka. If there was the soulful, Aana Hai To Aa with sarangi pieces, there was the optimistic Saathi Haath Badhana. Plus the romantic duets as well! This Punjabi Bhangra was however my choice for today’s list to highlight the Punjabi tadka in his songs.
It was a peak in his career when he had 8 releases in 1957 and 9 releases in 1958. It was in this period that Nayyar started choosing Asha Bhosle as his main female playback singer and was much inclined to Geeta Dutt and Shamshad Begum. Of course that didn’t happen overnight and for films like, 12’o clock (1958), he still had both of them singing for him. Geeta Dutt’s troubled personal life must also have had a deep impact on her career. His personal relationship with Asha Bhosle perhaps also bloomed in this period.
Let’s now listen to a few of my favourites from the later years of the 50s.
10. Pyar Par Bas To Nahi Hai – Sone Ki Chidiya (1958) Talat Mahmood & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Sahir
In a complete contrast to the earlier two songs, Nayyar has composed this beautiful song with such a ठहराव. He effortlessly delivers a unique combination of eagerness, hesitation and nervousness through his expressions. Asha Bhosle supporting just by humming has a calm reassurance in her voice. And of course the on-screen pair of Nutan and Talat himself is good to watch, except the evidently fake and funny moustache of Talat.
Nayyar didn’t offer many songs to Talat Mahmood, but whenever he did (prominent ones are Baaz and Sone Ki Chidiya) Talat Mahmood delivered a solid gold song.
11. Aaiye Meherbaan – Howrah Bridge (1958) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Majrooh
Asha Bhosle’s voice is sensuous, and Madhubala’s gorgeous look and performance brought the song to life. Her charming smile, and perfect expressions are excellent. One of the best by Asha Bhosle and Nayyar combo. The film also has Nayyar’s favourite tonga rhythm in ‘Yeh Kya Kar Daala Tune’ and Geeta Dutt’s ‘Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo’. The latter was Geeta Dutt’s only song in the movie, but her voice and Helen’s dance does wonders for the audiences.
12. Mujhko Baar Baar Yaad Na Aa – Raagini (1958) Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar / Lyrics by Qamar Jalalabadi
It was indeed a great year for Nayyar who also portrayed variation in films like Raagini. While the film also had classical based songs as well, the romantic comedy songs like, Main Bangali Chhokra also stood out. But I particularly choose this song as it’s a bit different from his routine style in my opinion. Asha Bhosle entering the song quite late still manages to leave her imprint on the song. The situation in the song seems interesting as I haven’t watched the movie. It seems Kishore Kumar is drunkard, but Padmini’s behaviour is faux.
13. Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya – Phagun (1958) Rafi & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Qamar Jalalabadi
O P Nayyar composed all the songs of this movie in Raag Pilu. But apparently he wasn’t aware of it. As per the book Dhuno Ki Yatra, when Ustad Amir Khan told him about it, he was surprised. Asha Bhosle was a part of all the songs of the movie. This song with the sapera dhun was also one of the frequently played songs in Rangoli on Doordarshan.
14. Surma Mera Nirala – Kabhi Andhera Kabhi Ujala (1958) Kishore Kumar / Lyrics by Majrooh
If we listen carefully, the song has reached a next level because of Kishore Kumar’s mind blowing rendition. The interludes, the tune has actually nothing new to offer. It seems Kishore Kumar played the character of Surma vendor, who publicizes it by singing songs. His yodeling, his energy, the madness he infused in the song are just wonderful!
However, he had just one release, Do Ustad in 1959 and four in 1960.
15. Tu Hai Mera Prem Devta – Kalpana (1960) Rafi & Manna Dey / Lyrics by Qamar Jalalabadi
The song was picturised as a dance performance on stage by Padmini and Ragini. The semi classical song was composed by Nayyar even if he had no formal training in classical music. One wonders how! Though I equally love ‘Beqasi Had Se Jab Guzar Jaye’, I’ve reserved it for my Asha Bhosle – Nayyar list to be published in September this year.
16. Puchho Na Humein – Mitti Mein Sona (1960) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
The film wasn’t a commercial success, but this beautiful Piano song is memorable. Its enchanting piano pieces are a major attraction for me. No doubt, Asha Bhosle has poured her heart expressing the suppressed agony of the character. For me one of the best songs by Asha Bhosle – Nayyar combo.
By the end of the 50s however, for a brief period he had no releases and that was the year 1961. Apparently his charging one lakh rupees for a film was too expensive for many producers. To add to the troubles, his stubborn character, his sky-high ego, went against him. His fallouts with Sahir, B R Chopra, Raj Khosla must also have had an impact on his career.
But success was just about the corner. Shashidhar Mukherjee came to his rescue and offered him a film and Nayyar grabbed the golden opportunity and was spot-on with his magic.
17. Aap Yunhi Agar Hum Se – Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962) Rafi & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
The film had melodious duets and solos by Rafi and Asha Bhosle. It was again difficult to choose one song. As I am planning dedicated posts to the singer’s association with Nayyar, I chose this beautiful romantic duet picturised on gorgeous Sadhna and Joy Mukherjee.
The following years again saw him spreading his magical tunes and that aura continued for a few years till the late 60s. I have chosen songs from a few of those films, though I’m aware I have left a few popular films.
18. Banda Parwar Thaam Lo Jigar – Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963) Rafi / Lyrics by Majrooh
One of the popular tonga rhythm songs by Nayyar. Joy Mukherjee was lucky enough to have the top notch composers for his films. Rafi has always been his favourite male playback singer and their combo was giving one hit after the other. This song’s not an exception!
19. Isharon Isharon Mein Dil Lene Wale – Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) Rafi & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by S H Bihari
Which song to go with! This soft romantic melody is my choice for today’s list. All the other songs, including the deleted one, ‘Balma Khuli Hawa Mein’ are excellent.
20. Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge – Mere Sanam (1965) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Majrooh
A masterpiece by Nayyar. The song starts with a beautiful santoor piece and the interludes are adorned with a jugalbandi between sitar pieces and Asha Bhosle’s vocals. A delightful experience!
21. Huzoor e Wala Jo Ho Ijazat – Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966) Asha Bhosle & Meenu Purushottam / Lyrics by S H Bihari
I had at least three favourites from this movie, Huzoor e Wala, Phir Miloge Kabhi and Yehi Woh Jagah Hai. And it was indeed difficult to choose! And then when I was unable to choose, I again followed my heart. It told me to choose the song which I enjoy the most among these three. Picturised on Helen and Madhumati as a dance performance. Audio-visual treat!
22. Dil Ki Aawaz Bhi Sun – Humsaya (1966) Rafi / Lyrics by Shevan Rizvi
Humsaya also had beautiful songs, but mainly a couple of solos were memorable. Asha Bhosle’s ‘Woh Haseen Dard Dedo’ and Rafi’s mentioned song. I found myself choosing the latter. For me it’s one of Rafi’s best Hindi film songs. Of course the lyrics and the tune and orchestration are excellent too!
The late 60s didn’t bring much success to him and in between he had a fallout with Rafi and didn’t offer him songs at all. He now chose Mahendra Kapoor, Mukesh and Hemant Kumar too.
Mahendra Kapoor’s first song with him was perhaps Badal Jaye Agar Mali from Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi. Later he sang for Nayyar in Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi, CID 909, Humsaya, Kismat, Kahin Din Kahin Raat etc. When Mahendra Kapoor started singing for Nayyar, the latter was on a slow downfall already.
23. Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale – Kismat (1968) Mahendra Kapoor / Lyrics by S H Bihari
I’m fond of this song as I’ve been listening to it since childhood. The tune and orchestration are good and I personally like Mahendra Kapoor’s performance and the song. I request you to add your favourite Mahendra Kapoor songs sung under the baton of O P Nayyar.
24. Chal Akela Chal Akela – Sambandh (1972) Mukesh / Lyrics by Kavi Pradeep
Mukesh sang very few songs for Nayyar. But this song is still very popular. The same film had songs by Hemant Kumar (I think the only songs, sung under Nayyar’s baton).
His career was facing a bad downfall and to top it all, he parted ways with Asha Bhosle in 1972. That perhaps came as a big blow to him. Her last songs with Nayyar were for the film, Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974) and all the songs were sung by Asha Bhosle. To end today’s list, my obvious choice is,
25. Chain Se Humko Kabhi – Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by S H Bihari
The song fetched Asha Bhosle the best female playback singer Filmfare trophy, but Asha Bhosle didn’t attend the function and it was received by Nayyar, who threw it away on his way back home. Ironically it was the most popular song of the movie and wasn’t included in the movie. As I said before, Asha Bhosle and Nayyar were never seen again under a single roof.
I know lists of such kind tend to be a bit predictable! As one has to take into account the overall popularity of a song. Still I have tried to be unbiased to myself and chose songs listening mainly to my inner voice. I’m not sure if I could give justice to all the singers that played a significant part in Nayyar’s career. But of course I’ve included all the prominent singers.
To celebrate the birth centenary I’m planning a full dedicated post to all the prominent singers in his career throughout the year. So keep an eye on the celebrations!
Please add your favourite list by O P Nayyar in the comments.
Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs vests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.