In the old era of cinema, there were many such singers and music composers whose songs still give peace to the ears when played anywhere. One of these names is the industry's highest paid musician Omkar Prasad Nayyar, who is known as O.P. Nayyar in the industry. His birth anniversary is on 16 January, on this special occasion, know the famous story related to him
Anant Vijay, New Delhi. The musician who may not have received formal training in music, but at one time got the highest fees on the basis of his talent. Many songs of O.P. Nayyar, who gave a special kind of voice in every tune, have been heard, but some stories related to him are still untold. Know this special story related to him on his birth anniversary (16 January):
Omkar Prasad Nayyar, popularly known as O.P. Nayyar, was a musician who did not receive formal training in classical music, but when he composed music for a song, he used the ragas in it so beautifully that connoisseurs could not guess that he did not receive systematic training in ragas.
Born on January 16, 1926 in Lahore of undivided India, Nayyar was interested in music since childhood. His family members kept stopping him from pursuing music. They felt that if he moved away from music, he would focus on studies. But Nayyar's heart was already in music. At the age of 17, he composed Kabir Vaani for HMV, but it was not liked. Despite this, he composed a private album 'Preetam Aan Milo', in which C.H. Atma gave voice.
Was introduced to the world of music at the young age of 17
This album gave Nayyar an identity in the world of music and cinema. Nayyar was happy that his dream was about to be fulfilled but destiny had something else in store for him. The country was partitioned. He had to leave everything in Lahore and come to Patiala. In Patiala, he started earning a living as a music teacher. But his heart was set on composing music for films. Now Nayyar reached Bombay (now Mumbai). After a long struggle and the recommendation of experts, he got the opportunity to try his hand at film music.
Why did you never work with Lata Mangeshkar?
The 1952 film 'Aasmaan' opened the horizons of success for Nayyar but also created a rift between him and Lata Mangeshkar. The two never worked together again. This was the time when Lata Mangeshkar was on her way to fame by singing songs for films like 'Anarkali', 'Nagin' and 'Baiju Bawra'. Nayyar had contracted Lata to sing in his film 'Aasmaan'.
When the time for recording came, Lata Mangeshkar was missing. She did not reach on time. Later Lata told Nayyar that she had some problem with her nose. The doctor had advised her to rest. Then Nayyar bluntly told her that the one who cannot reach on time has no importance for me. Lata tried to explain but Nayyar did not listen. Then Lata also said that she cannot sing for a person who is insensitive. After this controversy, Rajkumari sang that song. The song was, 'Mori Nindiya Churaye Gayo'.
Worked on their own terms
O.P.Nayyar was a musician who worked on his own terms. When he had a dispute with Lata, Shamshad Begum supported him. He started making Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle sing songs. The rhythm in his music or the tunes of Punjabi folk music that he used, Asha's voice was a perfect fit for it. It was Geeta Dutt who introduced Nayyar to Guru Dutt.
The songs of the film 'Aar-Paar' and then 'Mr. and Mrs. 55' took O. P. Nayyar's music to the heights of success. Nayyar was continuously becoming successful. B. R. Chopra started the film 'Naya Daur' with Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. Chopra signed Nayyar as the music director. This was the film for which, while composing the songs, the closeness between Nayyar and Asha grew.
This film brought Asha Bhosle and OP Nayyar closer
In 'Naya Daur', Asha and Rafi's songs reached the pinnacle of popularity. Her songs with Rafi like 'Udein Jab-Jab Zulfen Teri, Kawaarion Ka Dil Machle' or with Shamshad Begum 'Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali Ka' became popular among the people. As Asha and Nayyar became closer, Geeta and Shamshad started getting neglected. Nayyar forgot that Shamshad Begum had helped him in difficult times and Geeta Dutt had introduced him to Guru Dutt.
Geeta Dutt had once asked Nayyar why he was ignoring her but Nayyar had no answer. But when the song 'Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu' filmed on Helen in the film 'Howrah Bridge' got Geeta Dutt's voice, she was very happy. This song also became Helen's identity. Just like Helen, O.P. Nayyar's music played a big role in giving Shammi Kapoor the image of a chanting star. Shammi Kapoor's image was strengthened by the songs and music of the film 'Tumsa Nahin Dekha'.
Why did the highest paid musician have to sell himself?
O.P. Nayyar was a musician who made extensive use of harmonium, sitar, guitar, flute, tabla, dholak, santoor, mouth organ and saxophone. When he used to experiment with these instruments, he used to pay attention to every word of the song. Very few people know that Nayyar was also well versed in homeopathy and astrology. The musician who once charged the highest fees had to sell his house to run his life later. But he was so proud that he never regretted any of his decisions!
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