- Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Omkar Prasad Nayyar
- Birth Date: January 16, 1926
- Birth Place: Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan)
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Studied in Lahore, self-trained in music
- Occupation: Music Director, Composer
- Active Years: 1952–1995
O. P. Nayyar was a self-taught musician who grew up in Lahore before moving to India during Partition. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he had no formal training in classical music, yet he became one of Bollywood’s most successful composers.
Musical Career
Early Struggles and Breakthrough (1949–1954)
- Initially worked as an assistant and composed background music.
- First break: Kaneez (1949) – Composed a song, but the film’s music was credited to Ghulam Haider.
- First full-fledged film as a composer: Aasmaan (1952).
- Got recognition with Baaz (1953), directed by Guru Dutt.
- Major breakthrough with Aar Paar (1954) – Songs like Babuji Dheere Chalna became instant hits.
Golden Era (1954–1969)
O. P. Nayyar became a trendsetter in Bollywood, known for his peppy, foot-tapping music with strong Punjabi folk influences. He collaborated with top filmmakers and lyricists and was one of the highest-paid music directors of his time.
FILMOGRAPHY:
| Year | Film Title |
|---|---|
| 1952 | Aasmaan |
| 1952 | Chham Chhama Chham |
| 1953 | Baaz |
| 1954 | Aar Paar |
| 1954 | Mangu |
| 1954 | Mehbooba |
| 1955 | Baap Re Baap |
| 1955 | Miss Coca Cola |
| 1955 | Mr. & Mrs. ’55 |
| 1955 | Musafir Khana |
| 1955 | Sabse Bada Rupaiya |
| 1956 | Bhagam Bhag |
| 1956 | C.I.D. |
| 1956 | Chhoo Mantar |
| 1956 | Dhake Ki Malmal |
| 1956 | Ham Sab Chor Hain |
| 1956 | Mr. Lambu |
| 1956 | Naya Andaz |
| 1956 | Shrimati 420 |
| 1957 | Bade Sarkar |
| 1957 | Duniya Rang Rangili |
| 1957 | Johnny Walker |
| 1957 | Mai Baap |
| 1957 | Naya Daur |
| 1957 | Qaidi |
| 1957 | Tumsa Nahin Dekha |
| 1957 | Ustad |
| 1958 | 12 O’Clock |
| 1958 | Farishta |
| 1958 | Howrah Bridge |
| 1958 | Kabhi Andhera Kabhi Ujala |
| 1958 | Mr. Qartoon M.A. |
| 1958 | Mujrim |
| 1958 | Phagun |
| 1958 | Raagini |
| 1958 | Sone Ki Chidiya |
| 1959 | Do Ustad |
| 1960 | Basant |
| 1960 | Jaali Note |
| 1960 | Kalpana |
| 1960 | Mitti Mein Sona |
| 1960 | Miss Goodnight |
| 1962 | Ek Musafir Ek Hasina |
| 1962 | Hong Kong |
| 1963 | Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon |
| 1964 | Kashmir Ki Kali |
| 1965 | Mere Sanam |
| 1966 | Akalmand |
| 1966 | Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi |
| 1966 | Do Dilon Ki Dastan |
| 1966 | Love and Murder |
| 1966 | Mohabbat Zindagi Hai |
| 1966 | Sawan Ki Ghata |
| 1966 | Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi |
| 1967 | C.I.D. 909 |
| 1967 | Nasihat |
| 1968 | Dil Aur Mohabbat |
| 1968 | Humsaya |
| 1968 | Kahin Din Kahin Raat |
| 1968 | Kismat |
| 1968 | Shrimanji |
| 1969 | Sambandh |
| 1969 | The Killers |
| 1971 | Aisa Bhi Hota Hai |
| 1972 | Ek Bar Mooskura Do |
| 1973 | Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye |
| 1973 | Taxi Driver |
| 1974 | Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye |
| 1978 | Khoon Ka Badla Khoon |
| 1979 | Heera Moti |
| 1980 | Bin Maa Ke Bachchey |
| 1983 | Muqaddar Ki Baat |
| 1989 | Neerajanam (Telugu) |
| 1992 | Nishchaiy |
| 1992 | Mangni |
| 1994 | Zid |
Collaboration with Singers
- Asha Bhosle – His most famous collaborator, with whom he had a personal and professional relationship.
- Mohammed Rafi – Gave Rafi some of his biggest songs.
- Geeta Dutt – Worked with her in Aar Paar, Mr. & Mrs. ’55, and C.I.D.
- Shamshad Begum – Used her voice in his early songs.
Unique Musical Style
- Western Influence – Used jazz, rock & roll, and Latin beats in Indian film music.
- No Lata Mangeshkar – He is one of the few major composers who never worked with Lata Mangeshkar.
- Innovative Instrumentation – Used sarangi, harmonica, and ghungroo sounds creatively.
- Punjabi Folk and Ghazal Fusion – Many of his songs had a distinct Punjabi rhythm.
Later Career and Retirement (1970–1990s)
- By the early 1970s, changing music trends and his split with Asha Bhosle affected his career.
- Last major hit: Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974).
- Composed a few songs in the 1980s but retired from Bollywood.
- Lived a reclusive life in later years.
Awards and Recognitions
Filmfare Award – Best Music Director (1958) for Naya Daur.
Life Achievement Awards from various institutions for his contribution to Indian music.
Padma Bhushan (Posthumous Recommendation) – Though he did not receive it officially, many campaigned for his recognition.
Personal Life
- Spouse: Saroj Nayyar (Estranged)
- Children: Lived separately from his family later in life.
- Had a close relationship with Asha Bhosle, which ended in the 1970s.
Death and Legacy
- Died: January 28, 2007, at the age of 81 in Mumbai.
- His songs are still loved and frequently remixed.
- Influenced later music composers like R. D. Burman, Bappi Lahiri, and Anu Malik.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoTb37pQM4g&pp=ygUWTy4gUC4gTmF5eWFyIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D
