O P Nayyar- The heady cocktail of OP-Asha captured the imagination of music lovers

 

O P Nayyar and Asha Bhonsle gave us some of the most memorable songs of Hindi Cinema. Songs like ‘Jaayiye aap kahan’ (Mere Sanam), ‘Raaton ko chori chori’ (Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi), ‘Zara haule haule’, ‘Meri jaan tumse sadke’ and ‘Aaj koi pyar se’ (all in Sawan Ki Ghata), ‘Aayiye Meherbaan’ (Howrah Bridge) and ‘Aankhon se jo utri hai dil mein’ (Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon) to sense the profound wavelength the two worked on. 

Born on 16th Jan 1926, he came to Bombay for giving music for films. initially, he was offered the background score for Kaneez (1949), and 1952's Aasmaan(produced by Dalsukh M. Pancholi), was his first film as music director. His real break came with Guru Dutt's Aar Paar in 1954. After that, he gave music for  Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955) and C.I.D. (1956). The songs of all these three films established him among the top composers of that time.

The two met in 1952 at the music recording of a song for the film titled 'Chham Chhama Chham'.  the first solo song of both was AA PARDESI BALMA MORE ANGINA

O P Nayyar is often credited with helping Asha Bhosle develop a distinct style, very different from that of her older sister Lata, who dominated the scene in the 1950s and 1960s. Though Asha sang her first solo song back in 1949, she had to wait till films like CID (1957) and Naya Daur (1957) came along, giving her a taste of success with a style of her own-fearless, breezy and sensuous.

Asha lived under the shadow of her older sister, whose rare finesse, softness, and subtlety of expression, ruled the roost then. She had to contend playing second fiddle for most parts. It is often said that it was OP Nayyar who convinced her that she was individualistic enough to strike out on her own. Under his guidance, Asha developed her carefree and fanciful style. She also mastered cabaret-style singing bringing sensuality into her music. Her duets with Mohammad Rafi, composed by Nayyar, were all chartbusters in their time. Songs from films like Kashmir Ki Kali and Tumsa Nahin Dekha remain immensely popular to this day.

After long years of a professional association, the two parted ways on a rather bitter note in 1972, never to work together again. The last song they created was the Filmfare Award-winning song  'Chein se humko kabhie'  in Pran Jaaye Par Vachan Na Jaaye (1974). 

Song of 'Chham Chhama Chham' 1952

Song from  Jaali Note 1960

Song from Phagun (1958)

Song of Howrah Bridge (1958)

Song from Kismat (1968)

Song from Kismat (1968)

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PIYA PIYA PIYA MORA JIYA PUKARE- How a Mistake in the middle of the song recording covered during picturizing of the Song

 

This song appears in the 1955 hit musical comic Baap Re Baap directed and produced by A R Kardar. The movie starred Kishore Kumar, Chand Usmani. This song is a duet of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhonsle, written by Jan Nisar Akhtar, and the music was composed by O P Nayyar.

During those times, there were no digital recording facilities like today, where if there is a mistake it can be rectified by computers. Those days there used to be only one microphone for the singers, and another for musicians. If the singers want to record a duet, one would sing his/her line, get away noiselessly for other singers to sing, and come again for their own part. And, if a musician makes a mistake, the whole track would be recorded again from the top. There was also no technique to alter the intensity of sound, if the sound was supposed to come from a distance, the singer had to stand away from the mic, slowly advancing towards it, to get the desired effect.

This song is significant in that Asha Bhonsle made a mistake in the middle of the song and late Kishore Kumar went ahead with the mistake in the song, without going for a retake. When the song was being recorded, Asha Bhonsle gave an alaap a second time, when it was not required. Kishore Kumar signaled her to go on and complete the song as it was. After the recording was over, he told everybody that he, being the hero of the movie, would place a hand on his heroine’s mouth, when that particular shot in the song would come. That was how the problem was resolved.

This song was picturized on Kishore Kumar and Chand Usmani on a Ghoda Gadi (a horse carriage). Watch this song video at 2:09 minute of this video, how brilliantly Kishore Kumar covers up the mistake made by Asha Bhonsle  She started singing the part which was to be done by Kishore Kumar. But then she stopped abruptly. The music director wanted a second recording. But Kishore Kumar denied of recording the second time and as he was the hero of the film he did a cover up of that part by closing her mouth. What a genius! Kishore Kumar the legend.

Song of Baap Re Baap 1955

If you liked this blog, you would also appreciate my Youtube channel Bollywood Unplugged the link is below

https://youtu.be/tcAAE7QwScA

O P Nayyar- The Creator of Timeless Classics

 

OP Nayyar was among the Top 5 Composers of the Golden Era. Some of the great musical films were Aar Paar(1954), Mr & Mrs 55(1955) ,  CID(1956), Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Howrah Bridge (1958), Jaali Note (1960), Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), Mere Sanam (1965), Baharen Phir Bhi Aayegi (1966), Kismat (1968) and Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1973)

His songs had a unique freshness, a rare robust beat, a flowing style similar to what you feel when you dip your hand in a running stream, blending Punjabi folk music with a rare Western-style orchestration, never heard before or since. His variety of rhythm patterns baffles the film industry, even today.

 He was not only a great Composer but also singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician. He wrote, "Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawaanonkaa" (featuring Dilip Kumar and Ajit) for Naya Daur (1957). 
 He won the 1958 Filmfare Award for Best Music Director(for Naya Daur). Nayyar worked extensively with singers Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi later Mahendra Kapoor gave us many memorable songs.

O. P. Nayyar (16 January 1926 – 28 January 2007  ) started his career as a movie music composer by composing the background score for the movies, Kaneez (1949) and made debut as an independent composer from Aasmaan (1952). He became famous with the music of Aar Paar released in 1954 and CID released in 1956. All the songs of CID were super hit especially "Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar" and "Aye Dil Hai Mushkil Jeena Yahaan"

In the late 1960s, Nayyar fell out with his favourite Mohammad Rafi but managed to conjure memorable songs even with Mukesh (Chal akela), Mahendra Kapoor (Lakhon hai yahan dilwale) and Kishore Kumar (Tu auron ki kyon ho gayee).

A major blow was Nayyar's split with Asha Bhosle after the pair had reached a crescendo with the Filmfare Award  winning Chein se humko kabhie in Pran Jaaye Par Vachan Na Jaaye (1974). Nayyar tried recreating the magic with new singers but musical trends had bypassed him by then He worked till the 1990s but his music was not appealing to the young generation.
On the later stage of his life, he was living with his friend. He left his family members even asked none of his family to be present on his funeral. He died on 28 January 2007.

Song of Aar Paar 1954

Song of Mr & Mrs 55  1955

Song of CID 1956

Song from Naya Daur 1957

Song of Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)

Song from Howrah Bridge (1958)

Song from Phagun (1958)

Song of Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)

Song from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Song of Mere Sanam (1965)

Song of Baharen Phir Bhi Ayengi (1966)

Yun Toh Humne Lakh Haseen Dekhe Hain- The Game Changer for Shammi Kapoor

This song and the film'Tumsa Nahin Dekha' was a gamechanger for Shammi Kapoor. Before this film, he had given 18 flop films in a row. This film was written by Nasir Hussain in keeping Dev Anand in mind. When Dev Anand refused to do this film, Shammi Kapoor was given this film.
This superhit song was written by Sahir Ludhianvi and composed by O P Nayyar well in advance keeping in mind Dev Anand. This was the only song written by Sahir in this film, he also opted out of the film because Dev Anand is not doing the film. Those days only Dev Anand had a flamboyant image and his earlier films (Munimji and Paying Guest)  with the producers had similar roles and were superhit.
The director of the film Nasir Hussain said in an interview that he was reluctant to take Shammi Kapoor as his hero for this film, it was his first film as a director and he wanted to work with an established hero. S Mukkharjee the producer suggested the name of Sunil Dutt after Dev Anand's refusal, ultimately the name of Shammi Kapoor emerged. 
Shammi Kapoor, who knew the story of the film and also knew that it will be a musical Rom-Com was desperate to grab this film to boost his sinking career. Nasir Hussain thought of changing the earlier image of Shammi Kapoor, asked him to remove his mustaches and change his hairstyle.
Shammi Kapoor told in an interview that this film was his dream film, he wanted this type of a role to show to the world his style. Those days no specialized choreographers were available for the songs. Heroes used to be sober or simpler in their songs. I had a great sense of dance and music, could improvise my own steps. So I asked Nasir Hussain to give him the recording of the song so that he could prepare for the song.
The day he got the recording of this song he went up to the terrace of his house at Chembur, he danced with the rhythm throughout the night., until every line, every beat had seeped into his body.
When the song was being picturized, Nasir Hussain gave him the full freedom to make his moves and steps. Everybody present there were surprised to see Shammi performing the song. Nasir Hussain was happy, he wanted Shammi Kapoor to do differently and he did it.
This is a version song, the other version was sung by Asha Bhonsle, the favorite of composer O P Nayyar.

Song of Tumsa Nahin Dekha 1957 (Both Versions)

O P Nayyar-Jaadu Nagagri Se Aaya Yeh Jadugar

O. P. Nayyar (16 January 1926 – 28 January 2007  ) started his career as a movie music composer by composing the background score for the movies, Kaneez (1949) and Aasmaan (1952). He became famous with the music of Aar Paar released in 1954 and CID released in 1956. All the songs of CID were super hit especially "Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar" and "Aye Dil Hai Mushkil Jeena Yahaan"
O P Nayyar was a genius and multitalented. He was not only a great Composer but also singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician. He wrote, "Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawaanonkaa" (featuring Dilip Kumar and Ajit) for Naya Daur (1957). 
 He won the 1958 Filmfare Award for Best Music Director(for Naya Da ur). Nayyar worked extensively with singers Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi later Mahendra Kapoor gave us many memorable songs.

OP Nayyar was among the Top 5 Composers of the Golden Era. Some of the great films were Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Howrah Bridge (1958), Jaali Note (1960), Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), Mere Sanam (1965), Baharen Phir Bhi Aayegi (1966), Kismat (1968) and Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1973)
His songs had a unique freshness, a rare robust beat, a flowing style similar to what you feel when you dip your hand in a running stream, blending Punjabi folk music with a rare Western-style orchestration, never heard before or since. His variety of rhythm patterns baffles the film industry, even today.

Song of Aar Paar 1954

Song of Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955)

Song of C I D(1956)

Song of Naya Daur (1957)

Song of Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)

Song of Howrah Bridge (1958)

Song of Jaali Note (1960)

Song of Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)

Song of Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Song of Mere Sanam (1965)

The Great Horse Beat Songs of Bollywood

During the 50s and 60s Horse Beat or Tonga, songs were very common. Those days Tongas were the main mean of transport in Indian cities. Victoria which was also called a Tonga or Baggi which was pulled by or trotted by one or two horses produces a typical rhythm. The musical notes of a horse’s galloping have remained etched in our memories even today.
It is believed that O P Nayyar is the music director who gave us the Tonga or Horse beat songs but that is not true. Before O P Nayyar it was S D Burman, Naushad, Roshan who gave many of these beats songs. Remember the song of Deedar (1951) Bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena and the song of Bawre Nain(1950) Ghir ghir ke aasmaan par chhaane lagi ghataayen with one of my fav singer Raj Kumari singing for my fav actress Geeta Bali.
On researching the songs with horse beats, I came across the song  Chale pavan ki chaal by Pankaj Mullick from Doctor (1941), This is the earliest known instance of such a song I could stumble upon.

Song of Doctor 1941

Another tonga beat song of the 40s is from V Shantaram's film Doctor Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani 1946.In this song Dr Kotnis (Shantaram) is singing while plying the cart, calling on people to come forth for service, and stresses even sacrifice of life in the process. The music was given by  Vasant Desai.

Song of Doctor Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani 1946

In 1950 S D Burman was another music director who gave the beats from instruments in an immortal song written by Kavi Pradeep, sung by Manna De for the film Mashaal 1950

Song of Mashaal 1950

The same year C Ramchandra gave us a song Ho Bajoo Mera Dil Hai sung by himself in the film Nirala starring Dev Anand and Madhubala

Song of Nirala 1950

Roshan who made his debut from Kidar Sharma's film Neki Aur Badi in 1949. Despite the disaster of their first film together (Neki Aur Badi, 1949) he gave him a second chance in the film Bawre Nain. The roaring success of the songs shows how legends are created. Roshan never looked back after that. In this film he used these beats in this song

Song of Bawre Nain(1950)

Song of Deedar (1951)

Song of Aan, 1952

Song of Chhoti Bahen, 1959

Let me now present the song from where O P Nayyar became synonymous with ghoda gaadi beats. The song is Piya piya piya by Asha Bhonsle & Kishore Kumar from Baap Re Baap (1955)

Song of  Baap Re Baap (1955)

OP Nayyar is in his elements and ticks off another successful composition.

Song of Naya Daur (1957)

Song of Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)

Song of Howrah Bridge (1958)

Song of Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)

Song of Sawan Ki Ghata (1966)

Song of Pyar Ka Bandhan (1963)

Song of Dadi Maa (1966)

  

O P NAYYAR-The music director who dared to go on without the Nightingale’s golden voice

O P Nayyar, whose evergreen numbers include “Mera Nam Chin Chin Choo”, “Aakhon Hi Akhon Main”, “Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Jee” and “Babuji Dhire Chalna”, worked with several singers such as Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle, Rafi and Mahendra Kapoor — but never with Lata Mangeshkar.The heady cocktail of OP-Asha captured the imagination of music lovers as never before and swept away even powerful competition from Madan Mohan-Lata combine.

With Asha Bhonsle ggave us some of the memorable songs of Hindi Cinema,songs like ‘Jaayiye aap kahan’ (Mere Sanam), ‘Raaton ko chori chori’ (Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi), ‘Zara haule haule’, ‘Meri jaan tumse sadke’ and ‘Aaj koi pyar se’ (all in Sawan Ki Ghata), ‘Aayiye meherbaan’ (Howrah Bridge) and ‘Aankhon se jo utri hai dil mein’ (Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon) to sense the profound wavelength the two worked on. 
Born on 16th Jan 1926,he came to Bombay for giving music for films.initially he was offered the background score for Kaneez (1949), and 1952's Aasmaan(produced by Dalsukh M. Pancholi), was his first film as music director. His real break came with Guru Dutt's Aar Paar in 1954.After that he gave music for  Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955) and C.I.D. (1956).The songs of all these three films established him among the top composers of that time.
In 1957 released Naya Daur,the music of that film became super hit,he was given Filmfare Award for that film.Same year another film Tumsa Nahin Dekha released.the grand success of these films made him among the top composers. Nayyar became one of the earliest music directors to command a lakh for a film.
During 1957 and 1958  a string of successful scores like Naya Daur (for which he won the Best Music Director Award), Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Sone Ki Chidiya, Phagun, Howrah Bridge and Ragini released.But for the next 2 years none of his films clicked at the box office resulting no work for 2 years for his arrogance and insistence on a high remuneration.
It was S Mukharjee .who gave him a new lease of life.It was S Mukherji's Joy Mukharjee-Sadhana musical hit, Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962) that brought Nayyar back into the reckoning.He gave one hit every year after that with  Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) and Mere Sanam (1965).
In the late 1960s, Nayyar fell out with his favourite Mohammad Rafi but managed to conjure memorable songs even with Mukesh (Chal akela), Mahendra Kapoor (Lakhon hai yahan dilwale) and Kishore Kumar (Tu auron ki kyon ho gayee).
A major blow was Nayyar's split with Asha Bhosle after the pair had reached a crescendo with the Filmfare Award winning Chein se humko kabhie in Pran Jaaye Par Vachan Na Jaaye (1974). Nayyar tried recreating the magic with new singers but musical trends had bypassed him by then He worked till 1990s but his music was not appealing to the young generation .
On the later stage of his life he was living with his friend.He left his family members even asked none of his family to be present on his funeral. He died on 28 January 2007
Some Of the Great Songs of O P Nayyar

Song from Aar Paar 1954

Song from C I D 1956

Song from Naya Daur 1957

Song from Tumsa Nahin Dekha 1957

Song from Howrah Bridge (1958)

Song from Phagun (1958)

Song from Sone ki Chidiya (1958)

Song from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Song from Mere Sanam (1965)

Song from Kismat (1968)

Song from Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1973)