Composer born in Patiala, Punjab. Employed by AIR, Jullundur. Debut scoring the background music for Kaneez. First break as composer for(Aasmaan). Scored very popular music for many 50s films such as early Guru Dutt(Baaz, Aar Paar, Mr and Mrs’55) and Kishore Kumar films’Baap Re Baap’
The legend created unforgettable songs. Introduced several Punjabi rhythms, esp. from the Bhangra folk dances, into Hindi films as well as producing’light’ popular music with rock overtones for Shamshad Beghum, Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle’s early hits. Some his hit songs with Mohammad Rafi are real GEMs. He is the one who became “Super Star Music Director” without using Lata Mangeshkar.
CID, Naya Daur, Aar Paar, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Houn, Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, Kashmir Ki Kali, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Sawan Ki Ghata, Mere Sanam etc in which you will find all the songs melodious and are the top musical scores of OP Nayyar.
I have selected some of his best solo songs as well as some of his best duets, which have class of its own. One thing I liked about OP Nayyar’s music is that he has used Indian Classical Instruments like Santoor, Sitar, Vina, Harmonium, Dholak and Tabla etc very often and effectively.
SOLO SONGS:-
“Aar Paar”(1954). Kabhi Aar Kabhi Par by Shamshad Beghum, Babuji Dhire Chalana, Houn Abhi Main Jawan, Yelo Main Haari Piya by Geeta Dutt. The last one is typical Punjabi Flavored breezing melody.
“CID”(1955). Buz Mera Kya Nam Re, Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana by Shamshad Beghum. The First being typical Punjabi folk song the other being club song. But both are equally good.
“Tumasa Nahin Dekha” (1957). Jawaniyan Ye Mast Mast, Youn To Hamane Lakhnon Hanseen , Chhupane Wale Samane Aa by M. Rafi. The best of OP/Rafi combination. A real musical bonanza for any film music lover.
“Ek Musafir Ek Haseena”(1962). Hum Ko Tumhare Ishq Ne, Ye Muze Dekh Kar by Rafi. This extremely romantic song is remembered because of the way Saxophone is played. Terrific song.
“Sawan Ki Ghata”(1965). Julphon Ko Hata Le Chehare Se by Rafi, Meri Jaan Tum Pe Sadke by Mahendra Kapoor, Aaj Koi Pyar Se, Hoole Hoole Sajana Dhire Dhire Balama by Asha. All these songs are my personal favorites I cant work if I don’t listen to all these songs at least once in week, to refresh my musical mind.
“Mere Sanam”(1965). Pukarata Chala Houn Main Tukade Hai Mere Dil Ke, all by Rafi. Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge The voice of Asha Bhonsle is too sexy in this last song. This is a classical cum western style song in which OP has utilized instrument, Santoor, superbly.
“Kashmir Ki Kali”(1965). Balama Khuli Hawa Main by Asha, Subhan Allah Hai, Tarif Karoun Kya Usaki by Rafi. Superb combination of the western instruments like Guitar and Indian classical instrument Santoor in this song and on top of it magnificently sung by Rafi.
“Bahare Phir Bhi Aayegi”(1966). Koi Keha De Kehade by Asha Badal Jaye Agar Mali by Mahendra Kapoor, Aapke Haseen Rukh Pe Aaj Naya Noor Hai .This highly romantic song is excellently sung by M. Rafi. The use of the pieces of Piano is superb in this western style song.
“Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi”(1966). Mera Pyar Wo Hai Ke by Mahanedra Kapoor, Main Shayad Tumhare Liye Ajanabee Houn, Yahi wo jagah hai yahi vo fizaye by Asha Bhonsle. Hunting melody by Asha with OP. Echo effect is marvelous.
“Kismat”(1967). Aankhon Main Quayamat Ke Kajal, Lakhon Hai Yahan Dilwlae by Mahendra Kapoor. One of the best songs of Mahendra Kapoor. These songs have been nicely composed on western style.
“Humsaya”(1967). Dil Ki Aawaz Bi Sun Yet another romantic song. Listen the way ‘Dholak’ and ‘Piano’ played in this song. M. Rafi is at his best, I also like this song very much.
“Sambandh”(1968). Chal Akela Chal Akela Perhaps this is the only song of OP with Mukesh. Excellently composed on a very high pitch.
DUETS SONGS:-
“CID”(1955). Aankhon Hi Aankhon Main, Ai Dil Hai Mushkil Jeena Yahan by Rafi-Geeta Dutt, Leke Pehala Pehala Pyar. Mohammad Rafi and Shamshad Beghum have rendered this song in typical style of their own. OP has excellently used long pieces of the Harmonium, which is totally forgotten now a day.
“Baap Re Baap”(1955). Piya Piya Mora Jiya Pukare, Kishor-Asha. Fast track romantic love song on “Horse Step Beat”.
“Naya Andaz”(1956) Mere Nindon Main Tum Mere Khwabon Main Tum Kishor-Shamashad Beghum. Very melodious song on slow track.
“Mr & Mrs 55”(1956). Udhhar Tum Hansee Ho, Jane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Ji both by Rafi and Geeta Dutt. Totally different duets from each other.
“Kalpana”(1957). Tu Hai Mera Prem Devata This classical song, is sung by Mohammad Rafi and Mannade, and is one of my all time favorites. I do not think any one has used Mannade-Rafi combination so nicely to compose this marvelous song.
“Naya Daur”(1957). Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jali Ka, by Asha-Shamshad Ude Jab Jab Zulphe Teri, Mang Ke Saath Tumhara by Rafi-Asha. The beauty of this immortal song is the “horse foot stepping”(Ghode Ka Tappa) music. One can imagine this song is being sung while sitting on horse or “Tanga”.
“Sone Ki Chidiya”(1958). Pyar Per Bas To Nahin Hai Very delicately sung by Talat Mehamood and Asha Bhonsle. This is totally different type of song, but excellent melody, composed by OP
“Phagun”(1959). Main Soya Akhiyan Miche, Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya & Tum Ruth Ke Mat JanaYou will never get such a melodious Punjabi style duets sung by all by Rafi and Asha.
“Phir Wohi Dil Laya Houn”(1965). Zulph Ki Chhaon Tale, Humdum Mere Asha-Rafi, Fast track, excellent use of instruments Santoor and Dholalk, is giving you a feel that you are in Kashmir.
“Kashmir Ki Kali”(1965). Meri Jaan Balle Balle, Isharon Isharon Main Dil Lene Wale, Diwana Hua Badal all By Rafi-Asha. Evergreen songs of a super musical hit film. Its one of my all time favorite.
“Yah Raat Phir Na Aayegi”(1966). Phir Miloge Kabhi Is Baat Ka Waada Karlao by Asha-Rafi, Huzar-E- Wala Jo Ho Izzajat Excellently sung by Asha-Minu Purushottam on a Punjabi Folk style. One of my all time favorite song.
“Kismat”(1967). Kajara Mohabbat Wala. Sung by Asha Bhonsle and Shamshad Beghum. The best song in which maximum and very effective use of Harmonium. Typical Punjabi Folk song.