Nayyar enthralled millions with distinctive rhythms

MUMBAI: Described by his contemporaries as a powerhouse of talent, music director O P Nayyar enthralled generations of Indians with his lilting romantic numbers featuring a distinctive sound created by the innovative use of the piano, saxophone and rhythms.

The creator of evergreen numbers like Pukarta Chala Hoon Mei, Chain Se Humko Kabhi Apne, Tumsa Nahin Dekha and Aap Yuhin Agar Hamse Milte Rahen, Nayyar had faded from the music scene over the past three decades before his death in Thane on Sunday.

Though he did not have a classical background, Nayyar, during his heydays, overtook many of his contemporaries like S D Burman and Madan Mohan in popularity. And his songs continue to be heard on the country's airwaves even today, garnering new fans with their unique sound, especially the rhythms that mimicked the clippety-clop of horses.

Nayyar can be credited with advancing the careers of many great playback singers in Bollywood like Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi, but he never worked with Lata Mangeshkar.

Born on January 26, 1926 in Lahore, Omkar Prasad Nayyar began his career in films with the background score for Kaneez in 1949. His first big success was Guru Dutt's Aar Paar, which led to a successful partnership with the director for classic 1950s films like Mr And Mrs 55 and CID.

He gained distinction for his efforts as music director on Mere Sanam, which featured the evergreen compositions Jaiyee Aap Kahan Jaayenge and Pukarta Chala Hoon Main.

Always attired in his trademark white and wearing a hat, Nayyar faded from the music scene in the 1970s but attempted a comeback in the early 1990s with Andaz Apna Apna.

Nayyar, the creator of all time hits like Mera Nam Chin Chin Choo, Aei Dil Hai Muskil Jeena Yahan, Aakhon Hi Akhon Main, Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana, Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Jee and Babuji Dhire Chalna, was recently seen in the musical TV show 'Sa Re Ga Ma'.

Though he spent most of his career composing music for films made in north India, he also did the score for south Indian movies like Neerajanam.

Nayyar -- whose quiet dignity and poise made him a striking picture of elegance calm -- was perhaps the only music director whose name appeared on billboards over the cast and crew of films.

He had been living with friends for over 10 years after being estranged from his family.