Naushad Ali (b. 1919)
Hindi-Urdu composer born in Lucknow. One of the most spectacular products of the 40s Hindi cinema, he was one of the first to introduce sound mixing and the separate recording of voice and music tracks in playback singing. Also known for using a mammoth orchestra with over 100 musicians for Mehboob’s Aan. Since early childhood he was an avid listener to the live orchestras accompanying silent films. Studied under Ustad Ghurbat Ali, Ustad Yusuf Ali and Ustad Babban Saheb. Before moving to Bombay in 1937, he composed for amateur theatricals such as the Windsor Music Entertainers, a group he helped set up. In Bombay, he worked as a pianist in composer Mushtaq Hussain’s orchestra; later assisted Khemchand Prakash (whom he considers his teacher) at Ranjit Studio. Employed by Kardar as in-house composer at Kardar Studio after Nai Duniya; composed some of his most memorable music for Kardar and his disciple, M. Sadiq (e.g. Rattan, Naushad’s breakthrough film). Scored Mehboob’s films after Anmol Ghadi, including Anokhi Ada, Andaz and Mother India. Partner in Sunny Art Prod., producing e.g. Udan Khatola. Other classic compositions include Baiju Bawra (using the eminent Khayal singer Amir Khan along with D.V. Paluskar), Asif’s epic Mughal-e-Azam (where Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan sang), Nitin Bose’s Ganga Jumna. The music for Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah is credited to Ghulam Mohammed but Naushad also contributed to it.
FILMOGRAPHY: 1940: Prem Nagar; 1941: Kanchan; Darshan; Mala; 1942: Nai Duniya; Sharada; Station Master; 1943: Kanoon; Namaste; Sanjog; 1944: Geet; Jeevan; Pehle Aap; Rattan; 1945: Sanyasi; 1946: Anmol Ghadi; Keemat; Shahjehan; 1947: Dard; Elaan; Natak; 1948: Anokhi Ada; Mela; 1949: Andaz; Chandni Raat; Dillagi; Dulari; 1950: Babul; Dastaan; 1951: Deedar; Jadu; 1952: Aan; Baiju Bawra; Diwana; 1953: Char Chand; 1954: Amar; Shabab; 1955: Udan Khatola; 1957: Mother India; 1958: Sohni Mahiwal; 1960: Kohinoor; Mughal-e-Azam; 1961: Ganga Jumna; 1962: Son of India; 1963: Mere Mehboob; 1964: Leader; 1966: Dil Diya Dard Liya; Saaz Aur Awaz; 1967: Palki; Ram Aur Shyam; 1968: Admi; Saathi; Sangharsh; 1970: Ganwaar; 1971: Pakeezah; 1972: Tangewala; 1974: My Friend; Aaina; 1975: Sunehra Sansar; 1979: Chambal Ki Rani; 1982: Dharam Kanta; 1986: Love and God; 1988: Dhwani; 1989: Dhwani; 1990: Awaaz De Kahan Hai; 1993: Teri Payal Mere Geet; 1995: Guddu.