Omkar Prasad Nayyar (b. 1926)

Composer born in Patiala, Punjab. Employed by AIR, Jullundur. Début scoring the background music for Kaneez. First break as composer for Pancholi films (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 (P.L. Santoshi’s Cham Chama Cham and Kardar’s Baap Re Baap). Late 50s films include Tumsa Nahin Dekha, the film in which Shammi Kapoor changed into his Presley image, and Howrah Bridge, with the most famous song, Mera naam Chin Chin Choo. Also scored the biggest film in Kapoor’s ‘Yahoo’ image, Kashmir Ki Kali. A characteristic scene of his b&w films is a cabaret dancer performing - often to a Rhumba rhythm - in front of the Boss in a nightclub (Twelve O’Clock, Aar Paar). Introduced several Punjabi rhythms, esp. from the Bhangra folk dances, into Hindi film as well as producing ‘light’ popular music with rock overtones for Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle’s early hits. Returned to score a Telugu film, Neerajanam, after a decade out of work.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1949: Kaneez; 1952: Aasmaan; Cham Chama Cham; 1953: Baaz; 1954: Aar Paar; Mangu; Mehbooba; 1955: Baap Re Baap (with C. Ramchandra); Miss Coca Cola; Mr And Mrs ’55; Musafirkhana; Subse Bada Rupaiya; 1956: Bhagambhag; CID; Chhoo Mantar; Dhake Ki Malmal; Hum Sub Chor Hain; Mr Lambu; Naya Andaz; Shrimati 420; 1957: Bade Sarkar; Duniya Rang Rangili; Johnny Walker; Mai Baap; Naya Daur; Qaidi; Tumsa Nahin Dekha; Ustad; 1958: Farishta; Howrah Bridge; Kabhi Andhera Kabhi Ujala; Mr Qartoon MA; Mujrim; Phagun; Ragini; Sone Ki Chidiya; Twelve O’Clock; 1959: Do Ustad; 1960: Basant; Jaali Note; Kalpana; Mitti Mein Sona; 1962: Ek Musafir Ek Hasina; Hong Kong; 1963: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon; 1964: Kashmir Ki Kali; 1965: Mere Sanam; 1966: Akalmand; Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi; Do Dilon Ki Dastaan; Love and Murder; Mohabbat Zindagi Hai; Sawan Ki Ghata; Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi; 1967: CID 909; Nasihat; 1968: Dil Aur Mohabbat; Humsaya; Kahin Din Kahin Raat; Kismet; Shrimanji; 1969: The Killers; Sambandh; 1971: Aisa Bhi Hota Hai; 1972: Ek Baar Muskurado; 1973: Taxi Driver; Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye; 1978: Khoon Ka Badla Khoon; 1979: Heera Moti; Bin Maa Ke Bachche; 1989: Neerajanam; 1992: Nishchay; 1994: Zid.

Music