Omkar Prasad Nayyar (16 January 1926 – 28 January 2007) was an Indian film music composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician. He is considered to be one of the most rhythmic and melodious music directors of the Hindi film industry.
Nayyar was born in Lahore, British India (present Pakistan). He composed the background score for Kaneez (1949), and 1952’s Aasmaan was his first film as music director. Nayyar then composed music for Chham Chhama Chham (1952) and Baaz (1953). Film producer, director and actor Guru Dutt enlisted him to compose and conduct music for Aar Paar (1954), Mr. & Mrs. ’55 (1955) and C.I.D. (1956). The Geeta Dutt-OP Nayyar duo created magic starting with Aar Paar, Mr & Mrs 55 and CID.
As a composer he made distinction with Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon and Mere Sanam. He composed enormously popular song during this period like Bandaa Parwar, Thaamlo Jigar, Jaayiye Aap Kahaan Jaayenge, Aye Dil Hai Mushkil Jeena Yahaan, Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya,Anchal men saja lena kaliyan, Ankhon se jo utri hai Dil men, Lakhon hain Niagah main and Pukaarataa Chalaa Hoon Main. His songs in Kashmir Ki Kalli (1964 ) Diwana Huwa Badal, Isharon Isharon main dil lene wale,Meri Jaan Balle, Tarif karun kya uski gained huge popularity.
From year 1954-70 Nayyar ruled the chart, OP songs usually occupying top slots in the 10 chart-toppers on the popular radio program Binaca Geetmala. Nayyar’s worked primarily with Shamshad Begum, Geeta Dutt, Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle who was introduced later in C.I.D. Nayyar never worked with Lata Mangeshkar. See full bio here
He won the 1958 Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for Naya Daur. Nayyar worked extensively with singers Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi, though not with leading Bollywood female singer Lata Mangeshkar.
Personal life –
O. P. Nayyar married to Saroj Nayyar who was a stage dancer before marriage and she came in touch with O. P. Nayyar at Lahore Radio Station at that time he was a singer at that station. Saroj Nayyar wrote the lyrics to “Preetam Aan Milo” (originally sung by C. H. Atma in 1945 which was used later in the film Mr. & Mrs. ’55 by Geeta Dutt). He had three daughters and a son. His granddaughter Niharica Raizada is also an actress.
Death-
In last phase of his life, Nayyar had moved out of his Mumbai home, staying with a friend in Virar and then with a friend in Thane. He died on 28 January 2007. Estranged from his family, he requested that they be barred from his funeral. A commemorative stamp was issued by India Post on 3 May 2013.
Birth Chart of O.P.Nayyar –
