Recently I read an article in Hindu about O.P.Nayeer. It recalled my college days’ memories. In those days (1962-65) college student day’s life synchronized with hindi songs and hindi films in Madras. I am talking about days prior to anti- hindi agitation. Shammai kapoor films are instant craze with students thanks to his hair style and care free looks. Two of his films, Ek Musafir Ek Hassena and Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, are huge success with students. Both of these films have music by O.P.Nayyer.

The reason I like most in O.P.Nayyer is his orchestration and western adopted tunes. The one film that attracted me in earlier days is Nayadaur. I was a great addict to Listeners choice programme. In those days Air Madras B had broadcasted a programme in western music on Saturdays. (I used to hear it in low volume afraid of my father’s wrath. Now days my son listened to western music just by inserting a tape that he bought from his pocket money in his walkman. How world has changed?) It was a one hour programme that broadcasted Billy Vaughan, Cliff Richard, and Paul Anka. Elvis Presiley etc. Rock Music was evolving then. Jaaz music was the main attraction in those days. O.P.Nayyer’ melodies matched those songs. No wonder I was attracted to him. Influence of saxophone can be heard in many of his songs.

The fact was he never used queen of melodies Latha in his composition is amazing. Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhonsle were his favorite singers. He has used huskiness in Geeta Dutt‘s voice to best use in many of his songs. Babuji Dheera Chalna in Aar Paar and Mere naam chin chin coo in HowraBridge are the two examples. Asha Bhonsle was another singer he has used to her full potential. I have a feeling that Asha has not been recognized as to her potential as like her elder sister Latha.. Asha‘s voice has stood test of time. So we have Asha singing even now and churning out hit numbers not her sister.   O.P.Nayyer is the one who gave respectability to her voice before R.D.Burman. May be R.D.Burman might have introduced pure Rock to her but it is O.P.Nayyer who made her sing like Connie Francis with her seductive voice. In my opinion Asha’s best songs are composed by O.P. only. (Any one disagree)

O.P.Nayyer has a flamboyant appearance always with his western outfit and hat. He liked his wine and women. He never denied his fondness for both of them. His breakdown with Asha and death of Geeta Dutt caused his downfall. He stopped churning out hits. His last hit was Ek Baar Muskura Do. Even now when ever I was depressed I used to listen to his soulful songs to freshen me up. I pity the present the generation. Whom do they listen to when they got depressed?

My best ten:

Babuji Dheera Chalna- Geeta Dutt

Tum Jo Huya Mere Humsafar- Geeta Dutt ,Mohd. Rafi

Mere Naam Chin Chin- Geeta Dutt

Maang K Saath Tumhara- Asha .Mohd.Rafi

Uden Jab Jab Zulfer Teri- Asha, Mohd.Rafi

Aap Yunhir Agar- Mohd.Rafi

Meri Jaan Ball Ball- Asha

Aankhon Se Jo Uttri Hai

Yeh Hi Bombay Meri Jaan- Mohd.Rafi

Chalna akela- Mukesh