Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: November 11, 2024 | 
| 中文
A. Nayyar being interviewed by Pakistan Television (PTV).
Exactly fifty years ago, a song aired on Radio Pakistan, Lahore, that left listeners captivated. It was part of a music show, Nayi Umang (New Talent), produced by the renowned poet-broadcaster Safdar Hamdani (husband of Pakistan Television newscaster Mahpara Safdar), where he regularly showcased talented young voices. This particular voice, flowing across the airwaves, held an almost magical charm that entranced its audience. At the time, Bollywood was in the throes of Kishore Kumar’s allure, and Pakistani listeners were enamored. As the song played, a junior employee at the station grew anxious, worried that an “out-of-this-country” song might have accidentally been broadcast. Rushing to the record room, he removed the disc, fearing a serious blunder had occurred.
The song that was removed that day was in the soulful voice of a certain Arthur Latif Nayyar. Written by the poet Amjad Islam Amjad and set to music by the legendary Karim Shahabuddin, the song was a blend of rich talent and artistic promise. Nayyar, a graduate of FC College and a close friend of Safdar Hamdani, would soon become known as A. Nayyar, a celebrated voice in Lollywood. In the post-Ahmed Rushdi era of Pakistani cinema, he became the go-to playback singer for music directors, bringing his distinctive voice to countless iconic songs.
Nayyar while singing
No birthday party was complete without a lively rendition of Jungle mein Mangal teri hi dum se, Karta Rahoonga Yaad Tujhe Main became an anthem among the youth, and for girls named Bina, it was both a sweet gesture and a bit of a nuisance. Oh Humdum Oh Saathi, Mujhay Teri Dosti Pe Naaz Hai was the ultimate dedication to best friends, capturing the spirit of friendship and camaraderie in its heartfelt lyrics and songs like Ek Baat Kahoon Dildara and Saathi Mujhe Mil Gaya, were ideal for those who had just found love, expressing the excitement of romance.
Born in Sahiwal in 1955 (contrary to 1950 mentioned on various websites), A. Nayyar came from Pakistan's Christian community, known for producing celebrated singers like S.B. John, Saleem Raza and Irene Parveen. After primary schooling, Nayyar shifted to Lahore and matriculated from St. Francis School. He graduated from Forman Christian College in 1971 and got his BEd degree from Government Central Training College in 1975.
Young A. Nayyar
Originally trained as a teacher, Nayyar was not a trained singer. He would sing at college functions and was quite popular in inter-collegiate competitions. His powerful voice brought him to prominence, which led his passion for music into a full-fledged career. He started as a non-regular on Radio and later appeared on Pakistan Television. His transition to the big screen was slow, and it was not until 1974 that he hit the big time. It was Riaz Shahid's Bahisht (1974), where Yunhi Din Dhal Jaye, with Rubina Badar, was an instant success. Next, he was there in actor Nadeem's maiden production Mitti ke putle rendering a fast Rushdi type song 'Oh my baby'. Initially, Nayyar's style reminded one of Kishore Kumar, but he gradually developed a style of his own. He became a favourite for every music director and never disappointed them. For Robin Ghosh, he excelled in Amber (Milay do saathi) and Bandish (Hello Sayanko, Acha Acha Lago Ray), for A Hameed in Naya Andaz (Zid na kar iss qadar) for Amjad Bobby Naqsh-e-Qadam (Bina tera naam), Nisar Bazmi, Saima (Aray Zindagi hai kia), Tafu Jasoos (Saathi mujhay mil gaya), Kamal Ahmed Barat (Yaad raknay ko kuch na raha), M Ashraf Aag (Main tu jala aisa jeevan bhar) and Karim Shahabuddin Sharmili (Ji rahay hain hum tanha).
A. Nayyar with fellow singers, Akhlaq, Mehnaz, Naheed amongst others.
When Rushdi’s health led him to step back, it left a significant gap in the industry. This void was filled by A. Nayyar, who brought a refreshing sound that resonated well with the evolving cinema landscape.
Nayyar's versatile voice graced the roles of stars across generations, from senior actors like Talish, Qavi, to iconic figures like Waheed Murad, Muhammad Ali, Nadeem and Shahid. Actors who emerged in the 70s owe much to Nayyar's vocal cords as Ghulam Mohiuddin, Usman Peerzada and Asif Raza Mir's career would have been different, had there been no Nayyar. To the heroes of the 80s, Javed Shaikh, Faisal and Ismail Shah, and to the younger wave of actors including Shaan, Jan Rambo and Moammar Rana, Nayyar was the natural choice. He even lent his voice to Asif Khan, Sultan Rahi, Badar Munir, Firdaus Jamal and Mustafa Qureshi, actors who rarely sang.
A. Nayyar, Naheed, Anwar Rafi and a co-singer
Nayyar continued his singing career until 1994, later making a comeback around the turn of the century. This return was marked by his work with producer-director Samina Peerzada on her film Inteha, where he collaborated with Amjad Bobby after many years. Songs like Rut Mastani Sama Suhana and Teri Nazar Pe Meri Nazar Hai were performed by Nayyar and filmed on actor Humayun Saeed, who was born around the time Nayyar was busy singing in his college. In a twist of fate, Nadeem, the actor Nayyar had first sung for over 25 years prior, played the role of the hero's father in Inteha, while the voice was being used for younger men.
Nayyar once met his mentor Kishore Kumar who was in the USA for a concert performance. Kishoreda praised his yodeling skills and was surprised as the man who introduced yodeling in songs, never tried the technique in sad songs, which was like a walk in the park for Nayyar. Legendary Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu, a disciple of Kishore Kumar, also appreciated Nayyar and considered him his guru. Sanu even rendered some songs of Nayyar for his music album.
A. Nayyar
Nayyar remained one of the dominant playback singers in the Pakistani film industry during the late 1970s and 1980s. He also sang for television and radio and was very versatile. Throughout his career, he sang over 400 songs in Pakistani films and won five Nigar Awards in 1979, 1985, 1988, 1989 and 1991.
A. Nayyar passed away on November 11, 2016, in Lahore, in his 60s, due to heart failure. Posthumously, the President of Pakistan awarded him the Pride of Performance in 2018. He lives on in the hearts of music lovers, who still listen to his songs whenever they need to be reminded of his remarkable talent.
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