Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: January 13, 2024 | 
(R to L) Tanveer Afridi, Faisal Latif, Hassan Jahangir, Mehboob Ashraf, Muhammad Ifrahim, Ikhlaq Bashir, Arif Ansari, Uroosa Ali, Ayat Sheikh, Shabana Kousar and Shazia Kousar
An evening that began with Ahmed Rushdi's Aisay Bhi Hain Meherban and concluded with Mehdi Hassan's iconic patriotic song Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai could never be dull. With students of the legendary music director Nisar Bazmi performing his timeless compositions as a tribute to the maestro, the audience couldn't help but wish the night would go on forever.
At the vibrant hub of activities, the Karachi Arts Council of Pakistan, an unforgettable evening unfolded on Saturday 4th January 2025, in the presence of stalwarts from the entertainment industry. The event, held at the Haseena Moin Hall, celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary music director Nisar Bazmi, whose illustrious career spanned 50 remarkable years.
The event brought together prominent personalities from the film and entertainment industry, including the President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, along with veteran actors Mustafa Qureshi and Mumtaz Begum, renowned singer Javed Akhtar, Salman Alvi, Muhammad Ifrahim, Hassan Jahangir and Ustad Nafees Khan.
Mustafa Qureshi and Mumtaz
The highlight for me was the long-awaited book on Nisar Bazmi's life and works, authored by his most dedicated disciple, singer and PR professional Tanveer Afridi. The evening began with the 'cake-cutting', followed by the 'ribbon-cutting' of Kon Yaadon Ko Zanjeer Pahnaayega, a book by Tanveer. Witnessing the unveiling of the book cover, rather than the book itself, left me longing in my pursuit. However, the enchanting performances of the songs made me momentarily forget the book. After paying tribute to the legend and the Pride of Performance recipient Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, highlighted that Nisar Bazmi was not only a legendary figure in the Pakistani film industry but also had close ties with the Arts Council as a distinguished member.
The tribute commenced with Faisal Latif, one of Nisar Bazmi's most renowned protégés, delivering captivating renditions of Aisay Bhi Hain Meherban from Jaisay Jantay Nahin and Ek Sitam Aur Meri Jaan from Saiqa. Despite battling a sore throat, Salman Alvi shone with his performance of Amanat Ali Khan's sole film song, Mora Jiya Na Lagay from Pyar Hi Pyar. Tanveer Afridi followed with three heartfelt renditions, evoking pure nostalgia for those who live and breathe Lollywood music.
Tanveer Afridi with Javed Akhtar
Veteran actress Mumtaz, who rose to fame with Intezar (1974) through iconic songs like Batti Bujh Gyi and Main Mom Ki Guriya Hoon, not only relived those cherished moments, but also paid heartfelt tribute to the maestro by singing a few lines from Dushman (1974), and Runa Laila's Jaanay walay ne yeh bhi na socha.
Legendary singer Mehnaz, who debuted under Nisar Bazmi's direction in Pehchan (1975) was also remembered, and what better way to remember both legends, than letting Mehnaz's cousin and daughter of legendary singer Ishrat Jahan, Uroosa Ali, render the debut song of her cousin, Tera pyar mere jeevan ke sang rahay ga. Rising star Rosemary emulated Runa Laila with two numbers, from Umrao Jan Ada and Anjuman, and was applauded.
(L to R) Uroosa Ali, Mumtaz, Samina Aslam, Ayat Shaikh
Arif Ansari, another able disciple of Bazmi sahib, came from Hyderabad and was exceptional with his energy. Singers Ikhlaq Bashir and Waheed Khayal chipped in with beautiful Nisar Bazmi's songs; Yun zindagi ki raah me and the difficult Ranjish hi Sahi, respectively but the night belonged to the renowned sisters, Shabana Kausar and Shazia Kausar. They were not direct disciples of Nisar Bazmi, but rendered multiple songs by the man who had the pleasure of directing Lata, Rafi as well as Noor Jehan, Mehdi Hassan and Ahmed Rushdi. Those present in the hall were treated to a mesmerizing performance by the Mehboob Ashraf Band, who are pros in the field. Humaira Channa and Sadaf Munir were unfortunately missed at the event, although they were expected to attend, traffic issues in Karachi deprived music enthusiasts of a performance they truly deserved.
Nisar Bazmi began his musical journey before his teenage years, joined All India Radio after learning the basics of music. He composed for over 30 films in Bollywood but came over in 1962 in search of a brighter future. While confined to B- and C-grade films in Bombay, he became one of Pakistan's finest music directors over the years. He was the first choice for all directors and be it S Suleman, Pervez Malik, Hassan Tariq, Raza Mir or Ali Sufyan Afaqi, everyone wanted him in his team. Some of the songs remembered even today are:
| Song | Singer | Film | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhi dhoond hi rahi thi | Noor Jehan | Bewafa | S Suleman |
| Dil Dharkay main tum se | Runa Laila | Anjuman | Hassan Tariq |
| Khilti kali ko dekh kar | Runa Laila | Sabaq | S Suleman |
| Pyar ki Yaad nigahon me | Saleem Shehzad | Talaash | Pervez Malik |
| Bhabhi meri Bhabhi | Ahmed Rushdi | Anjuman | Hassan Tariq |
| Hum chalay tu hamaray | Alamgir | Jageer | Ali Sufyan Afaqi |
| Jo bacha tha | Noor Jehan | Umrao Jan Ada | Hassan Tariq |
| Yeh mehfil jo aaj | Tahira Syed | Muhabbat | S Suleman |
| Bari mushkil se hua | Noor Jehan | Lakhon me Aik | Raza Mir |
| Main tere ajnabi shehr | Mujeeb Alam | Shama aur Parvana | Hassan Tariq |
| Hum na tarsain kabhi | Ghulam Abbas | Intekhab | Pervez Malik |
| Bol ri Gurya bol zara | Nayyara Noor | Aas | Ali Sufyan Afaqi |
Nisar Bazmi with Nayyara Noor
Aside from the tribute, my greatest anticipation was for the book, which was ceremonially unveiled at the event. Over 12 years in the making, this book stands as an encyclopedia of Pakistan's music. It not only covers Bazmi sahab's films, his ascend to the top or his basic training, but also the music scenario in the 1962-1998 period. The 400-page book is expected to be out soon in the market, and has a lot whatever Nisar Bazmi experienced in his lifetime.
The title, Kon Yaadon Ko Zanjeer Pahnaayega, is inspired by a soulful song from Shama Aur Parwana, beautifully rendered with deep emotion by Mujeeb Alam, another of Bazmi’s remarkable discoveries. Spotting Talent was a child's play for Bazmi sahib, who also introduced Ghulam Abbas, Tahira Syed, Alamgir and the late Nayyara Noor to films, other than Mujeeb Alam and Mehnaz. Nisar Bazmi was active on television, when Urdu films production reduced in the mid-80s. He had given immortal patriotic songs like Khayal Rakna, Hum arz-e-Pak ki, Hum Zinda Qaum hain, Yeh watan tumhara hai and Ae Noor e Quaid aaj ke din and produced gems for the music industry.
Nisar Bazmi and Mehnaz
December 1924 was a landmark month for the South Asian cinema, marking the births of three icons: Showman Raj Kapoor in Peshawar, Muhammad Rafi in Amritsar and Nisar Bazmi in Bombay. While Raj and Rafi were widely celebrated in Bollywood in 2024, the 100th anniversary of their birth underscored their immense contributions to films and music. Despite belonging to a smaller industry, Nisar Bazmi was of no less importance than these legends. He deserved a fitting tribute and Tanveer Afridi, along with his colleagues and the Arts Council, delivered a heartfelt homage to the maestro who created timeless melodies. I hope they continue this tradition and honor those who are alive and have contributed for over half a century.
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