In the golden era of cinema, many singers and composers made a lasting impression with their music. One such name is Ompal Prasad Nayyar, popularly known as O.P. Nayyar, who was one of the highest-paid music composers in the industry. On the occasion of his birthday on January 16, let’s dive into a famous incident from his life that led to a rift between him and Lata Mangeshkar.
His Entry into the Music World
O.P. Nayyar was born on January 16, 1926, in Lahore. Although he never received formal training in classical music, his mastery over ragas and melodies became apparent when he composed music for songs. His natural talent made up for the lack of structured education, and his music was recognized and loved by many.
At the age of 17, Nayyar composed a piece called “Kabir Vani” for HMV, but it wasn’t accepted. Undeterred, he went on to compose a private album, “Pritam Aan Milo,” which featured C.H. Atma’s vocals. This album helped him establish a name in the world of music and cinema.
The Dispute with Lata Mangeshkar
O.P. Nayyar and Lata Mangeshkar’s fallout occurred during the making of the 1952 film Aasman. Nayyar had signed Lata Mangeshkar for the music of the film, but when it was time for the recording, Lata was late. When she finally explained that she had a medical issue with her nose and had been advised by the doctor to rest, Nayyar responded curtly, saying, “Anyone who can’t show up on time doesn’t matter to me.” Lata, feeling insulted, replied that she couldn’t sing for someone so insensitive. Following this fallout, Rajkumari was brought in to sing the song Mori Nindiya Churaye Gayo instead.
A Musician Who Worked on His Own Terms
O.P. Nayyar was known for working on his own terms. After the disagreement with Lata, he collaborated with other singers like Shamsad Begum, Geeta Dutt, and Asha Bhosle. His music, particularly the rhythm and Punjabi folk influences, suited Asha Bhosle’s voice perfectly.
Films like Ar-Paar and Mr. and Mrs. 55 brought immense success to O.P. Nayyar, cementing his place in the industry. He later worked on Naya Daur, where his collaborations with Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi became iconic.
The Composer Who Once Earned the Highest Fees but Faced Struggles
O.P. Nayyar was a composer known for his experimentation with a variety of instruments—harmonium, sitar, guitar, flute, tabla, dholak, santur, and mouth organ. His unique style was also reflected in his knowledge of homeopathy and astrology. However, despite being one of the highest-paid composers at his peak, O.P. Nayyar faced financial struggles later in life and had to sell his house. Yet, he remained proud and never regretted his decisions, continuing to move forward with his dignity intact.
O.P. Nayyar’s music continues to be cherished, and his contributions to the Indian film industry remain unforgettable. His creativity and uncompromising nature have made him a legendary figure in the world of music.