Monday, January 5, 2009

Music Director Khayyam.



There was a news item in Sunday Express of the 4th January 2009; a news item very small but capable of pouring immense happiness on the millions of fans of Hindi film songs. It is reported that music director is being conferred with the first Naushad Samman for his contribution to Indian film music and society. The award which carries with it a prize of Rs.I lakh will be presented to Khayyam by Haryana Governor Dr.A.R.Kidwai on the 14th February in Lucknow.

To the followers of old Hindi film songs, in general, and to the ardent fans of Khayyam, this will be a happy moment as the award instituted for the first time in the name of another great music director,Naushad, goes to Khayyam. For,such was the quality of his music and the pleasure his songs gave to to the miillions of listeners during a period of five decades. Coming immediately to mind are the songs in films like Kabhi Kabhi(1976) especially the duet,"kabhi kabhi mere dil mein.....",considered by many as one of the top film duets ever, Footpath(1953),Razia Sultana,Lala Rookh,Baazar,Noorie which are immortals. The beautiful gazals Asha Bhosle in Umrao Jaan like, "Dil Cheez Kya hai", "In ankhon ke masti...",Yeh kya jagah hai dosto.." pour out the sweetness of gazals. The song ,"Aa Ja Re...." sung by Lata and Nitin Mukesh in film Noorie is another beautiful duet of Khayyam. All gramophone records of his films are collectors' item and music lovers' treasure.The musical genius of Khayyam make us wonder about the rich musical legacy of India.
To Khayyam, already a recipient of Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award and Lata Mangeshkar Award,the Naushad Samman is yet another beautiful feather on his illlustrious musical cap.

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