Padma Bhushan – Dada Saheb Phalke Naushad Ali (Part 1)

Repairing Harmoniums to creating Harmony

Part1: Song: Pyar Kiya Tho Darna Kya - Film-Mughal-E-Azam

Born before India’s Independence on 25^th December, 1919 was an Indian Music Director. He was one the most successful music directors in Hindi films and according to me is known specifically for bringing Classical Indian Music & Indian Folk music to the Western world during his times.

Naushad saheb during his childhood used to listen to great qawal’s on the banks of Barabanki performing before devotees at Deva Sharif.  He studied Hindustani Classical music under Ustad Ghurbat Ali, Ustad Yusuf Ali, Ustad Baben Shaeb and others. He used to repair harmoniums those days.

Naushad saheb is one of those few music directors who never used to work for money or fame but used to work for the pleasure of creating music which would stand the time. I strongly believe as a creative person you should never be satisfied with your best works – because, once you think this is my best, than that is the end of the road for your creativity. I wish to remind one and all that there has never been a second master piece from anybody in this world though they worked even after. I felt that Naushad Saheb is from that school of thought which says “Pyaas Meri Bhuj Gayi Hoti; Tho Zindagi Phir Na Zindagi Hoti” meaning if my thirst for music ends my life ends.

History Byte: Mughal-E-Azam
Song: Pyar Kiya Tho Darna Kya

Anarkali and Mughal-E-Azam had the same story line & situation along with the characters. The Director K Asif did not budge even an inch when reminded by Naushad saheb and in return told Naushad Saheb that it is your examination and not mine so go and compose. So, Naushad Saheb and Shakeel Badayuni (Gr8 lyricist shall talk about him in my next blogpost) sat from morning 6 to next day morning 6.00 am and came out after having written and composed many lyrics & songs before finalising this song which even today is a testimony to this legend composer as it stands the time even after 51 years and shall live till the time ends.

So, my tribute goes to those nights of toil that these people had put in to give millions of music hearts the pleasure of Indian music, which goes unmentioned.

I sincerely hope that you will enjoy this melody from one of the legends of Indian Music Naushad Saheb.

Do let me know if you have enjoyed this article & music.