on 9th nov (death anniversary of music directer master ghulam haidar) . Here is an extremely rare and lovely duet by the talented husband and wife team of Umraziya Begum and Ghulam Haider.
Ghulam haider
A singing- star by the name of Umrao Zia Begum was the talk of the town in those exciting times. In fact, she was renowned for her melodious voice than as a film actress. Further, she earned the title of ‘Bulbul Hazaar Dastaan’ from the music buffs.Ghulam Haider composed music for Umrao Zia Begum and recorded songs and ghazals in her voice.
Her name appeared on the gramophone records as well. Perhaps, Umrao Zia Begum’s greatest achievement was the recitation of one of the most popular Naat ” Mera Salam Leja Woh Jan Lenge Sab Kuch “, composed by Ghulam Haider.
Ghulam Haider debuted as a music composer in a 1935 movie, ‘Swarg ki seerhi’, in which Umrao Zia Begum was also cast in a major role. ‘Swarg ki seerhi’ was released under the banner of National Modi Tone, Lahore and directed by AR Kardar. With the passage of time, Ghulam Haider and Umrao Zia Begum developed immense love and
understanding for each other, which reached its peak during the movie shoot of ‘Swarg ki seerhi’. Ghulam Haider, who worked for Pancholi Art pictures at that time, soon married Umrao Zia Begum.After marrying Ghulam Haider, Umrao Zia Begum said farewell to the show business. She was never seen again even in a public gathering.
She was not only a great human but an affectionate mother who possessed enormous foresightedness as well. Nothing happens to anybody, which he is not fitted by nature to bear.Ghulam Haider’s demise happened to be a tremendous setback for his beloved wife, Umrao Zia Begum, who was much younger to her husband. However, she did not lose heart. Instead, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to the upbringing of her children.
She left no stone unturned to provide her children the best possible education available at the time. Consequently, all her children grew up and achieved name and fame in their respective fields.
Most importantly, Umrao Zia Begum thanked God to see her relentless efforts come to fruition. Years later, Umrao Zia Begum breathed her last in the ‘Stork House,’ Bahawalpur, which was the official residence of her younger son, who was the General Officer Commanding in Bahawalpur in those days. She was laid to rest in the Military Graveyard, Cavalry Ground, Lahore. Ghulam Haider will stand as a musical icon as far as the eye can see.
Ghulam Haider and Umrazia Begum had two duets in punjabi movie Sehti Murad in 1941 also.The lyrics of their duets are Gallan kar kar hassde ne and Menu akhiyan di de gayo saai.
1941_Himmat__Main hun rani ek sunhari_.Ghulam haidar and umaraziya begum
Lyricist Is Aziz Kashmiri
mera salaam le ja..Darbaar nain chaka hai- Umaraz. # naat
The “Master” composer who:
– Gave the big break to Noorjehan and mentored her
– Gave the big break to Shamshad Begum and mentored her
– Was one of the early mentors of Lata and gave her some of earliest hits in HFM (Majboor, Padmini)
– Was one of the pioneers in HFM and PFM and mentored a generation of composers including Shyam Sunder
– Composed for probably the most path-breaking Hindi film soundtrack (Khazanchi) – one of the first popular soundtracks to introduce Punjabi rhythm/percussion and deviate from the classical style.
“Uncle took me to the audition which was taken by the company’s composer Master Ghulam Haider. During the audition, I sang a Bahadur Shah Zafar ghazal, Mera Yaar Gar Mile Mujhe Jaan Dil Fida Karoon and some marsiya. Master sahab was impressed by my voice and told me to sign the contract the same day. I was offered a contract to sing twelve songs at a rate of Rs 12.50 each which was a big amount in those times. I asked him, taaleem? (training). He said that I didn’t need formal training and just following his instructions would be enough. I was around 12-13 years old at that time. Master sahab was a great man. He took personal interest in ensuring that we were able to absorb the nuances of singing and music. He himself was very knowledgeable in the use of instruments and his musicians looked up to him. He had his own unique style of training where, while making us sing various kind of songs, he was able to chisel our voices to be able to sing any kind of song. His method of training was hundred times more effective than formal method of training and was akin to polishing of a diamond. I can never forget all that he has done. Mera ustaad jannat mein jhoole (I pray that he enjoy all benefits in heaven). He used to call me his Chaumukhiya (versatile) artist who could do justice to any song. He taught me two very important things. First, Be a good person and second, just like water takes shape of the utensil, you should also mould yourself according to the situation.”
(as told to Gajendra Khanna)
pic courtesy : Rehan Mohd
Ghulam haider and lata (Double click on picture)
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info# source :Arun kumar deshmukh and Gajendra khanna on sks
audio courtesy : Giridhari lal ji.
pic: inaam nadeem ji
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