(M Waqar) 49 years have passed since Feroze Nizami, the creator of innumerable timeless tunes and the great musician of Pakistan and India, has passed away from this world, but the tunes composed by him still make his presence felt and keep him alive in the hearts of his fans. .
Feroze Nizami was adept at composing many styles of tunes from classical to western music, countless timeless songs are to his credit including Chandni Raateen, Tum Zindagi Ko Gham Ka Fasana, Here What Is Badla Wafaa But Infidelity? , Rote Hain Chaham Chaham Nain, Mundiya Sialkotiya, Chan Diya Totiya Way Dilan Diya Khotiya and others are included.
Firuz Nizami was born on November 10, 1910 in Indrun Bhatigate area of Kolhaur, there were four brothers and all four brothers earned a big name in their respective fields, the elder brother Siraj Nizami was associated with journalism and poetry, the younger brother Sultan was a homeopathic doctor, the third brother Nazar Muhammad Pakistan Cricket Team. was a prominent player and later his son Mudassar Nazar also earned a lot of fame in cricket.
After completing his BA honors from Islamia College Railway Road, Firoz Nizami became a regular student of Abdul Waheed Khan, a renowned Kairana singer. He also continued to benefit from the “beethkas” of music gathered in Lahore because at that time many “beethkas” of music were very famous in the city of Lahore, including Ustad Barkat Ali Khan, Pandit Jeevan Lal Matto, Syed Shabir Hussain Shah, Khurshid Butt. , Ustad Sardar Khan, Babu Miraj Din and GA Farooq’s sittings were more famous.
While studying at Islamia College Railway Road, Feroz Nizami formed a good music society which was patronized by people like MD Taseer, Prof. Rajuddin Azar, Mahmood Nizami and Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
Feroze Nizami joined All India Radio Lahore as a program producer after completing his education. Then he moved to All India Radio Delhi where he was accompanied by geniuses like Khwaja Khursheed Anwar and Krishan Chandra. Left and started composing music for films there.
Feroze Nizami’s first film as a musician “Vishwas” was released in 1943, the next year his second film “Bari Baat” was released and it was not only successful but also the songs were well received. Feroze Nizami’s music became the first major success, one of whose songs “Teri Zaat Pak Hai O Khuda” was also very popular.
In 1946, filmmaker and director Shaukat Hussain Rizvi launched the film Jagnu, which was Noor Jahan and Dilip Kumar’s first and last film together. Kumar’s first film “Jowar Bhata” had been released by that time but was not so successful and “Jagnu” had brought Dilip Kumar to the ranks of popular artists in days, in the same film Muhammad Rafi and Noor Jahan They sang the duet “Yehan Badla Wafa Ka Bewafai Sawa Kya Hai” which turned out to be the first and last song they both sang together.
Mohammad Rafi was also a regular student of Feroze Nizami, from 1943 to 1947 i.e. in four years, Feroze Nizami composed music for 10 films there. I left everything and came to Pakistan and founded a new film industry here. In 1950, Feroze Nizami composed the music for his first film “Humari Basti” which was not a success, but the next year Shaukat Hussain Rizvi’s Punjabi film “Chan” Way” was released, which was directed by Shaukat Hussain Rizvi, who named Noor Jahan. The music of “Chan Way” created a sensation everywhere, one of his songs “Tere Mukhde Da Kala Kala Til Way” was recorded as black. After that, Feroze Nizami gave music for films like Dupatta, Fate, Raaz, Sola Aane and Manzil.
Along with film music, Feroze Nizami also participated in classical music broadcasting for Radio Pakistan, wrote a column on music in the English newspaper “Pakistan Times”, and wrote five books, including the book “Asrar Musiqi” on music. It is recognized as a reliable book, besides, he went to Afghanistan twice as the leader of a cultural group, led the government delegation in the International Music Seminar in Shiraz, Iran in 1963, in the last years of Sufism and spirituality. He wrote a book ”Sarchishma Hayat” after Tar Rajhan, he was also the principal of Music Academy of Al Hamra Arts Council, a few days before his death in 1975, he was appointed as Deputy Director in Punjab Arts Council, he died on November 15, 1975 in Kolahor.
What were some of the key influences on Feroze Nizami’s musical style?
Interview: Celebrating the legacy of Feroze Nizami
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Welcome to our special segment on legendary figures in music history. Today, we have with us an esteemed musicologist and cultural historian, Dr. Ayesha Malik, to discuss the life and impact of Feroze Nizami, a luminary in the world of music who contributed immensely to both Pakistani and Indian music. Dr. Malik, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Ayesha Malik: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to talk about Feroze Nizami and his incredible contributions to music, which still resonate with us today.
Editor: It’s been almost 50 years since Feroze Nizami passed away, yet his compositions remain timeless. What do you think makes his music still relevant for listeners today?
Dr. Malik: His music transcends cultural and generational divides, which is a testament to his genius. Nizami had the remarkable ability to blend different styles—from classical to Western influences. Songs like “Chandni Raateen” and “Tum Zindagi Ko Gham Ka Fasana” evoke deep emotions, allowing listeners to connect with the underlying sentiments.
Editor: Fascinating! Nizami had a wealth of experience, having learned under various masters and participating in the vibrant music scene of Lahore with notable figures of his time. How did his background shape his music?
Dr. Malik: Absolutely! His grounding in traditional forms of music in Lahore enriched his compositions. Studying under Abdul Waheed Khan and gathering insights from renowned musicians at “beethkas” provided him with a diverse palette. This exposure helped him develop a distinct style that incorporated the classical essence while being accessible to the masses.
Editor: And what about his journey through radio and film music? His early work at All India Radio must have been pivotal.
Dr. Malik: It was indeed! His time at All India Radio helped him hone his skills in composition and production while collaborating with other musical greats. The transition to film music with works like “Vishwas” and “Bari Baat” showcased his ability to appeal to a broader audience. Songs like “Teri Zaat Pak Hai O Khuda” were hugely popular, marking the beginning of his successful film music career.
Editor: It’s remarkable how he captured the zeitgeist of his era. He also had the opportunity to work with legends like Mohammad Rafi. Can you tell us more about that connection?
Dr. Malik: Yes, Feroze Nizami was pivotal in shaping Rafi’s early career. From 1943 to 1947, Rafi became one of his regular students, which greatly influenced his singing style. The duet “Yehan Badla Wafa Ka Bewafai Sawa Kya Hai” sung by Rafi and Noor Jahan in the film “Jagnu” is a perfect example of how their collaboration marked a significant moment in cinematic music.
Editor: Looking at his legacy, what do you think Feroze Nizami’s overarching influence has been on future generations of musicians?
Dr. Malik: Nizami’s ability to weave storytelling into his music and his experimental approach have inspired countless musicians, both in Pakistan and India. He set a precedent for fusing different musical traditions and themes, encouraging future artists to explore beyond conventional boundaries. His timeless songs continue to be a source of inspiration and learning.
Editor: Dr. Malik, thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that Feroze Nizami’s artistry not only reflects the musical richness of his time but also continues to inspire and connect with audiences.
Dr. Malik: Thank you for having me! It’s important we remember and celebrate such icons, as their legacy is integral to our cultural heritage.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us! Keep celebrating the achievements of our musical legends, and we look forward to bringing you more enriching conversations.