Composer of memorable patriotic songs Niaz Ahmad passes away

Veteran producer had classics such as 'Itnay Baray Jeevan Sagar Mein', 'Mera Inam Pakistan' to his credit

LAHORE: Renowned music composer and director Niaz Ahmad has passed away in Lahore after a prolonged illness, aged 75. As per latest reports, he had been suffering from multiple health issues, including diabetes and cardiac problems.

Niaz was a versatile musician who spent nearly five decades working in Pakistani music. His death is a big loss to the industry. He was originally from Lahore but at the beginning of his career, he shifted to Karachi so as to get better musical opportunities there. And it was in Karachi that Niaz developed his portfolio of super hit songs and built a legacy that will be hard for any newcomers to match up to.


During his time, the musician worked with almost all of the biggest names in Pakistani music, including Mehdi Hassan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Noor Jahan, Mahnaz, Abida Parveen, Naheed Akhtar, Nayyara Noor, Gulbahar Bano, Shoukat Ali, Muhammad Ali Shahki, and many others. Amongst his most celebrated collaborations with Nusrat is the national song Mera Inam Pakistan.

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But that’s not all. Niaz was also the brains behind Noor Jahan’s super hit song Naina Tum Chup Rehna and Mahdi’s album Kehna Usey. Alan Faqeer’s Itnay Bare Jeewan Sagir Main was also composed by him, as well as Hum Maayein, Hum Behnain – the national song by Naheed. Shahki’s Meri Ankhon Se Iss Dunya Ko Dekho, Nazaray Humein Dekhein and Tum Se Bichchar Ke Zinda Hain are also to his credit.


"Niaz Ahmad is the name of a history in the field of music composition; he was an ustaad,” composer Raza Shah told The Express Tribune. “He was an institution who served this country and the art of music. He will be remembered forever as a great contributor to our music industry.”

PHOTO:FILE

Folk singer Shoukat, who also worked with Niaz echoed Raza’s sentiments. "Niaz Ahmad was a big name. He was amongst those musicians that gained popularity during the PTV period. In fact, he also worked with PTV a lot and composed title songs for many of its dramas,” he revealed. “The music of PTV Khabarnama, Neelam Ghar and Ajab Kahani were by him too.”


Guitarist Sajjad Tafu shared that Niaz hailed from a family of musicians and an impressive instrumentalist, though many do not know that. “He was an expert at singing and playing the harmonium, sarangi and many other instruments. Niaz was a true asset for our country.”

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