By: Atiqa Afzal
Death anniversary is being observed of Renowned Music Maestro Nazir Ali today.
Born in Gakhar Mandi, Gujranwala district in 1945, Nazir Ali received his musical education under the guidance of Ustad Akhtar Hussain. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional skill in composing film music, launching his music career as an assistant musician.
Spanning over three decades, Nazir Ali’s illustrious music career included composing 123 songs in 39 Urdu films and 435 songs in 115 Punjabi films. Some of his notable works include the films “Dilan De Sauday” (1969), “Ansoo” (1971), and “Sultan” (1972). His outstanding contributions earned him two prestigious Nigar Awards for Best Musician for his work on “Mastana Mahi” and “Sultan.”
Nazir Ali played a pivotal role in popularizing Punjabi film music, infusing conventional Punjabi tunes with a touch of Sufi “dhamaal.” He is widely regarded as the “King of Dhamaal.” His iconic rendition of “Lal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bala Jhole Lalan” catapulted him to the pinnacle of musical excellence in the film industry. Other acclaimed dhamaals, such as “Hussaini Lal Qalandar” and “Shabaz Kare Parwaaz,” garnered widespread public acclaim.
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Nazir Ali’s remarkable legacy continues to inspire music enthusiasts to this day. He passed away on January 5, 2003, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of music.