Remembering the Bhishma Pitamah and father of film music in India, Rai Chand Boral, on his birth anniversary (19/10/1903).
Remembering the Bhishma Pitamah and father of film music in India, Rai Chand Boral, on his birth anniversary (19/10/1903).
Rai Chand Boral was an iconic Indian composer. Often hailed as the “Bhishma Pitamah” or the foundational figure of film music in India, Boral’s contributions to the world of cinema are unparalleled.
In recognition of his monumental work, he was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1978, the zenith of accolades in Indian cinema. That same year, he also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, a commendation by India’s premier institution for performing arts.
Boral’s legacy is rooted in his pioneering efforts in Indian film music. At New Theatres, where he spearheaded the music department alongside Pankaj Mullick, he set benchmarks in cinematic music that remain revered. This dynamic duo not only laid the foundational format for Hindi film music for decades but also played a pivotal role in shaping the early career of the iconic singer Saigal. Anil Biswas, another legendary music figure, fondly referred to Boral as the ‘Bhishma Pitamah of film music’.
In 1927, Boral joined the Indian Broadcasting Company, marking the start of an illustrious career. By 1931, he transitioned to New Theatres during the silent film era, enhancing the cinematic experience with live music. Among his many firsts, he’s credited for introducing playback singing in 1935 in the Hindi film “Dhoop Chhaon”, and for his innovative blending of Northern Indian Ghazal style into traditional Bengali tunes.
After moving to Bombay in 1953, Boral’s genius was evident in films like “Dard-e-Dil” (1953) and “Anjangarh” (1948), the latter being his last notable project with New Theatres. With a portfolio boasting music direction for over 70 films, spanning both Hindi and Bengali cinema, Boral’s place as the Father of Indian Cinema Music, a title given by Anil Biswas, is well-deserved.
At 75 in 1978, Boral’s achievements were recognized by the Government of India with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The same year, Sangeet Natak Akademi honoured him in the Creative and Experimental music category.
Rai Chand Boral lived a life full of musical accomplishments, passing away in 1981 at 78.
