Tribute to Roshan, one of the greatest music composers in the history of Hindi cinema, on his 57th death anniversary.
Tribute to Roshan, one of the greatest music composers in the history of Hindi cinema, on his 57th death anniversary.
Roshanlal Nagrath (14 July 1917–16 November 1967), better known simply as Roshan, was a celebrated Hindi film music composer. He was the father of actor and director Rakesh Roshan and music director Rajesh Roshan, as well as the paternal grandfather of Hrithik Roshan. In 1948, Roshan moved to Mumbai to pursue a career as a Hindi film music director. Initially, he worked as an assistant to Khawaja Khurshid Anwar for the film Singaar. After facing significant struggles, he finally received his break when Kidar Sharma gave him the opportunity to compose music for Neki Aur Badi (1949). While the film did not achieve success, Roshan established himself on the Hindi film music scene with the release of Baawre Nain in 1950. During the early 1950s, Roshan worked with legendary singers like Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, and Talat Mahmood. Films such as Malhar, Shisham, and Anhonee featured his compositions, showcasing his talent.
One of his iconic creations from this time was Aeeri Main To Prem Diwani Mera Dard Na Jaane Koi, sung by Lata Mangeshkar in the film Naubahaar. Although he was not consistently commercially successful, Roshan’s work was widely respected. He played a pivotal role in introducing lyricists Indeewar and Anand Bakshi to the industry. Both would later rise to prominence as sought-after songwriters in Mumbai. Anand Bakshi’s first break came in 1956 with Bhala Aadmi, although it was Nissar Bazmi who gave him the opportunity. Roshan later collaborated with Bakshi on CID Girl (1959) and delivered a significant success with Devar (1966). The 1960s marked the golden era of Roshan’s career, where his unique ability to blend folk music with Hindustani classical influences became his trademark.
His compositions during this time included memorable songs from films such as Barsaat Ki Raat (Na To Caravan Ki Talaash Hai and Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi Woh Barsaat Ki Raat), Aarti (Ab Kya Misaal Doon and Kabhi To Milegi), Taj Mahal (Jo Vaada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega, Pao Chhoon Lene Do, and Jurm-e-Ulfat Pe), Dil Hi To Hai (Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai and Laga Chunari Mein Daag), Chitralekha (Sansaar Se Bhaage Phirte Ho and Man Re Tu Kaahe), and Anokhi Raat (Oh Re Taal Mile and Khushi Khushi Kar Do Vida). His work in the film Mamta (1966) with lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri resulted in timeless melodies like Rehte The Kabhi Jinke Dil Mein, Rahen Na Rahen Hum, and the duet Chuppa Lo Yun Dil Mein Pyar Mera with Hemant Kumar. The film Devar also featured iconic songs such as Aaya Hai Mujhe Phir Yaad Woh Zalim, Baharon Ne Mera Chaman Loot Kar, and Duniya Mein Aisa Kahan Sab Ka Naseeb Hai.
Roshan’s unique contribution to Hindi cinema was his mastery of the qawwali, which was evident in creations like Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai and Na Khanjar Uthega, Na Talwar Tumse. His ability to craft soulful and memorable music, blending genres with finesse, cemented his legacy as one of the most gifted composers in the history of Indian cinema.
