Ghulam Haider initiated his journey in the world of music by starting lessons with Babu Ganesh Laal. He joined the Alfred Threatrical Company in Calcutta as a harmonium player after five years.
In 1932, he got the chance to compose music for A. R. Kardar’s film, Swarg Ki Seerhi, made in Lahore. Soon after in 1939, he wrote the musical score for D. M. Pancholi’s Punjabi venture, Gul-e-Bakawali. It was a huge hit, especially Baby Noorjahan's songs, 'Shala Jawaniyan Mane' and 'Pinjra De Vich Qaid Jawani'.
His major hit was Khazanchi in 1941 which established him not only with the audience but also in the music industry. Haider was innovative and he blended popular ragas with the rich verve and rhythm of Punjabi music.
Haider moved to Bombay and worked in films like Chal Chal Re Naujawaan (1944), Phool (1944), Humayun (1945), Bairam Khan (1946) and Shama (1946). The soundtrack of Shama was unforgettable for his use of the tabla in songs like 'Gori Chali Piya Ke Des', 'Ham Gharibon Ka Bhi Poora Kabhi Armaan Kar De' and 'Ik Tera Sahara'. Shamshad Begum sang some of his most famous compositions.
In 1948, Ghulam Haider also composed music for Majboor, featuring Lata Mangeshkar's 'Dil Mera Toda'. He also composed for movies like Padmini, Barsaat Ki Ek Raat, Patjhad and Shaheed. Shaheed featured the patriotic song, Watan Ki Raah Mein Watan Ke Naujawan Shaheed Ho, which was a hit.
Eventually he moved back to Lahore and started his own firm, Filmsaz. Its first production, Gulnar was released in November 1953. Ghulam Haider passed away a few days later. The Cine Musicians' Association in Mumbai called a special meeting to mourn the loss of this great composer.
12 окт 2024
