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Playback singer A. Nayyar passes away

Playback singer A. Nayyar passes away

The famous 70s playback singer died of a cardiac arrest
12 Nov, 2016

One of the most popular playback singers of the 1970s, Arthur Nayyar, popularly known as A. Nay­yar, passed away on Friday at his residence near the Gul­berg main market. He was 61.

According to the singer’s close friends, he died of a cardiac arrest.

Nayyar has left three daughters and his wife, who are all out of the country. His son had died a few years ago.

Nayyar won five Nigar Awards for playback singing.

In his decades-long career, he sang some 4,000 songs, beginning in 1974 with the film Bahisht, and the song was ‘Yunhi din kat jaye, yunhi shaam dhal jaye’ — a duet with Rubina Badar composed by A. Hameed.

Nayyar’s music journey started in Arifwala, a small town in Punjab where he spent his childhood watching both Indian and Pakistani films at a cinema called Rach­­na, at a stone’s throw from his home. He was inspired by Muhammad Rafi, Talat Mehmood and Saleem Raza.

A student of musician Wajahat Atre, who also sought guidance from ghazal maestro Mehdi Has­san, Nayyar studied in Arif­wala till Class V and later shifted to Lahore. He got into St Francis School where he completed his matriculation and later got admission to the then Forman Christian College. He graduated with a B.Ed degree from the Government Central Training College in 1975.

In an interview with Dawn in February this year, the singer had clarified that his date of birth mentioned on various websites — Sept 17, 1950 — was incorrect, saying he was born on April 14, 1955 in Ransonabad village, Sahiwal district.

Nayyar’s first appearance on TV was on the show Naye Fankar in 1974 after which he began his playback journey. The singer had said he was particularly delighted at lending his voice to a song, ‘Billi Teri Akh’, picturised on his favourite actor, Munawar Zarif, for the film Ayaash.

Nayyar earned popularity overnight from a duet with Naheed Akhtar, ‘Pyar to ik din hona tha’, from the film Kharidar. He became a household name with ‘Sathi mujhay mil gaya’, a song from Jasoos; ‘Milay do sathi khili do kaliyan’ from Amber; and ‘Ik baat kahoon dildara’ from Khuda Aur Mohabbat.

His funeral will be planned and held upon the return to the country of his family.

Originally published in Dawn November 12th, 2016

Comments

rabia Nov 12, 2016 11:53am
good singer. RIP
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Arshad Canada Nov 12, 2016 12:08pm
RIP Arthur Nayyar Sahib. You had delighted Millions. Thank you.
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Capt Faraz Nov 12, 2016 12:16pm
All have to pass from this world...... no one is immortal......
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ABL Nov 12, 2016 12:21pm
Dear A Nayyar, Thank you for giving us some pleasant moments thru your beautiful songs during the difficult days when we needed some relaxing moments. May your soul rest in eternal peace
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philosopher (from japan) Nov 12, 2016 12:34pm
Rip great singer of Pakistan.
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ADNAN MAZHER khan Nov 12, 2016 02:05pm
RIP. Loss of entire nation.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Nov 12, 2016 03:56pm
INNA LILLA HAY WAA INNA ILLEHEY RAJAYOON.
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faisal Nov 12, 2016 06:01pm
A Nayyar Allha may give you place in Haven and suber to your family you were great.
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shafaq Nov 12, 2016 07:40pm
may his soul rest in peace
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imran ali Nov 12, 2016 07:46pm
may his soul rest in peace
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Salman Nov 12, 2016 07:56pm
A. Nayyar songs were jolly, romantic and came from the heart. Good performer. May his soul rest in peace. Another musical star leaves the scene after giving his best to the listening public.
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Ramesh Manghirmalani Nov 12, 2016 08:14pm
I am so sorry, I met him twice in Karachi, he was very nice person.
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Ayesha batool Nov 12, 2016 08:21pm
very sad moments but pray for them
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Naveed Nov 12, 2016 08:37pm
great singer no doubt
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Haseeb Baig Nov 12, 2016 08:53pm
Your CommentNayyar Forman Christian College (FCC) college mate. Pains taking singer. May your soul rest in eternal peace.
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HomeAlone Nov 12, 2016 11:22pm
The Media told A. Nayyar not to put Arthur before his surname as he would not be accepted by the public.
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R Lamb Nov 13, 2016 12:17am
RIP Nayyar Sahib
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Iman Nov 13, 2016 02:29am
While A. Nayyar Sb was alive, our Media has not given him as much coverage as he deserves. He was remembered after his death.
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Durrain Nov 13, 2016 04:46am
Thaa umer bhar ka haasil, du Satar ki khabar ka, ek column ee taraashaa...........
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umar khitab Nov 13, 2016 05:55am
Amazing talent and vocals. I recall his interview with Usman Pirzada some years back on Sunday Brunch when he shared so many interesting facts about his life and how his F.C College professor, a literary figure Agha Sohail, brought him to sing a song for a college play and rest they say is history..RIP A Nayyar. Heavens are waiting for you as you brought happy times to the nation. Thank you for singing us to happy times. May eternal peace find you and forbearance your family on this untimely great loss to them and to the world of art and music. Ameen
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Masood Nov 13, 2016 12:12pm
What a great loss!! I grew up listening to his beautiful song and soulful voice His voice somewhat resembled Kishore Kumar but had its own unique flavor ! He will be missed greatly !!
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Asif Nov 13, 2016 03:59pm
A good man. Good people are leaving us fast. I use to listen to him when growing. His voice was always on radio. May Allah forgive him and peace to his family.
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hamdosana net Radio Nov 13, 2016 04:40pm
This is our big loss no doubt but we would like to thank you A Nayer you have given us very good songs. We salute you for your services. you will be missed when ever we listen your songs and when ever we play your songs on radio www.hamdosana.com. May God give comfort to his daughters and all of us.
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Zaheer jafri Nov 13, 2016 09:25pm
RIP A Nayyar May allah elevate you in jannah...you were a delight to hear...your songs are immortal
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Zak Nov 14, 2016 12:29am
Our prayers for departed soul and his family.
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Jawaid Islam Nov 14, 2016 12:37pm
Memorable songs left by A Nayyar, for us to listen to forever.
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HM Nov 15, 2016 09:50am
RIP, A. Nayyar saheb. A really very accomplished singer with a melodious voice. Had an impressive range as well. Has some awesome songs to his credit, both in films and on TV. Thank you for the many hours of pleasure you have provided us listeners. God bless your soul.
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tanvir Nov 16, 2016 03:15am
RIP my friend.
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