BY VEENA RAO*
Photos by Om Photography
Atlanta, GA, November 18, 2024: On November 16, Berkmar High School came alive with the classic songs of Bollywood’s “King of Rhythm,” O.P. Nayyar, thanks to a captivating, sold-out concert titled Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. Presented by Niche Entertainment and brought to Atlanta by Mustafa Ajmeri and Krishan Goyal of Global Entertainment and Media Services, this musical tribute transported audiences back to Bollywood’s golden era, recreating the magic of Nayyar’s unforgettable melodies with extraordinary authenticity.
Niche Entertainment, led by the talented Milind Oak, has cultivated a reputation for quality over the years, bringing Bollywood’s musical legends back to life with finesse. This concert was no exception. Three remarkable singers—Dhawal Chandwadkar, Abhilasha Chellam, and Rasika Ganoo—took the stage, delivering soulful renditions of Nayyar’s classic hits with such talent, nuance, and emotional depth that they evoked the original brilliance of stalwarts like Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhonsle, and Geeta Dutt.
Supported by a live orchestra that flawlessly captured Nayyar’s distinctive rhythms and beats, the singers infused each song with the same energy, mood, and passion that characterized Nayyar’s compositions. A large screen behind them played scenes from the classic films associated with these melodies, transporting the audience into the heart of Bollywood’s golden era.
The concert opened with a medley of Nayyar’s classics, including “Pukarata Chala Hoon Main,” “Aaiyein Meherebaan,” and the fun “Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo.” The nostalgia deepened with beloved Geeta Dutt numbers such as “Thandi Hawa” and “Yeh Lo Main Haari Piya,” reminding the audience of the effortless depth Dutt brought to Nayyar’s music. This was followed by crowd favorites from Johnny Walker’s memorable hits, like “Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Chala Jee” and “He Dil Hai Mushkil”.
The evening’s magic was amplified by the skilled narrator, Nachiket Devasthali, who brought the songs together with anecdotes from Nayyar’s life. He provided insights into the legendary composer’s temperament and personal decisions, such as Nayyar’s famed relationship with Asha Bhosle, his refusal to work with Lata Mangeshkar (who, he felt, lacked the sensuous depth that Asha’s voice had), his decision to walk out on his family, which led to him spending his final years as a paying guest, and the waning of his career in the 1970s. The narrator also shared how Nayyar revolutionized the Bollywood music scene with his untrained yet brilliant compositions, often inspired by the rhythm of horses’ hooves—a beat that became a Nayyar trademark, notably in songs like “Zara Haule Haule Chalon More Sajna” and “Piya Piya Piya” and “Maangke Saath Tumhara Maine Maang Liya Sansaar”.
The audience was treated to Asha Bhonsle’s unforgettable hits like “Jaayiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge” and “Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfon Ka,” showcasing her unique voice and style that Nayyar favored.
A lively Punjabi folk medley was followed by a section dedicated to Shammi Kapoor’s famous collaborations with Nayyar, including “Tumsa Nahin Dekha.”
Nayyar’s contribution to Indian cinema was also celebrated in a short video interview with Siraj Khan, founder of the O.P. Nayyar Memorial Trust in Boston. Khan, a lifelong admirer of Nayyar, reminisced about his personal relationship with the composer, describing Nayyar’s enduring legacy and unique style.
After the interval, the performers returned with more gems, including “Kajra Mohabbat Wala” and the romantic “Main Pyar Ka Raahi Hoon.” The highlight for classical music lovers was the soulful “Chota Sa Balma,” a song based on Nayyar’s favorite Raag Pilu. Despite his lack of formal training, Nayyar’s knack for blending classical elements with popular appeal was evident, and the singers conveyed this beautifully.
The evening continued with a segment on the hit songs from Kashmir Ki Kali and ended on a high note with the timeless classic “Yeh Chaand Sa Roshan Chehra.”
The audience appreciated the efforts of organizers Mustafa Ajmeri and Krishan Goyal, who made it possible for Atlanta’s music lovers to relive Bollywood’s golden age. Rekha Pallath was an efficient emcee.
Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon was certainly a night that the attendees will remember— a concert that was not just a tribute to O.P. Nayyar—but a celebration of the timeless allure of Bollywood music.
*Veena Rao is the founding editor of NRI Pulse and the author of Purple Lotus, A Novel.
