New Delhi, June 14: June 15 is not just a date; it holds immense significance for Indian film music. On this day in 1917, the legendary Sajjad Hussain was born. He intricately wove the nuances of Arabic music with the melodies of Hindustani classical music, giving film music a unique identity. His ability to transform complex notes into sweet melodies continues to captivate music lovers and inspires a new generation of artists.
Sajjad Hussain was a composer from an era when crafting every tune was akin to a spiritual quest. He never viewed music as an easy path. For him, notes were not merely entertainment; they were a profound practice. This is why his compositions were often intricate, yet they possessed a sweetness that captivated listeners.
His distinctive talent lay in seamlessly blending pieces of Arabic music with his own style while thoughtfully incorporating Hindustani classical ragas. This fusion was not a simple experiment but a result of his deep understanding and years of dedication. He never confined music within boundaries; instead, he gave it an open sky.
His creativity was so unique that he charted a different course from his contemporaries. Just as the poet Shamshur Rahman Faruqi had his own voice in Hindi poetry, and Ustad Amir Khan carved his path in classical music, Sajjad Hussain created his own world of melodies. His tunes were never easy, but once understood, they resonated in the mind for a long time.
His music for films like “Sangdil,” “Saiyaan,” “Halchal,” “Khel,” and “Rustam-e-Sohraab” is still considered exemplary. The songs in these films were not just melodies; they were experiences that touched the depths of emotions. Singing his tunes was no small feat. Even the legendary Lata Mangeshkar regarded Sajjad Hussain as one of the most significant composers in her career. She famously stated that no one else created music like Sajjad. Songs like “Ae Dilruba Nazrein Mila” and “Wo To Chale Gaye Ae Dil” exemplify this.
Sajjad Hussain was not just a composer; he was an experimental artist who understood every instrument. Whether it was the mandolin, guitar, violin, piano, clarinet, or accordion, he had mastery over them all. His compositions featured such use of taans, murkis, and meends that they added a new dimension to music.
His personality was as unique as his music. He was known to be very serious about his work and sometimes quite strict. It is said that he considered very few singers suitable for his music, but this strictness preserved the purity of his art. His collaboration with Noor Jehan in the 1944 film “Dost” and the song “Badnaam Mohabbat Kaun Kare” remain alive in the hearts of listeners even today.
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