Mumbai, July 1: Legendary singer Mohammad Aziz played a pivotal role in shaping Hindi cinema during the ’80s and ’90s. His journey resembles a cinematic tale, beginning in a modest restaurant and quickly elevating him to one of Bollywood’s most beloved vocalists. His early struggles were significantly influenced by Kolkata’s ‘Ghalib’ restaurant, where his fortune took its first major turn.
Born on July 2, 1954, in Kolkata, West Bengal, Aziz’s full name was Syed Mohammad Ajeet ul Nabi. From a young age, he had a profound affinity for music, often humming tunes. Inspired by the great Mohammad Rafi, he attempted to emulate his singing style. His career took an intriguing turn at the ‘Ghalib’ restaurant, where he performed live. His melodious voice captivated audiences, leading to patrons tipping him for his performances. Gradually, he began to carve out his identity.
A significant opportunity arose at this restaurant when several film producers started to take notice of his talent. A Bengali filmmaker, impressed by his voice, offered him a chance to sing in a film. This marked his first major break. Subsequently, he moved to Mumbai to further his career in the music industry.
In the 1980s, as the era of Rafi Sahib came to a close, the search for new vocal talents intensified. Mohammad Aziz emerged as a prominent figure, catching the attention of composer Anu Malik, who provided him with his first major Bollywood opportunity. The song “Mard Tange Wala” from the film ‘Mard’ in 1985 became a turning point in his life, catapulting him to fame overnight.
From that moment on, he never looked back. He collaborated with renowned composers like Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Anu Malik, and Bappi Lahiri, consistently delivering hit songs. He lent his voice to major stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Sunny Deol, Sanjay Dutt, and Anil Kapoor.
Some of his most popular tracks include “Aap Ke Aajane Se,” “Ae Watan Tere Liye,” “Mera Naam Hai Lakhan,” “Main Teri Mohabbat Mein Pagal Ho Jaunga,” “Bahut Jataate Ho Chah Humse,” “Tera Bimaar Mera Dil,” “Tu Mujhe Qabool,” “Aadmi Zindagi Aur Ye Aatma,” “Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge,” “Tridev,” “Chaalbaaz,” and “Khuda Gawah.” In addition to Hindi, he also sang in Bengali and Odia films, recording over 20,000 songs. His contributions left an indelible mark on the music scene of the ’80s and ’90s.
Mohammad Aziz passed away from a heart attack on November 27, 2018, at the age of 64. Reports indicate that he was returning to Mumbai from a program in Kolkata when he fell ill at the airport. He was rushed to Nanavati Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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