Lahore (Web Desk): It has been 72 years since the legendary Master Ghulam Haider, a towering figure in the history of music, passed away.
He remains one of the most influential musicians of the subcontinent, renowned for transforming film music and introducing the melodies of Punjab's folk music into mainstream cinema. His contributions to the music of both Pakistan and India have left an indelible mark.
Born in 1906 in Hyderabad, Sindh, Master Ghulam Haider developed an interest in music at a young age, particularly with the harmonium. His musical journey began in Lahore in 1932, when he joined a renowned recording company and trained under the mentorship of prominent musicians like Ustad Jhanda Khan, Pandit Amarnath, and G.A. Chishti.
In 1933, renowned filmmaker A.R. Kardar appointed him as the music director for his film Surg Ki Seedhi, marking the beginning of Master Ghulam Haider's fame. He went on to compose music for several iconic films, including Gul Bakavali, and contributed his talent to many other films in Lahore's film industry.
In 1944, Master Ghulam Haider moved to Mumbai, where he composed music for numerous hit films. After the creation of Pakistan, he returned to Lahore in 1948 and gave his musical touch to films like Beqarar, Akele, Ghulam, and Gulnaar. He is credited with introducing legendary singers like Madam Noor Jehan, Shamshad Begum, Zaynath Begum, and Lata Mangeshkar to the film industry.
A unique achievement of Master Ghulam Haider was his introduction of traditional Punjabi folk tunes into his film songs, creating a landmark in the musical history of the subcontinent.
Master Ghulam Haider passed away on November 9, 1953, and was laid to rest in Lahore. However, his legacy continues to live on, and his music still resonates in the hearts of millions, forever immortalized in the annals of music history.