A R Qureshi, Lesser known Music Directors in HFM Options

[sangeetkapremi]

While starting out on this series on lesser known Music Directors, I
came across many classical exponents who have tried their skills in
film music. I start with a tabla
maestro viz, Allah Rakha or A. R. Qureshi as he was known in Hindi
film industry.

Inputs are from Yogesh Yadav's book. I have found an
informative link online:
http://www.downmelodylane.com/allarakha.html

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Date of Birth: 24-04-1919 (Gurudaspur, Punjab)

Death: 03-02-2000 (Mumbai)

Nobody would have imagined that the son of farmer in Punjab would
become a Tabla maestro one day. Of his eight children, Allah Rakha's
father gave permission to learn tabla to Allah Rakha only. Allah Rakha
learned under Ustad Kadir Baksh. He also learnt tabla under Lal
Mohammed Sheikh.

When Allah Rakha was 16 years old he used to play table for a Theatre
troupe. He later joined Lahore Radio then Delhi Radio and finally he
came to Mumbai in 1937.

He started giving music in films 1942 onwards. He gave music for 40
films. However most of them were for small banners and stunt films.
His last film was ‘Id Ka Chand’(1964). He gave music in three Punjabi
films.

His son Zakir Hussain is a renowned Tabla artist.

I will be posting some his song listings and songs soon.

Regards,

Ramaswamy


Details of song attached

Bit Rate: 128 kbps

Duration: 4:25:00

[Bhavita]

thank you for this thread. I would never have known A R Qureshi was none other than Pandit Alla Rakha:) While you did mention Zakir Hussain's name, Taugiq Qureshi, Pt. Alla Rakha's other son also deserves to be mentioned - he has contributed a lot to indian classical and fusion music