The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer once said, “Music is the food of the soul.” Artists and singers experience this truth more deeply than anyone else. When divine blessing, ancestor’s devotion and an artist’s passion unite, a legend is born — one who embodies art itself. Such people are said to appear only once in many generations — those who reach the peak of their art, achieve excellence in their field, and become luminous examples for others through their service. Their art is timeless, exceptional, and incomparable.
If such artists are born in societies that value creativity as a rare gem, they become diamonds — illuminating the world with their brilliance.
In this piece, we pay tribute to such a radiant star and remarkable artist, Arthur Nayyar, known to all as A Nayyar, who proved his mettle in the music industry and whose songs still warm hearts, awaken cherished memories, and bring smiles to countless faces.
For a long time, I wanted to write about the famous singer A Nayyar, but the internet offered only limited and incomplete information. I could not find reliable sources or reach his family. After two to three years of constant research and perseverance, I finally came across an online interview of his family conducted by Naeem Harry. I am deeply grateful to Mr Naeem Harry, who connected me from the United States to A Nayyar’s wife, which then led me to his media manager, creative companion, and spiritual brother Shahid Hussain. Shahid not only corrected several inaccuracies but also provided many new, authentic details.
Arthur Nayyar was born on 14 April 1950, in the village Chak No 148/9-L, Ransonabad, near Sahiwal, into a Protestant Christian family. His parents were Chaudhry Munir-ud-Din Nasir and Mubarak Begum. He was the youngest of four siblings. He received his early education and upbringing in Arifwala, later moving to Lahore in 1962, where he completed matriculation from St Francis School, Anarkali.
His musical journey began in the church choir, where his voice first cast its spell. He later joined Forman Christian College, Lahore, earning his BA and BEd degrees in 1974. During this period, he became quite popular for his musical talent.
Despite his immense national contribution, Nayyar faced health and financial struggles in his final years—a fate common to many Pakistani artists
In 1980, he married Rubina Nayyar, a relative. God blessed them with three daughters — Kamini, Kiran, and Mashal Nayyar — and a son, Joshua Nayyar.
His wife recalls him as a loving husband, cheerful and caring. He was deeply attached to his mother, who lived with them. His favorite singers included Saleem Raza, Mehdi Hassan, and Kishore Kumar.
He dedicated his life to music, making his country proud. Though he established a music academy, it could not sustain; he also worked in other jobs for some time. His eldest daughter remembers him as a humorous and affectionate father who often practiced singing at 4 a.m. One of his daughters has followed in his musical footsteps. His daughters now live abroad, while his wife resides in Lahore.
Musical Career and Stage Performances
A Nayyar served Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television (PTV), and the film industry as a distinguished playback singer. He formally began his career in 1973 and went on to sing over 4,200 songs in five languages, both local and international.
His first recording took place in 1973 at Radio Pakistan, with composer Kareem Shahabuddin and lyricist Amjad Islam Amjad. That same year, he became a regular radio singer, recording hundreds of songs with renowned music directors. His television debut was in 1971 on PTV in a Rafiq Warraich program under music composer Sohail Fazli.
His first film song came in 1973 for Riaz Shahid (father of actor Shaan) with music by A. Hameed. Despite fierce competition among the eight top singers of that era, A Nayyar soon secured his own identity. He sang for nearly all major music directors and actors of his time.
A Nayyar performed in hundreds of musical and cultural shows worldwide, including in the USA, UK, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Kenya, Japan, UAE, Qatar, and Oman.
He also organised over 20 charity concerts to support artists and raise funds for flood and earthquake victims.
He shared the stage with legendary actors like Mohammad Ali, Shabnam, Nadeem, Javed Sheikh, Babra Sharif, and Shamim Ara.
Among the hosts he worked with were Moin Akhtar, Dildar Pervaiz Bhatti, Umer Sharif, Albela, Bushra Ansari, and Tahira Wasti.
He collaborated vocally with leading female singers such as Noor Jehan, Naheed Akhtar, Nayyara Noor, Tahira Syed, Mala, Musarrat Nazir, Abida Parveen, Fareeha Pervez, Suraiya Khanum, and Mehnaz, and with male singers including Mehdi Hassan, Masood Rana, Ghulam Ali, Akhlaq Ahmed, Pervez Mehdi, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Arif Lohar.
He worked with renowned composers like A. Hameed, Nisar Bazmi, M. Ashraf, Robin Ghosh, Amjad Bobby, Tafoo Brothers, and G.A. Chishti, among others.
He sang poetry by Allama Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sufi Tabassum, Munir Niazi, Qateel Shifai, Masroor Anwar, Khwaja Pervez, and Habib Jalib, among others.
Awards and Recognition
He received the Presidential Pride of Performance Award posthumously in 2018, as well as:
- National Film Award
- 8 Nigar Awards
- 8 Graduate Academy Awards
- Bolan Academy Award (Balochistan)
- Best Performance Awards (Canada & USA)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (Daily Nai Baat, 2012)
- Numerous shields and medals from various institutions.
A Nayyar sang dozens of national songs for radio, TV, films, and stage, expressing his deep love for Pakistan. Some of the well-known songs include:
- Mera Pak Watan Mera Dhan Logo
- Yeh Des Mera Des
- Hum Pakistani Hain
- Tu Hai Saare Jahan Se Haseen (Film Sholay)
- Sab Se Pehle Pakistan (with 12 singers)
- Pakistan Zindabad
He represented Pakistan internationally on Independence Day events (14th August) in the USA, UK, Canada, Norway, and UAE. He also partnered with Dildar Pervaiz Bhatti in global fundraising programs for Shaukat Khanum Hospital and other welfare causes.
A Voice Silenced, a Legacy That Lives
On 11 November 2016, A Nayyar passed away in Lahore due to a heart attack and was laid to rest at the Christian Cemetery on Jail Road, Lahore.
In his final years, he faced health and financial struggles — a fate not uncommon for many artists in our society. His life teaches us that talent and art transcend religion or background. Despite belonging to a modest Christian family, he earned equal admiration across Pakistan.
His story reminds us that artists deserve appreciation not only during their fame but throughout their lives.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, A Nayyar’s voice still stirs emotions and revives the soul of an era when music came from the heart. He was not merely a singer — he was the heartbeat of a generation, a monk of melodies, the glow of songs, and a voice that transcended time.
A Nayyar remains a rare note in Pakistan’s musical scale — a silken voice that echoed across generations, gentle as silk yet strong as steel. He embodied artistic excellence, resilience, and interfaith harmony in Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Born in simplicity, raised with ambition — A Nayyar rose to fame at a time when representation of religious minorities was scarce. His journey to national acclaim is a story of hard work, devotion, and passion.
His voice continues to live in the hearts of music lovers.
Famous Songs
A Nayyar recorded several hit duets with Mehnaz, including:
- Aaj Hai Jumma Kal (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna)
- O Meri Jan-e-Wafa (Abshar)
- Rishta Pyar Ka (Benazir Qurbani)
- Mit Gayi Sab Dooriyan (Nazdikiyan)
- Mano Ke Tum Ho (Leader)
Other famous songs include:
- Yunhi Din Cut Jaye, Yunhi Shaam Dhal Jaye (Bahisht, 1974)
- Ye Jo Phoolon Se Khushboo Aati Hai (Baghi Qaidi)
- Mausam Koi Aaye (Hum Aur Tum)
- Duniya Ko Hum Ne Ishq Diya (Biwiyaan Haye Biwiyaan)
- I Love You (Bulandi)
- Pyar Bharay Yeh Jeevan (Ek Dooje Ke Liye)
- Pyar To Ek Din Hona Tha, Hona Tha Ho Gaya
- Saathi Mujhe Mil Gaya, Mile Do Saathi, Khuli Do Kaliyan, and many others.
His first film hit “Yunhi Din Cut Jaye” brought him instant fame in 1974, marking the start of a brilliant three-decade career. From 1975 to 1990, he became one of Pakistan’s most beloved playback singers after Ahmed Rushdi, often compared to Kishore Kumar for his vocal range and versatility.
Warmth, depth, and emotion gave his voice a magical quality — instantly recognisable and full of life. He sang romantic, patriotic, melancholic, and cinematic songs with equal grace.
Artists and Our Social Tragedy
Sadly, the neglect of artists has become common in our society. Despite his immense national contribution — and his beautiful hymns and psalms for the Christian community — A Nayyar is not remembered as he deserves to be.
Even with numerous Christian TV channels and studios today, no competition, award, or studio bears his name. The government, too, failed to honor his family or legacy appropriately — no road, institution, or memorial commemorates him.
As I type these words, my heart and soul resonate with the echo of his voice. Handsome, kind, and immensely talented, A Nayyar witnessed both the glory and decline of Pakistan’s film industry.
Life tested him harshly — the illness and death of his young son, changing industry trends, financial struggles, his wife’s treatment, and the indifference of people — all contributed to his untimely end.
Yet his golden voice and musical memories will forever live in the hearts of music lovers.
As Albert Einstein said:
“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”