O. P. Nayyar resisted aggression in music, was opinionated since youth: granddaughter Niharica Raizada
Synopsis
O. P. Nayyar's granddaughter Niharica Raizada has opened up about the late composer's uncompromising stance on music pedagogy — rejecting aggression and formal training in favour of self-directed learning. His philosophy, she reveals, continues to influence her own approach to acting and character development in her latest film 'Mercy'.
Key Takeaways
Nayyar was deeply opinionated about rejecting aggressive instruction in music education from a young age.
He famously questioned why a discipline meant to nurture love should involve anger and aggression.
Nayyar chose self-teaching over formal musical training, viewing conventional classes as negative.
His breakthrough came through All India Radio performances, followed by opportunities in Mumbai with the Mukherjee family .
Granddaughter Niharica Raizada is receiving acclaim for her role as Jiya in the film 'Mercy' , which explores passive euthanasia.
Niharica Raizada, granddaughter of late music composer O. P. Nayyar, has revealed that the legendary figure was deeply opinionated from a young age and fundamentally opposed aggressive teaching methods in music education. Speaking to IANS, Raizada shed light on Nayyar's philosophy that shaped his approach to learning and creation.
Nayyar's stance on musical education
According to Raizada, O. P. Nayyar questioned the very foundation of aggressive instruction in a discipline meant to nurture. "He would say, 'Why should there be aggression in something which is supposed to be full of love?'. So, that was his basic ideology that I've come here to learn and I should be taught with grace and not taught from anger," she told IANS. This conviction led him to reject formal musical training altogether, viewing conventional classes as inherently negative.
Self-taught path to stardom
Rather than pursue institutional music education, Nayyar chose an unconventional route. He practiced independently, composed his own works, and performed for All India Radio — a platform that became his launching pad. "And the rest is history. He got his first break from All India Radio. And after that, he got his opportunities from Mumbai, especially with the Mukherjee family," Raizada added. His self-directed approach ultimately proved more fruitful than the rigid structures he had rejected.
Raizada's work in 'Mercy'
Raizada herself has drawn considerable acclaim for her role as Jiya in the film 'Mercy', where she plays the wife of the protagonist Shekhar within a complex family dynamic. The film examines the morally and emotionally fraught subject of passive euthanasia, exploring end-of-life decisions and their ripple effects across a household. "'Mercy' is a project that is very close to my heart. The character challenged me in ways I hadn't experienced before, and it pushed me to grow as an actor. I truly believe the story will connect with audiences and leave a lasting impact," she said.
Collaboration and creative growth
Raizada credited the film's ensemble for enriching her performance. She worked alongside Raj Vasudeva during auditions and Adil Hussain on set, both of whom she credited with deepening her character work. "Sharing screen space with someone as accomplished as Adil Hussain was truly inspiring, his craft, humility, and presence bring so much depth to every scene," she noted. The supportive environment on set, she emphasized, directly influenced the film's emotional authenticity.
What lies ahead
With 'Mercy' now receiving positive audience reception, Raizada is eager for wider viewership. "It's been an incredible journey working with such a passionate team, and I'm excited for everyone to watch it," she concluded, reflecting on how the project has marked a turning point in her acting career.
Point of View
Not aggression — reads almost radical for mid-century India, where rote instruction and hierarchical authority dominated classical music pedagogy. What's striking is that his self-directed path not only worked; it produced a body of film music that defined an era. Raizada's invocation of this philosophy in her own acting work suggests that the principle transcends discipline: that creation flourishes when fear is replaced by trust. In an industry often driven by competitive pressure and hierarchical mentorship, that's a quiet counter-narrative worth hearing.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was O. P. Nayyar's stance on music education?
O. P. Nayyar fundamentally opposed aggressive teaching methods in music, believing that a discipline meant to nurture love should never involve anger. He rejected formal musical training altogether, viewing conventional classes as inherently negative.
How did O. P. Nayyar launch his music career?
Rather than pursue institutional training, Nayyar taught himself, composed independently, and performed for All India Radio — the platform that gave him his first major break. He subsequently gained opportunities in Mumbai, particularly with the Mukherjee family.
Who is Niharica Raizada and what is she known for?
Niharica Raizada is the granddaughter of late composer O. P. Nayyar. She is an actress currently receiving positive response for her role as Jiya in the film 'Mercy', which explores the subject of passive euthanasia within a family.
What is the film 'Mercy' about?
'Mercy' is a film that explores the morally and emotionally complex subject of passive euthanasia and end-of-life decisions within a close-knit family. Raizada plays Jiya, the wife of the protagonist Shekhar.
Who did Niharica Raizada work with on the set of 'Mercy'?
Raizada worked alongside Raj Vasudeva during auditions and Adil Hussain on set. She credited both actors with helping shape her character and bringing depth to the film through their craft and presence.
