O. P. Nayyar shunned Lahore's 'aggressive' music training, says grand-daughter Niharica Raizada
Synopsis
O. P. Nayyar's refusal to accept formal music training in Lahore — deemed too harsh — became the unexpected foundation of his revolutionary approach to Hindi film composition. His grand-daughter Niharica Raizada, now drawing praise for her performance in 'Mercy', reveals how the maestro's unconventional path shaped his legacy.
Key Takeaways
Nayyar was never formally trained in music, rejecting Lahore 's pedagogical methods which he found 'aggressive.' His father, a pharmacist, expected him to pursue medicine; his two brothers became a lawyer and accountant respectively.
Nayyar possessed innate musical talent and could play multiple instruments without structured instruction.
Niharica Raizada , his grand-daughter, is receiving critical acclaim for her role as Jiya in the film 'Mercy' . 'Mercy' explores the moral and emotional complexities of passive euthanasia within a family setting.
Niharica Raizada, grand-daughter of legendary music composer O. P. Nayyar, has revealed that the maestro rejected formal musical education in Lahore due to its harsh pedagogical methods, despite possessing innate musical talent. Speaking to IANS, Raizada shed light on Nayyar's unconventional path to becoming one of Hindi cinema's most influential composers, a journey that began without structured training.
The family's expectations
O. P. Nayyar was born in Lahore to a pharmacist father who envisioned a medical career for his son. His two brothers fulfilled parental aspirations — one became a lawyer, the other an accountant — but Nayyar's inclination lay elsewhere. "His father was very strict and he always wanted his three sons to study," Raizada explained. "But he was always very gifted with music and he would be able to play all the instruments."
Why he rejected formal training
When his family enrolled him in a music class, Nayyar's response was unequivocal. "He did not like the way that musical education was being imparted in Lahore at that time," Raizada said. "Because apparently, it was done in such an aggressive manner." This early rejection of institutional music pedagogy would define his self-taught approach — one that later revolutionised Hindi film music composition.
Migration and legacy
Nayyar migrated to India following the Partition, eventually establishing himself as a transformative force in cinema. His refusal to conform to traditional training methods paradoxically enabled his distinctive compositional voice, which shaped the soundscape of 1950s and 1960s Hindi films.
Raizada on 'Mercy' and her craft
Niharica Raizada is currently garnering critical acclaim for her role as Jiya in the film 'Mercy', where she portrays the wife of protagonist Shekhar. The film navigates the morally complex terrain of passive euthanasia within a close-knit family structure. "'Mercy' is a project that is very close to my heart," Raizada said. "The character challenged me in ways I hadn't experienced before, and it pushed me to grow as an actor." She credited her co-stars, particularly Adil Hussain, for deepening her performance. "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 added.
What lies ahead
Raizada expressed confidence that the film's exploration of end-of-life ethics will resonate with audiences. "I truly believe the story will connect with audiences and leave a lasting impact," she said, underscoring the emotional and moral weight of the narrative her character inhabits.
Point of View
Folk, and Western idioms — a fusion that became his signature. His grand-daughter's revelation underscores a broader truth: some of cinema's most transformative artists arrived via unconventional routes, unburdened by institutional gatekeeping.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did O. P. Nayyar reject formal music training in Lahore?
O. P. Nayyar rejected formal music training in Lahore because he found the pedagogical methods too aggressive. Despite his innate musical talent and ability to play multiple instruments, he refused to conform to the institutional approach of the time.
What was O. P. Nayyar's family background?
Nayyar was born in Lahore to a pharmacist father who expected his sons to pursue professional careers. His two brothers became a lawyer and accountant respectively, but Nayyar's inclination lay with music despite parental pressure.
How did O. P. Nayyar develop his musical skills without formal training?
Nayyar possessed innate musical talent and was self-taught, able to play all instruments without structured instruction. His unconventional path eventually led him to revolutionise Hindi film music composition.
Who is Niharica Raizada and what is she known for?
Niharica Raizada is the grand-daughter of composer O. P. Nayyar. She is an actress currently receiving critical acclaim for her role as Jiya in the film 'Mercy', which explores the moral complexities of passive euthanasia within a family.
What is the film 'Mercy' about?
'Mercy' is a film that explores the sensitive and morally complex subject of passive euthanasia within a close-knit family. Niharica Raizada plays Jiya, the wife of protagonist Shekhar, navigating emotional and ethical dilemmas surrounding end-of-life decisions.
