He took the Indian music industry by storm in the 70s. “Hum se ka bhool hui ke ye saza hum ka mili” was on everyone's lips those days. Music aficionados mistook him for the legendary Muhammad Rafi. Anwar Hussain better known as Anwar indeed had molded himself on his idol Rafi. Today music lovers of Jeddah will have an opportunity to see Anwar live on stage in a function organized by Indian Cultural Society Jeddah and Bazm-e-Osmania. For Anwar, it was always a dream to be a star like Muhammad Rafi. His family background in music helped him in pursuing his passion. His father was an accomplished harmonium player and an assistant music director to Ghulam Haider. “Being the only son, my father wanted me to follow on his footsteps and learn violin,” Anwar told the Saudi Gazette. But he was interested in singing. “Seeing my interest in singing, my father sent me at the age of 13 to Abdul Rehman Khan of Patiala Gharana, who had trained the famous singer Mahendra Kapoor.” It was during one of his musical shows that Anwar was spotted by music director Kamal Rajasthani, who gave him a chance to sing for his film “Mere Gharib Nawaz.” The song was ‘Kasme Hum Apni Jaan Ki Khayay Chalay Gayay-Phir Bhi Who Aitbaar Na Kiyay Challay Gayay.' This ghazal become very famous. But those were the days when great singers like Muhammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor dominated the film industry. It was difficult for a newcomer like Anwar to get a chance. Anwar's uncanny resemblance to Rafi's voice became a bane instead of a boost. “Everyone rejected me by saying that why they would give me a chance when original Muhammad Rafi was around,” said Anwar. He finally approached famous comedian Mehmood, who was known for giving the newcomers a break. Hence, in 1977 comedian Mehmood and music director Rajesh Roshan hired Anwar to sing for Janta Hawaldar. Its songs Teri Aankhon Ki Chahat, and Humse Ka Bhool Hui were pictured on the 70s heartthrob Rajesh Khanna. Both the film and songs were super hit. Anwar started getting work and recognition. Kalyanji Annadji offered Qurbani, Qurbani which was the super hit. “Sohni Sohni” of film ‘Sohni Mahewal' was also a noticeable song. In a career spanning over 30 years, Anwar sang a variety of songs including classical and contemporary Ghazals, Bhajans, Qawwali. He sang duets with legendry playback singers Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle as well as with to Alka Yagnik, under music directors Khayyam, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik and Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen. He has sung for Deleep Kumar (Taqdeer hay kiya may kiya janu), Amitabh Bachan (Zindagi Imtihan layti hay), Shammy Kapoor, Jitandra, Sunny Deol etc. In 2004, Anwar composed an album called “Meri Aashiqui Se Pehle” broadcast on popular show of Sahara Channel. Anwar who hails from the classical school of singing finds the contemporary pop music offbeat, but feels that it has given respect and recognition to singers. “Songs with good poetry and music are long lasting. On other hand offbeat songs probably earn money but are short-lived,” he believes. Recently he cut a new album “Tuhfa' whose “Teray HontoN ko Salam” became an instant hit. Anwar is against music reality shows. “These shows give unnecessary encouragement to young singers who lack training. They win on popular SMS votes, but die out from the memory soon.” When the remix revolution started, Anwar took a break from playback singing and settled in the United States, concentrating on live stage performances. However, he later returned to Mumbai. “I appreciate the good remix. For instance, there is a song ‘meray piya gayay Rangoon'. I am sure that the new generation never knew this song but after remix, they are recognizing and liking it. Old songs are getting a new life through remix, and that is a good trend,” he said. Presently Anwar is busy performing live concerts, cutting albums and occasionally playback singing. Although he has performed around the world, it is his first time to perform in Jeddah. He is expecting a decent and appreciating audience. __
