LAHORE The timeless hum of the sweet tunes weaved by Rasheed Attre can still be heard clear even after 43 years of his departure from this world. The 18th December marks the death anniversary of this music genius who has many a heart-winning melodies to his credit. Great composer of the Indo-Pak Subcontinent, Abdur Rasheed, who is widely known as Rasheed Attre, was born in Amritsar in 1919. He started his music career in early 1940s from Mahishori pictures Lahore where he composed two songs for the film ‘Pagli’. Rasheed also holds the distinction of being the first music director to compose songs for the Bombay talkies first Muslim social film ‘Nateeja’ whose super-hit Ghazal ‘Kahan Mein Aur Kahan Deen-e-Haram Ki Kashmakash, Nakhb, Kis Kay Naqsh-e-Pa Per Rakh Diya Ghabra Kay Sar Mein Nay’ is popular to-date. Undying songs like Baanwari Chakori Karay Duniya Say Chori Chori, Sada Hoon Apnay Pyar Ki, Jaltay Hain Armaan, Aaye Mausum Rangeelay Suhanay, Baar,Baar Barsain Moray Nain, Habibi Hya Hya, Gaye Gi Duniya Geet Meray and many more were sung during his career. He was awarded thrice with the prestigious Nigar Award for the best Music Director for the film ‘Saath lakh’ in 1957, Nigar Award for the best Music Director for the film ‘Neend’ in 1959 and Nigar Award for the best Music Director for the film ‘Shaheed’ in 1961. With the Pakistani film industry finally turning the corner after a melody drought, modern day music directors consider Rasheed Attre and his compositions as a source of inspiration.
