Ghulam Haider (composer)

Ghulam Haider (1908 – 9 November 1953), also known by the honorary title Master Ghulam Haider, was a Pakistani music composer who worked both in India and later in Pakistan after its independence in 1947.

He changed the face of film songs by combining the popular Raags with the verve and rhythm of Punjabi music,^[1][2] and also helped raise the status of film music directors in British India. He is also known for giving her first break in the film industry to the well-known playback singer, Lata Mangeshkar in Majboor (1948 film).^[1][2]

In an interview, Lata Mangeshkar herself disclosed on her 84th birthday in 2013, "Ghulam Haider is truly my Godfather. It was his confidence in me that he fought for me to tuck me into the Hindi Film Industry which otherwise had rejected me". Remembering her early rejection, Lata once said, "Ghulam Haider was the first music director who showed complete faith in my talent. He introduced me to many producers including S. Mukerji, a big name in film production, but when he too rejected me, Ghulam Haider was very furious. Hence, finally he convinced Bombay Talkies, a banner bigger than S. Mukerji and introduced me through their movie Majboor (1948 film)".^[3][4]