Ghulam Mohammed The Creator of "Pakeezah's Melodies"

When we listen to mellifluous songs of Pakeezah, we are transported to a bygone royal era in which music connoisseur Nawabs would visit dance girls to enjoy their music. It was a Musician from Bikaner named Ghulam Mohammed who re-created the Musical Magic of yore in this evergreen film based on the life of an emotional dance-girl, a role immortalised by legendary artist Meena Kumari.

Born and brought up in a family of traditional musicians, Ghulam Mohammed naturally found musical atmosphere at home. His father was a fine artiste and played all sorts of musical instruments. As a little child of six, he joined as an actor in the Punjab-based New Albert Theatrical Company. As a child artiste, he was popular with the masses. Later he was promoted to Dance-Director in the company.

He started his film career with Kargar Productions as an assistant to famous musician Naushad. In this period of twelve years, he showed his music talent in hundreds of films. But he continued to be and obscure assistant music director.

'Tiger Queen' was his maiden film as a music director. He acquired fame by decorating with his music umpteen firms such as Mera Khwab, Doli, Laila Majnu, Kajal, Gristhi, Pardesi, Shayar, Naznin, Akbar, Bikhre Moti, Rail Ka Dibba, Pagri etc. He bagged the President's award for the best music for his film "Mirza Ghalib".

Pakeezah is Ghulam Mohammed's Magnum opus. He adorned this film with his magnificent music. He put all his music talent in it. Kamal Amrohi, the director, was ecstatic to have such grand music for his film. Unfortunately, Ghulam Mohammed died on March 17, 1968 before Pakeezah was released. The masses was enthralled by the music of the film. The soul-stirring songs of Pakeezah never cease to fascinate the generations of music-lovers and they become nostalgic to listen to these enchanting songs. "Thare rahiyo", "Chalte chalte youhin koi milgaya tha".

The memories of those days linger in people's mind.  Ghulam Mohammed-a proud son of Bikaner immortalised Pakeezah in the souls of music lovers through out the world.