Bakhshi Wazir

Biography

Bakhshi Wazir was a celebrated music composer duo in Pakistan, active from the 1960s to the 1990s. The pair consisted of two musicians from Lahore—Bakhshi and Wazir Hussain—who began their journey together in the early 1960s and went on to compose music for films, television, and radio, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s entertainment industry.

Wazir Hussain, born in 1934 in Lahore, received classical training in music from his uncle Chote Ashiq Ali Khan and was particularly well-versed in Raags. His friend and musical partner, Bakhshi, was adept in orchestration, percussion, and musical arrangements. The duo began their film music career in 1961 with the movie Bekhabar and eventually scored music for nearly 250 films.

One of their most iconic songs was “Jadon Holi Jai Laina Mera Naa,” sung by Noor Jehan for the 1970 Punjabi film Att Khuda Da Vair. The soulful melody, based on Raag Darbari, became a classic and is still fondly remembered. The opening lines were reportedly crafted by poet Tanvir Naqvi over a full evening, with the rest of the lyrics completed the following day.

Another major success was the song “Akh Lari Bado Badi” from the 1973 film Banarasi Thhag, also sung by Noor Jehan. The track became a major hit and is remembered as a defining musical moment of the era, especially with its memorable picturization of actress Mumtaz.

As demand for their music in films declined, Bakhshi Wazir transitioned to composing for Radio Pakistan and PTV. One of their notable contributions in this later phase was setting to music the poetry of Muhammad Iqbal, narrated by actor Muhammad Ali for Radio Pakistan.

In recognition of their contribution to music, they received the Amir Khusro Award in 1987. Wazir Hussain passed away on January 11, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of timeless melodies.