MUMBAI: Veteran music director Omkar Prasad Nayyar passed away of a cardiac arrest on 28 January in Mumbai. He was 81 years old and celebrated his birthday less than a fortnight ago on 16 January.

Nayyar has given to the industry songs like ‘Tumsa Nahin Dekha,’ ‘Aap Yuhin Agar Hamse Milte Rahen’, ‘Jhumka Gira Re’ and ‘Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein’, amongst others.

Born in Lahore, Nayyar began his career in films with the background score for Kaneez in 1949. His first big success was Guru Dutt’s Aar Paar.

While he faded from the industry scene in the 1970s, he did make a comeback in the 1990s with Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor starrer Andaz Apna Apna.

Some of his other popular songs include ‘Mera Nam Chin Chin Choo,’ ‘Aei Dil Hai Muskil Jeena Yahan,’ ‘Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana,’ ‘Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Jee’ and ‘Babuji Dhire Chalna.’

Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh condoled Nayyar’s death saying, “He was a creative and innovative musical genius who endeared himself to many generations.”