Renowned Pakistani music director and composer Khawaja Khurshid Anwar is being remembered on Thursday on his 41st death anniversary for his immense contributions to South Asian cinema and music.
Born on March 21, 1912, in Mianwali, Khurshid Anwar earned a master’s degree in Philosophy from Government College Lahore in 1935 and later passed the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1936, serving briefly in the civil service. He began his artistic journey in 1939 with All India Radio, marking the start of a remarkable musical career.
Known for his unmatched creativity, Khurshid Anwar could compose mesmerizing melodies even on a matchbox, instead of conventional instruments like the harmonium.
After migrating from Mumbai to Lahore, he composed music for 28 films, leaving behind an enduring musical legacy.
His compositions for films such as Koel, Chingari, Ghoonghat, Humraz, Intezaar, and Heer Ranjha reflect his artistic brilliance. However, it was the timeless song “Sun Wanjhli Di Mithi Taal Ve” from Heer Ranjha that immortalized him in the history of South Asian film music.