RASHEED ATTRE

(Film Composer)
15 Feb, 1919 – December 18, 1967
Brief History
Abdur Rasheed, more commonly known as Rasheed Attre, was born in 1919. His
father, Khushi Mohammad, was also highly acclaimed singer-musician in his time .
Young Rasheed acquired his initial music lessons from Khan Sahib Ashfaq Husain.
Brilliant enough, Rasheed soon mastered the musical instruments in general and
tabla, in particular. In the early 1940s, Rasheed decided to consolidate his efforts
towards composition and started his music.

The first Pakistani film for which Rasheed lent his music was director Masood
Pervez's Beli. He won the prestigious Nigar award three times, for the films Satth
Lakh, Neend and Shaheed. In the mid 1940s, Attre became the first music director to
compose songs for the Bombay talkies.

Some of his movies are: Laila Majnu, Rukhsana, Gulshan, Saahil, Daaku ki Larki, Aik
Manzil Dou Raahain, Aazaad, Shabab, Hazaar Daastan, Al-Hilal, Jeedar, Mirza Jatt,
Baau Jee, Zaalim and Chataan.

Three Songs
Though he composed and arranged too many songs but three honorable mentions
are as follows.
Song: Zindegi Hai Ya Kisi Ka Intezaar
Movie: Salma (1960)
In the 60’s many composers concentrated on filmi ghazals. That resulted in a
plethora of ghazals in films. However this phase was short-lived. The 60’s was
bursting with suppressed sexuality of the youth hence it needed a more forceful
expression which was not possible through ghazals. The celebration of the
wildness of youth characterized the 60’s film music. Rasheed Attre came up with
some of the most intricate and sublime compositions, such as this song.

Lyrics
Penned by ‘Tanvie Naqvi’, the lyrics are precise and to the point. The whole song
reflects on the topic of ‘self discovery’. The lyrics are not Tuk Bandi-ly written.

Melody
The composition has a western touch to it because it was the start of western
music in the 60’s. A beautiful blend of classical voice with mild western music.

Instrumentation
Keyboard, Violins, Guitars, Shakers are beautifully used.

Arrangement
The arrangement is melodious and experimental. Attre succeeds in producing a
gem.
Song: Baanwari Chakori
Movie: Anaarkali (1958)
In the 50’s classical music was introduced in films. This inclination produced some
of the greatest melodies in film music. By mid 50’s it was essential for all playback
singers to sing classical songs. At the height of his fame, Attre came up with his
magical composition for director Anwar Kamal Pasha.

Lyrics
The lyrics are well written, according to the requirement of the situation. No Tuk
bandi is used.

Melody
Melody is pleasant and soothing. It has somewhat of a folk song kind of flavor in
it. Noor Jehan played her part exceptionally.

Instrumentation
A fusion of Violin, Sitar and Tabla.

Arrangement
The arrangement is melodious along with the vocal quality and well penned lyrics.
Song is evergreen. Attre shows his class ranging from pure classical to western kind
of compositions.

Song: Teri Ulfat Main Sanam

Movie: Sarfarosh (1956)
Again Attre showed his class by exhibiting an astonishing range and power in director
Anwar Kamal Pasha’s ‘Sarfarosh’. The legendary Zubeida Khanum lent her voice.
Lyrics
Saagar Saddiqui wrote the ghazal and Tufail Hoshiyarpuri arranged the lyrics.
Lyrics are to the point, do not deviate from the topic and no Tuk Bandi is included.

Melody
Melody is the typical compositions of the 50’s. No experiments were welcomed of
course. It has a kind of ghazal flavor to it.

Instrumentation
Classic use of Violins,Dholki and Guitar.

Arrangement
The composition is well arranged. Rasheed Attre was already a master at creating
these kind of tracks for the movies. Zubeida Khanum does justice as usual.