Datta Naik Death Anniversary: Celebrating the Forgotten but Golden-Era Maestro of Hindi Music

Among the many composers of the golden era, N. Dutta (Dattaram Baburao Naik) was one name that has been forgotten over time, despite his immense contributions. He was often recognized as an assistant to S.D. Burman, but his talents extended far beyond that.

Early life

Born on December 12, 1927, in a small village in Goa, Dattaram Baburao Naik left home at the age of 12 and arrived in Mumbai (then Bombay).
There, he studied classical music at the Deodhar School of Indian Music. He also worked at music studios and became an assistant to Master Ghulam Haider. Datta Naik also participated in poetry and music conferences. It was at these events that Burman Da (S.D. Burman) recognized his talent, and in the early 1950s, he hired him as his assistant. He assisted Burman Da on the following films:

• Bahaar

• Sazaa

• Ek Nazar

• Jaal

• Jeevan Jyoti

• Angaaray

The film Jal was set in Goa, and here Datta Naik helped Burman Da in using local Portuguese-influenced tunes. The Goan tune of the famous song "Chori Chori Meri Gali" was actually Datta Naik's contribution – full of energy, rhythm, and enthusiasm, the song is still heard today. It is said that he quietly helped Burman Da in many other tunes, but never asked for credit.

Starting out as an independent musician

Datta Naik started his career as an independent music director in 1955 with Raj Khosla's first film, Milap. The film is still remembered for these immortal songs:

• "Jate ho to jao par jaoge kaha" - Geeta Dutt

• "Ye Baharo ke sama chand taro" – Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar

His association with B.R. Films subsequently became well known.
He composed music for the following films:

• Sadhana (1958)

• Dhool Ka Phool (1959)

• Dharam Putra (1961)

The music of these three films is immortal even today. But due to poor health, he could not remain associated with any big banner for long.

Struggles despite talent

In later years he composed music for many films, but many of them were small or low-budget. Because of this he could not join big banners, the films did not do well, but his songs remained very popular. His tunes were melodious, melodious, easy to hum. He was adept at all types of songs including rock n roll, waltz, classical and patriotic. Some examples:

• "Saree Jahan Se Accha Hindustan Hamara" - Bhai Behan

• "Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman" - A powerful message on casteism

Sahir Ludhianvi – A Lifelong Companion

Sahir Ludhianvi recognized Datta Naik's talent from the very first day. Together they composed immortal songs:

• Marine Drive

• Didi

• Sadhana

• Dhool Ka Phool

• Dharam Putra

• Chandi ki Deewar

• Naya Raasta

His last Hindi film music was:

Aaj socha hai khayalon mein (1980)

Illness plagued him in his final years, and he died on 30 December 1987.

Contribution to Marathi films

N. Dutta also composed memorable music for Marathi films. He composed music for about 12 films. His popular Marathi songs include:

• "Dhundit Gau- Mastit Raahu"

• "Madhu ithe An Chandra Tithe"

• "Sang Kadhi Kalnar Tula"

One special thing – he composed the tune "Dil Bhi Mit Jaye To" for the film Marine Drive, which did not work. Later, he reused the same tune in the Marathi song "Dhundit Rahu Mastit Gau" – and the song became very popular.

Some selected immortal songs of N. Dutta

1. Dharkne Lagi Dil Ki Taaron Ki Duniya - Dhool Ka Phool 1959

2. AURAT NE JANAM DIYA MARDON KO - SADHANA 1958

3. Maine Chand Aur Sitaron Ki Tmanna Ki Thee - Chandrakanta 1956

4. Tang Aa Chuke Hain

5. Lal Lal Gaal

6. Main jab bhi akeli - Dharamputra

7. Dil Ki Tamanna thi mast me – Gyara Hazar Ladkiyan 1963

8. Yaadon Ka Sahara Na Hota - Patthar ka Khwab

9. Dhoondhe Nazar Nazar - Dilli Ka Dada

10. Aye Dil Zuban na Khol - Naach Ghar

FAQs

Q1. Who was N. Dutta?

N. Dutta (Dattaram Baburao Naik) was a famous Indian film composer of the 1950s–70s, who composed memorable music for films like Sadhna, Dhool Ka Phool, Dharamputra.

Q2. When and where was N. Dutta born?

He was born on 12 December 1927 in a small village in Goa .

Q3. Where did N. Dutta start learning music?

After coming to Mumbai, he studied classical music at the Deodhar School of Indian Music .

Q4. How did N. Dutta start his career?

He began his film career as an assistant to Ghulam Haider . Later, S.D. Burman hired him as his assistant.

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