Happy birthday wishes to one of the living legends of Hindi film music Anandji Veerji Shah on his 88th birthday. Versatile composer Anandji (of the legendary Bollywood singer duo Kalyanji-Anandji) just turned 88, but he is as active and enthusiastic as a 28-year-old. After a couple of movies as solo music directors, they both joined to form the Kalyanji- Anandji duo. Their first musical hit was for 'Naagin' movie in 1954.
Anandji was born on 2 March 1933, in Kundrodi, Kutch in the state of Gujarat. Like his ‘late’ elder genius-composer brother Kalyanjibhai, multi-talented music-savvy Anandji is also known for his sense of philanthropy and witty humor. Anandji started his career as a musician, with a new electronic instrument called the clavioline which had the music by Hemant Kumar. When big music directors like S. D. Burman, Hemant Kumar, Madan Mohan, Naushad, Shankar-Jaikishan, and O.P. Nayyar were leading the Hindi film music world it was very tough to make a place amongst them. They still managed to attain success.
The legendary composers jointly composed music for more than 250 films. The duo delivered as many as 17 golden jubilee hits in addition to 29 silver jubilee hits. They have been nominated several times for the Best Music Award and they won it for their astonishing music in the film 'Kora Kaagaz.' The legendary pair was also given National award for their composition for the film 'Saraswati Chanda.' Among the vast ocean of melodious compositions, their songs like “Chahe Dur Ho, Chahe Paas Ho,” “Dum Dum Diga Diga,” “Govinda Aala Re Aala,” “Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle Ugle Hire Moti,” were arguably the best and are still remembered.
Anandji is married to Shantaben Shah and the couple is blessed with two sons and two daughters. On behalf of entire Gujarati community, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar wishes you happiest birthday and may the upcoming years bring lot of happiness and success in your life.
