Calcutta-born Syed Mohammad Azizunnabi grew up in a strict Muslim household, where any kind of music was frowned upon. Young Aziz was, in fact, often scolded for remaining glued to the radio. He loved to listen to Mohammad Rafi’s voice and tried to imitate it. By the time he finished one year of his graduation, he had decided that singing was what he wished to do with his life.He started out by performing at hotels and stage shows, singing songs of his idol, Rafi.
Once while he sang at stage shows, he had the opportunity to have Salil Chowdhury conduct an orchestra for him, while he sang Rafi’s “Mere Pairon Mein Ghunghroo Bandha De” (“Sunghursh”, 1968). In 1982, he made the decision to shift base to Mumbai to further his career. It was Mukul Dutt who gave him his break as a singer in “Ambar” (1984), having learnt about his ability through his stay in Bengal. It was, however, with the song “Mard Tangewala” (“Mard”, 1985) that Mohammad Aziz got recognition.
tHe is remembered for songs like “Ek Andhera Lakh Sitarey” (Aakhir Kyon”, 1985), “Ameeron Ki Shaam Gharibon Ke Naam” (“Naam”, 1986), “Ek Roz Hasana Hai” (“Falak”, 1988) and the unforgetable “My Name Is Lakhan” (“Ram Lakhan”. 1989). The early 1990s’ too were quite eventful for him, as he sang for films like “Swarg” (1990), “Hum” (1991) as even the blockbuster “Khuda Gavah” (1992). He was nominated twice for Filmfare Awards for best Male Playback Singer, consecutively in 1989 and in 1990. Though he has worked with the likes of Kalyanji-Anandji, Usha Khanna, Anu Malik, R.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Bappi Lahiri and others, Laxmikant Pyarelal remain his favourites as music directors.
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