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Promoters & Preservers of Sindhyat
Dewan Motihar

Dewan Motihar

Dewan Motihar was born on 22 February 1927 in Old Sukkur, Sind (Pakistan). He holds a B.A. degree from India and a C.C.S. qualification from London, and is a permanent resident of New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. He retired as an accountant from Esso Petroleum Company (now Exxon), London, and also served as Comptroller at AT&T, New York.

An accomplished musician and sitar exponent, he released two 78 rpm records of Sindhi Geets through HMV in 1957 and an LP of Kabir Bhajans in the USA in 1984. Between 1998 and 2001, he released five cassettes of Sindhi Sufi Kalams and Geets, and also collaborated on notable Indo-Jazz and fusion recordings with EMI Records in London and international artists.

Key Facts
  • Birth Date: 22-2-1927
  • Place of Birth: Old Sukkur, Sind (Pakistan)
  • Academic Attainments: B.A. (India) C.C.S.(London)
  • Permanent Address: New Delhi, India.
  • Occupation: Retired Accountant,
    Esso Petroleum Co. (New Exxon),
    London, Ex. Comptroller
    AT & T., New York (U.S.A)

Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions

In 1957, HMV released 2 Records [78 rpm] of his Sindhi geets in Calcutta. In 1984, LP of his Kabir Bhajans was released in U.S.A. From 1998 to 2001, five cassettes covering number of Sindhi soofi kalams, geets, including Sajan-Ji-Sar, [Rememberance Of Beloved], Rus Na Rana [Do Not Turn Away My Beloved], Sapne Mein Sajan Ayo [My Beloved Appeared In My Dream] were released. He is also a Music Maestro and has played Sitar as per details given below:

  1. Indo-Jazz Suite, EMI Records, London, 1966.
  2. Indo-Jazz Fusion, EMI Records, London, 1967.
  3. Indo-Jazz Fusion II, EMI Records, London, 1968.
  4. Jazz Meets India, SABA Recording Co., Germany, recorded during World Jazz Festival at West Berlin, Germany, 1967.
  5. John Mayers String Quintet with Dewan Motihar on Sitar; EMI Records, London, 1967.

Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours

Dewan has received many Awards / Honours both in India and abroad. Details of two prestigious Awards as Sindhi Singer are given below:

  1. Sindhu Ratan Award, 1965 [At New Delhi by Sindhi Association]
  2. Award for distinguished contributions, 1998 [At New Delhi by Sindhi Sahit Academy].

Additional Information

As a matter of pride for Sindhi community, it may be noted that:

  1. Dewan has played Sitar in about 20 English movies.
  2. He composed music for an American play Kindly Monkeys
  3. He gave performances on BBC London.
  4. In association of other Sindhi organisations in Delhi, he  presented first Tableu [Jhanki] depicting Jhulelal [Patron God of Sindhis) at the Republic Day Parade in, New Delhi, on 26th January 1960.

Finale

With a rare blend of modern & traditional Sindhi music, Dewan-Kan duo will be remembered by lovers of Sindhi music. Having his mastery over Sitar, which stirs the soul, Dewan after living in USA for a very long time has now, returned to India for permanent residence.

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Dewan Motihar