(Late) Kan Motihar
(Late) Kan Motihar was born on 12 December 1924 in Old Sukkur, Sind (Pakistan) and later resided at New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. A matriculate by education, he began his journey in singing and music composition in 1942 and remained actively devoted to music until his passing in 1997.
A distinguished composer and music director, he created acclaimed Sindhi musical ballets such as Suhni–Mehar, Moomal Rano, and Umar Maruee, released several Sindhi and Hindi ghazal cassettes, and composed music for notable Sindhi films. He also collaborated with renowned artists including Asha Bhosale, Usha Mangeshkar, Anuradha Paudwal, Suresh Wadkar, and many eminent Sindhi singers, leaving behind a rich and lasting musical legacy.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 12-12-1924
- Place of Birth: Old Sukkur, Sind (Pakistan)
- Academic Attainments: Matric
- Permanent Address: New Delhi, India.
Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions
He started singing and music composing career in 1942 and continued till he breathed his last in 1997. His major composing are:
Sindhi Musical Ballets, which were presented by Rani Karna and later by Anila Sunder:
- ‘Suhni-Mehar’
- ‘Moomal Rano’
- ‘Umar Maruee’
He released:
- 12 Sindhi cassettes & 4 Hindi Ghazal cassettes. A few popular were: Shah, Sachal & Sami Kalams [Trinity of Sindhi Poets].
- Marriage & Festival Songs.
- Pure Sindhi Geets.
- Meera & Kabir Bhajans.
He composed and directed music for following Sindhi Films:
- Ammi Ya Mammi [Both Mean Mother Former Indian Later English Style].
- Aukha Pandh Pyar Ja [Difficult Terrain of Love].
- Ker Kanhinjo [Whose Whom].
- Joi Jo Chamcho [Henpeck Husband].
As a Music Director, he recorded songs with popular singers, like: Aasha Bhosale, Usha Mangeshkar, Anuradha Paudwal, Suresh Wadkar, Mahindra Kapur, Sushma Sreshta and almost all Sindhi singers, including Prof. Ram Panjwani, Ghansham Vaswani, Bhagwanti Navani and Dewan Motihar.
Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours
During his lifetime, he received several Awards / Honours. We are however unable to trace the record except the following:
- ‘Best Music Director’ Award 1994 [At Mumbai by Anu Malik, a popular Music Director].
Additional Information
- Kan was a versatile and talented artiste. Surprisingly, he never went to any School / Institution to learn music. He learnt it by listening & observing.
- He used to visit Sindhi schools to impart training of music amongst the students.
- He was popular & much sought after artiste, particularly at Sindhi concerts / functions.
- He expired in 1997.
Finale
One of the most devoted and dedicated singers & composers, Kan took pride in training up & coming talented Sindhi singers. Specialised in composing lyrics based on folk & modern Sindhi surs, Kan never considered material wealth & comfort as important. For him music was a prayer.