Why Hrithik Roshan's Grandfather Roshan Lal Nagrath Is Remembered as the 'King of Qawwali'

Hrithik Roshan is a name that resonates with Bollywood fans for his charm, talent, and impactful performances. But long before Hrithik or even his father Rakesh Roshan stepped into the limelight, the Roshan family had already made its mark on Indian cinema through Roshan Lal Nagrath, Hrithik’s grandfather—a legendary music director whose contributions earned him the title of “King of Qawwali” in Hindi films.

Born on 14 July 1917 in Gujranwala, British India (now in Pakistan), Roshan Lal showed a deep love for music from a young age. He trained under the legendary Sarod maestro Allauddin Khan, which gave him a strong foundation in classical music. His early exposure to music giants helped shape his ear and sensibility, particularly in the complex and emotionally rich genre of qawwali.

In 1940, Roshan began his professional journey when Khwaja Khurshid Anwar hired him as a staff artist at All India Radio. There, he honed his skills, eventually leaving the job after eight years to pursue work in the film industry. The path wasn’t easy—he struggled for two years before finally getting a breakthrough with legends like Mohammed Rafi and Talat Mahmood.

His first significant work came with the 1952 film Naubahar, where he composed the beautiful Lata Mangeshkar song "Aeri main to prem deewani mera dard na jaane koi." It wasn’t long before his soulful, intricate compositions began to receive widespread acclaim. Roshan became known for his ability to blend classical elements with cinematic appeal—especially in qawwalis, a genre that until then hadn’t seen much mainstream representation in Bollywood.

Roshan's mastery over qawwali-based compositions brought a new life to this form in Hindi cinema. His music in films like Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) is still considered a benchmark. The qawwali "Na to karvan ki talaash hai" remains one of the most iconic in Indian film history. His collaborations with lyricists like Anand Bakshi and singers like Rafi, Lata, and Manna Dey created timeless melodies that are still cherished today.

He married Ira Moitra, and together they had two sons: Rakesh Roshan, who went on to become a successful actor and filmmaker, and Rajesh Roshan, who carried forward the musical legacy as a composer. Sadly, Roshan Lal Nagrath passed away on 16 November 1967 at the age of 50 due to heart complications, after battling health issues for nearly two decades.

His legacy, however, continues through the generations. The musical instincts and artistic dedication that began with Roshan are still evident in the Roshan family today. His life and work are explored in the Netflix documentary "The Roshans," offering an intimate glimpse into the family’s creative journey.

Roshan Lal Nagrath wasn't just a music director—he was a cultural bridge who helped bring classical qawwali to the cinematic mainstream, giving it a respected and loved place in Bollywood. That’s why, even decades after his passing, he remains known as the 'King of Qawwali'.