Narayan Dutt
- Died: 16 June, 1988 (Bombay)
- Primary Cinema: Hindi
- Parents: Durgaprasad
Narayan Dutt, the lesser-known of the Dutt music composers, grew up in an environment where music was in the air. Born in Bilaswar village of Jodhpur, he was trained in music by his father Durgaprasad – a singer in the Bikaner court of Raja Ganga Singh. However, Dutt had dreams of singing for cinemas and moved to Bombay in 1946.
He started his playback singing career in Raj Kapoor’s Neel Kamal (1947) by singing Jaiyyo na bides mora jiya bhar aayega, however, the song was re-recorded in Snehal Bhatkar’s voice. He persevered and got the opportunity to sing a duet Naino ki piyali se with Geeta Dutt and Aawaz chala anjam chala with Mukesh for Rasili (1946). He collaborated with Kidar Sharma in a few of his films such as Sehra (1948), Uddhar (1949) and Gauna (1950). He even tried his hand at some stunt films for Mohan Pictures, but no records remain.
Dutt shifted gears, and took on the role of music composer starting with Mordhwaj (1952). Some of his noteworthy films as a composer were Astik (1956), Shyam Ki Jogan (1957), Naya Kadam (1958), Narad Leela (1972), Seetaram Radheshyam (1973), and Humse Mile Tum (1984). Baba Ramdev Peer (1963), Mhari Pyari Chanana (1983) and Nanibai Ko Bhayro (1984) were some Rajasthani films he gave music to. Unfortunately, some of his films like Meerabai, and Bhakta Prahlad were shelved.
Soon, the limelight faded and he carried on making non-filmy songs derived from folk music. He also made music for Arya Samaj, Jain Samaj and the Rajneesh Foundation. Later, he set up a music school called Sur Tarang.
Narayan Dutt passed away on 16 June, 1988.
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