In the pic below is the captivating broadcaster, Mr K K Nayyar, who is still fondly remembered in Kashmir (& by Kashmiris) where he served as the Station Director of Radio Kashmir before a brief stint in DDK Srinagar.
Nayyar Sahib, as he was popularly known as, became a household name in Kashmir through his programmes, GharanoN ke Liye, Mehfil, face-to-face with Cine Stars who frequented Kashmir(to name a few) when Kashmir was Baagh-e-Jannat.
Before that he had served Urdu Service of ESD, the most popular service of All India Radio. We remember, he once recalled his visit to Pakistan during which he went to buy 'Paan & Cigarettes ' from a local vendor. When Nayyar Sahib asked for the thing he wanted, the Vendor asked to know from him if he was KK Nayyar! On hearing affirmative answerfrom the latter, the awe-struck paan seller stood up in reverence, gave packs of Cigarettes of Nayyar's brand, a specially prepared Paan, requested him to have tea & touched him as if he were a deity.
Nayyar Sahib has been a radio personality of domestic & sub-continental acclaim. I recently called him on his Lucknow number, in spite of being in late 80's (88 precisely), he has not dispossessed himself of his very own audio quality, the finesse of language, the gram, the right use of right expression for right connotation & the inimitable style.
In his active service, Nayyar Sahib was always immaculately dressed, a human being of excellent qualities of head & heart but would never compromise on broadcast ethics & perfection in presentation. V feel horrified on seeing many of today's Jockeys & broadcasters who lay their claim on moon & stars without letting themselves be measured by the rod of profession.
Nayyar Sahib has turned 88 just yesterday, V wish him long life, good health & ability to stand up guide & bless us all.
Photograph: Courtesy:- Mr Prithvi Raj Chouhan, Station Director, AIR Lucknow who called on him yesterday & took the picture which I cropped to make Nayyar Sahib discernible to those who couldn't see him after he attained age of superannuation.
Source : Fayyaz Sheheryar