Sonik–Omi

In 1950, blind composer Manohar Lal Sonik arrived in Mumbai with his young nephew Om Prakash Sonik in hope of making a career in Bollywood. Manohar changed his name to Sonik and his nephew Om's name became Omi. They started composing music in the name Sonik–Omi. They had to struggle a lot since there was scarcity of work for little known composers. Omi joined a female chorus group to afford a square meal and the duo lived in a tiny slum. [2][1]

In the 1950s, Master Sonik composed for films like Mamta, Mehfil and Ishwar Bhakti[3] but their music failed to create any mark. Due to failure of those films, Sonik-Omi were left with very less works. Madan Mohan offered Master Sonik the job of music arranger. He did the same under S D Burman later. On the other hand, Omi assisted the composer Roshan for films like Taj Mahal, Barsaat Ki Raat and Taj Mahal. They got their first break with Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya when R. K. Rawal offered them to compose fir his film starring Nutan and Dharmendra. All of the film's songs became successful. The songs "Kaliyon Ne Ghunghat Khola", " Aaja Re Pyaar Pukare" and "Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya" became evergreen hits. The latter was placed at 11th position in Binaca Geetmala Annual Top Chart. Since then, there were5 no looking back. Rawal also collaborated them fpr his film Aabroo which was also musically successful. [1] 1970 was another successful year for Sonik–Omi, when they composed music for Sawan Bhadon, the debut film of Rekha and Navin Nischol. All of the songs became immense hits, especially "Kaan Mein Jhumka" and "Sun Sun O Gulabi Kali" became chartbasters. [2]

Sonik–Omi became a top composer and went to give successful scores for films like Mahua, Mehfil, Beti, Dharti Ki God Mein, Dharma, Raftaar, Umar Qaid, Chowki No. 11 etc. [1]

Uncle Sonik passed away in 9 July 1993, Omi continued to compose music and his last film as a composer was Biwi No. 2 in 2000, after which he went to retirement. Omi passed away in 7 July 2016. [1]

• Sonik at IMDb
• Omi at IMDb