Anwar Hussain is an accomplished playback singer who is very popular as "Anwar". It has been believed that the rise of Anwar Hussain in the Hindi playback industry became possible because of his eldritch similitude of his voice with that of the greatest of the Hindi playback singers Mohammad Rafi. In the year 1977, it was comedian Mehmood and music director Rajesh Roshan who discovered this voice. They signed him to sing for Film Janta Hawaldar and the songs were `Teri Aankhon Ki Chahat`, and `Humse Ka Bhool Hui`. The songs were picturized on superstar actor Rajesh Khanna. The film wasa superhit as well as the songs. And Anwar Hussain beacme a star overnight.
Anwar Hussain was born in the year 1949 at Mumbai. He was born to an illustrious harmonium player and an assistant music director to the celebrated Ghulam Haider. In his initial years, he has received training under Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan. In his later years Anwar Hussain started performing Mohammad Rafi songs at several concerts. During one of such concerts he has been spotted by celebrated music director Kamal Rajasthani. It was Kamal Rajasthani who gave him an opportunity to sing in the film Mere Gharib Nawaz. He sang the song `Kasme Hum Apni Jaan Ki`. Later on Kamal Rajasthani while recollecting his memories said that, `after the ecording sessions of song Kasme Hum Apno Jaan Ki, Mohammed Rafi was so impressed that he described Anwar as the one singer who could take his place after him`.
Beside the imperial playback singers Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, he has sang duet even with Alka Yagnik. Anwar Hussain has also worked under the music direction of Khayyam, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji to Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik and present Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen. In his career of near about thirty years, he has executed a number of songs including filmi songs, classical songs and contemporary ghazals, bhajans, qawwali, and Sufi songs.
Some songs sung by him are, Nazar Se Phool Chunti Hai (Film: Ahista Ahista released in the year1981); Mohabbat Ab Tijarat (Film: Arpan,starring Jitendra); Rab Ne Banaya Mujhe Tere Liye (Film: Heer Ranjha released in the year 1992, starring Anil Kapoor); Zindagi Imtihan Leti hai (Film: Naseeb, starring Amitabh Bhachan); Hathon Ki Chand Lakiron Ka (Film: Vidhata, starring Dilip Kumar); Shair Bana Diya (Film: Yeh Ishq Nahin Ahsaan, starring Rishi Kapoor); Chand Se Phool Talak (Film Jaan-E-Wafa); Yeh Husn Yeh Shabab (Film Shiv Charan); Mere Khayalon Ki Rehguzar (Film Yeh Ishq Nahin Ahsaan); Mausam Mausam lovely Mausam (Film Thodisi Bewafai); Ek Pal Hasna (Film Bahar Aane Tak); Huzoor Aap Yeh Tohfa (Film Safar); Kahan Jateho Ruk Jao (Film Dulha Bikta Hai); O Saathi Re (Film Cobra); Maine Zameen Per Chand (Film Parbat ke Us Paar); Dil Toot Gaya Hai Apna (Film Anokha Insaan); Ruk Ja Saathi (Door Desh); Uthao Jaam Masti Mein (Film Beshak); Kisi Soorat (Film Awara Zindagi); O Jaane Jaana Jaane Bahara (Film Pratigyabadh); Main Tere Paas Hoon (Film Do Disayen); Lagi Re Mehndi (Film Maqqar); Jab Aaye Aise Pal Kabhi (Film Yudhpath); Yeh Safar Bhi Kitna Suhana Hai (Film Sawaal); Ek Taj Mahal Dil Mein (Film Kasak); Tumhen Jhamgata Ashikon ka (Film Padosi Ki Biwi); Hum Unki Aarzoo Mein (Film Noor E Illahi); Dil Diwano Ka Dola (Film Tahalka); Main Faqeer Ishq Mera (Film Ishq Khuda Hai); Aag Hawa Mitti Aur Paani (Film Heer Ranjha released in the year1992); Jaa Meri Deeye Ladli (Punjabi Film Sarpanch); Ek Gal Das Mainu Bottle (Punjabi Film Sarpanch).
Other than film songs Anwar Hussain has also sung many ghazals. Some of them are, Bahar Aai Hai Bharde; Aap Ka Aitbar Kaon Kare; Tarkh-E-Mohabbat; Tu Hi Apne Hath Se; Phool Si Soorat; Lab Pe Tere Iqraar E Mohabbat; Yeh Kafas Hi Mujhko Aziz Hai; Jabse Qareeb Hoke Chale; Ghadiyan Ginte Din Beete. Nagma, Mehboob Mere and Tohfa are the ghazal albums released by him. In the year 2004, Anwar Hussain has released an album named "Meri Aashiqui Se Pehle". Currently he is busy with his live concerts.
