Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, who is touring India, is aghast by the increasing rate of crime against women. He tells Karan Bhardwaj about his passion for humanity, dedication towards social causes and why ghazals are here to stay
When you meet him in person, you are bound to be smitten by his ordinary appearance. Clad in a safari suit, Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan from Pakistan, one of the foremost voices and torchbearers of the ghazals, astonishes you by his humility and sensitivity, as reflected in his compositions. Each spoken word explores deep thoughts for humanity. Probably it is his dedication to the social causes that has brought him to India yet again. In Capital to perform today at the Siri Fort Auditorium, his concert Ek Ehsaas, is a collaborative effort of NGO Sangam and 92.7 Big FM. “When they informed that the concert is in favour of humanity and will benefit a number of NGOs, I immediately agreed,” he said.
“The proceedings from the concert will go to the charity. I feel sad when I hear about the atrocities against women and girl child. Crime against women, be it in any part of the world, is an act against humanity and unacceptable. We really need to sensitise people for women empowerment,” he added.
While talking to us, Khan sahab was little hesitated. “I have a concert and my voice is little down (smiles). I hope I would be able to give my best,” he told us. But he doesn’t skip riyaaz even for a day. “Age, health and location do not matter since I rehearse everyday,” he said.
Born in 1940 in British India, Khan moved to Pakistan. He belongs to the Patiala gharana and is known for his unique style and variations in singing as he effortlessly blends Hindustani classical music with ghazals, unlike any other ghazal singer of his era. With many of his hit ghazals used in Bollywood movies, some of the memorable ones include Chupke Chupke Raat Din, Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi, Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa, Kiya Hai Pyar Jise, Mai Nazar Se Pee Raha Hoon, Mastana Peeye, Ye Dil Ye Pagal Dil, Apni Dhoon Mein and many more.
Highly popular in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as amongst South Asian diaspora in the USA, the UK and the Middle Eastern countries, his recent album Hasratein was nominated in the Best Ghazal Album category at GIMA 2014.
He feels elated whenever he performs in India. “The audience here has given me so much of love and affection. I am thankful to the people and admirers that they have kept me going for over 50 years. The journey has been wonderful and I hope to entertain people and create soulful melodies till the last day of my life,” he said.
Starting his career in 1960, Khan along with singing ghazals also composes bhajans and is also known to beautifully sing Punjabi songs as well.
The maestro is hopeful of future believing that ghazals are here to stay. “Eventually, everybody will come back to classical music. We must not lose hope,” he has said.