Habib Wali Mohammad

Early life

Born in Rangoon to a conservative memon family. His family, Tabani, an industrial house has large business holdings in Pakistan.

He received his MBA from Syracuse University in 1947, and then lived in Bombay for about 10 years before moving to Pakistan. His brother Ashraf W. Tabani was governor of the province of Sindh around 1988.)

Career

Habib Wali is practically from the very second group of singers ever to record the art form and is still at his peak today. But probably because of his background and place as a member of a well-established family, Habib Wali has never pursued as aggressive and mainstream a career as a singer as others, though is still highly regarded.

He is known for singing ghazal of last Moghul Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, Lagta Nahin Hai Jee Mera Ujray Diyar Mein.

His family name was Tabani, though he became famous as Habib Wali Mohammad. His family migrated to Bombay, where he took classical music lessons from Ustad Latafath Husain, nephew of Ustad Fayyaz Khan. But due to economic reasons, he gave priority to academics. His musical activities were limited to singing ghazals in college functions. After completing bachelors in Bombay, he studied for his MBA in USA. In mid 1940s he returned to Bombay.

In Bombay he won first prize in a large music competition. This propelled him to release his first album of ghazals. This record was to make him a celebrated singer. After partition, his family migrated to Pakistan and established an industrial group. He gave most of his time to the family business, recording ghazals and geet-s for films in his spare time. Concerts though were limited. In the eighties he released an album of ghazals composed by Nisar Bazmi.

He has been awarded the Nigar award. His famous ghazals include Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ‘Na kisi ki Aankh ka noor hoon’ and Qamar Jalalavi’s ‘Kab mera nasheman ahelay chaman’. He is now retired and lives in California with his family.

His other well known ghazal includes “Aaj jane ki zidd na karo”. He also sang the famous national song, “Roshan-o-Rakhshan, Nayyar-o-Tabaan, Pakistan rahay”.

Way back in 1941, in Bombay, some young music lovers between 17 and 19 years of age were waiting outside a room for an audition.One by one, each candidate went in the room and was tested for his voice, diction, pronunciation and other technicalities necessary to become a singer. Amongst those enthusiastic teenagers was an eighteen year old lad, whose name was Mukesh Chand Mathur. Behind Mukesh was another young boy and whose family name was Habib Tabani (popularly known as Habib Wali Mohammad). Both of these young gentlemen passed the audition!

Habib Wali Mohammad was born in 1921, in Rangoon, to a conservative memon family. He migrated to Bombay at a young age. He was very fond of listening to Qawwali since his childhood. Innocent as he was, he thought that Qawwali is what the music is all about. A little later, he started taking interest in classical music in Bombay. He took lessons in classical music from Ustaad Fayyaz khan’s nephew, Latafath Husain. However, due to academic pursuits, his interest in music was pushed aside.

With the passage of time, he was more inclined towards ghazal singing. He participated in college musical functions and came to be known as the ‘Taan sain’ in his college. As soon as he finished his college education, his parents sent him to America and he completed his MBA degree in the U.S.A.

He returned to Bombay in the mid forties, and took part in a music competition, in which 1200 singers had participated. Habib Wali Mohammad had sung Bahadur Shah Zafar’s immortal ghazal: ‘Lagta nahi hai jee mera, ujray dayar mein’ and a panel of judges awarded him the first prize.

Encouraged by this honor, at a young age, he took more interest in ghazal singing. During his stay in America, he had been out of touch with music. Hence, he felt lonely and missed his earlier college functions in Bombay. In his own words: He was not happy in ‘Ujray dayar mein’ the same ghazal which had won him an award of a life time. He put a lot of effort and came out with a gramophone record of ghazals in his voice. On one side of the record, he dubbed Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ghazals and on the other side, Ghalib’s ghazals.

Unfortunately, the Indian public was reluctant to buy them.

In those days, a prominent Indian actress, Meena Kumari, was affiliated with Radio Ceylon, she happened to listen to those ghazals and liked them so much, that she made it a point to broadcast them daily from Radio Ceylon. Thousands of listeners heard those ghazals on radio and rushed to the music stores to buy the gramophone records: Habib Wali Mohammad became a celebrity.

After partition, he migrated to Pakistan and sang ghazals for the gramophone companies.(including a geeth written by Perveen Shakir: ‘Gori karath singhar’) In eighties, he recorded ghazals in audio cassettes which were composed by renowned music director Nisar Bazmi. Also, he received offers to record play back songs for the Pakistan film industry.

First and foremost, he is a businessman.(Shalimar silk mills is owned by Tabani group), however, at his leisure, he did record quite a few numbers for movies. He never made music his profession. Music has always been a hobby for him.

Every now and then, he took some time off for radio, television, film or private concerts.

Apart from this, he also received the prestigious nigar award.

He sang a ghazal written by Ustaad Qamar Jalalavi which was an instant hit: ‘Kab mera nasheman ahelay chaman’. All ghazals of Bahadur Shah Zafar, sung by Habib Wali Mohammad were mega hits, including: ‘Na kisi ki Aankh ka noor hoon’

Personal life

Habib Wali Mohammad lives in California, United States with his wife, Rehana and his family, including his son, Nadeem Wali Mohammad

Discography

Some of the ghazals, recorded in the voice of Habib Wali Mohammad are listed here below:

‘Ye na thi hamari Qismath’: poet: Ghalib

‘Ja kahio unsay naseem-e-sahar’: poet: Bahadur Shah Zafar.

‘Gajra bana kay lay Aa malaniya’: poet: Afshan Rana.

Following are the ghazals, which are considered as a treasure for the Pakistani films:

‘Aaj janay ki zid na karo’: poet: Fayyaz Hashmi, picturised on Nadeem

‘Aashiyan jal gaya’ :poet: Raaz Illahabadi, film: ‘Baazi’

‘Raatain theen chandni’:Film: ‘Baazi’

National songs like: ‘Roshan-o- afshan, nayyar-o-taban’

Recent Concerts

Habib Wali Mohammad Recently had a ghazal concert on Saturday February 27, 2010 in Edison, NJ and on February 28 in West Virginia, performing with his son Nadeem Wali Mohammad, and former singer Bela modi

His singing career began just 8 years ago and his last album Sohniyeh Teri Surat ft Hunterz, was an instant hit and took the the U.K. Music Scene by storm. This success was the impetus for him to go onwards and to produce the new album Rhythm on Fire. The album is the culmination of two years work and extensive touring to work with the World’s finest production and musical talent.

Irfan Khan shows his versatility and renders seven tracks in Punjabi and five in Urdu. The music itself crosses many genres Urban, Dance Soul, Reggaeton, R‘n’b, Hip-hop, Bhangra, Romantic and Club Dance Mixes.

When did you start your career?

• In 2003

Which moment in your life you realize that you have to become Singer?

• We had arranged community based program and everyone has to perform their country’s song so I perform their O KENDI E SAINYA by JAWAD AHMED, after this song my family and friends force me you have to sing so I start singing.

Have you learn singing skills from someone?

• Yes, I have learn singing from Ustad Pala Upal from India, and proper singing I have learned from great legend Ustad Hussain Baksh Gulu actually he changed my voice through his exercise. I love him a lot.

As your last album SOHNIYEH TERI SURAT was super hit, now you return with new album Rhythm on Fire, Are excited about your Album?

• Yes I am excited and I am very happy because 1^st time have launched my album in Pakistan and  EMI produced this album, On 2^nd July 2010 I have launched my album in 146 studio Karachi, Play Tv and Radiofm 91 are my media partner.

How many tracks in your album and which track is your favorite?

• Album has 12 tracks in which 7 are in Punjabi and 5 are in Urdu, my favorite song in my album is MUNDE TERA UTTE MARDE.

How many concert you have performed ever?

• I have performed five concerts in Greece four in Norway and every weekend I performed concert in U.K from last 8 years.

You also sing do it song with Shabnum Majeed how was that experience? (pehlay ankh mili).

• I am biggest fan of Shubnum Majeed, She is best play back singer of Pakistan, and it’s my honor to work with her.

Are you happy with your achievements?

• Yes, my biggest achievement is that I am student of Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullu, now I have to achieve more.

Did u make any objective and goal in your life? If yes then how much you achieved it?

• I had made a goal that I Want to be Iffi-k, and I am still working for this goal.

According to you, where do you stand in your professional career today?

• Nothing! I just start.

Form which singers from you learn more?

• I learn a lot from Mr. Masud Rana, Mr. Tufail Niazi and Mr. Gurdas Maan.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests? Do you enjoy any particular sports?

• I enjoy music a lot but I love to play cricket and squash.

Discipline is very much important in life, what is your opinion about this?

• I am very fair about my work and very committed its simple give respect and get respect.

Who is your role model whom you followed?

• Of course my father, because in 1975 when he came to U.K, he has only 20 pounds in his pocket now he has his own garments company called A.K Garments, I have learned a lot from his life, and in singing I follow Mr. Gurdas Maan, I want to become good performer like him.

What do you think that what should be the motive of life?

• I just want to do better work.

Tell us something about your educational background.

• I have done school from Pakistan than done my accountancy from U.K.

How are you at home?

• No one gives respect me in home but yeah when any party happens in my family they want me to there because I am the one who do a lot fun in parties.

When will u get married?

• No plans now.

What was your reaction when you interact with your first fan?

• I am very friendly and funny person, when 1^st time I interact with my fan I was joking with him.

What did you write in the first autograph of your life?

• Best wishes, stay cool respect iffi-k.

Which TV Channel you like most?

• B4U music and ARY.

You’re all time favorite song?

• Tum he tu ho mehboob meray by Masud Rana, Zindagi main tu sabhi pyar kia katay hain by Mehdi Hassan khan and Lai main teri by Tufail Niazi.Which TV shows you enjoy watching?

What do you like the most about your appearance?

• My shoes, it’s a Jamaican style and I am also famous because of my shoes.

The best compliment you have ever received?

• Recently on the launch of my album RHYTHM ON FIRE, the feedback I have received from whole media, I think its biggest compliment I have received ever.

Which TV shows you enjoy watching?

• I love the show HASB-E-HAAL from DUNYA TV; I am biggest fan of Mr. Sohail Ahmed.

What are your strongest and the weakest point?

• My family is my weakest point and my family is my strongest point.

Who do you love the most in the world?

• My father, (Ashiq Khan).

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

• I would change nothing because I am OK.

What are your future plans?

• Try to do better music, I will try that people get satisfy for my work.

What is your advice for everyone?

• My request to public is that please buy original CDs because artist invest a lot of money on it.

Interview Conducted by: Rass Qureshi (Special Project Executive- 24worldonline) and Hassan Rasheed (PR Executive- 24worldonline)

Mekaal Hasan Band

The band achieved mainstream success with its debut album, Sampooran, released in 2004. Its following studio album, Saptak, released in 2010 continued the band’s success. Mekaal Hasan Band is Pakistan’s most critically acclaimed act as well, winning numerous awards and nominations for it’s recordings, videos and live performances.

Despite being signed to both EMI and Sadaf Stereo, the band have their own record label, MHB Music, which they use to launch some independent releases and their albums.

Early years (1995-2004)

Songwriter Mekaal Hasan, born in Lahore, Pakistan, was surrounded by music since childhood. His father, Masood Hasan, passion for jazz music influenced him throughout his early years. After graduating from Government College, Lahore, Mekaal studied music at the Berklee College of Music, Boston and his stay there exposed him to a wide variety of music and musicians, many of whom are influences to this day^.

He returned to Pakistan in 1995, before he could complete his degree at Berklee, and set up a state of the art recording facility, Digital Fidelity Studios. Mekaal’s own playing skills and his instrumental record ‘Square One’ was impressive enough to get the attention of jazz legend Billy Cobham who flew down to Lahore, Pakistan, in 2000 to co produce and play on ‘Square One’. From 1997-2000 Mekaal was in touch with many of the UK’s leading musicians such as Mike Mondesir, Mark Mondesir, Zoe Rahman, and Pete Lockett and a 2001 British Council tour which featured Mekaal writing for Pete Locekett’s South Indian drumming and percussion saw the inception of Mekaal Hasan Band.

In March 2001, Mekaal collaborated with Pete Lockett in a series of concerts countrywide featuring music written for Pete and classical artists by Mekaal. Pete Lockett has been featured on tour and on records by Peter Gabriel, Björk, Robert Plant, Simply Red, Afro-Celt Sound System and many others as well as on Hollywood movies such as the two James Bond movies, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, as well as The Bone Collector and City of Angels. The music played in these concerts was a unique experience for all as this was the first time in the history of performances in Pakistan, that material written by a Pakistani musician for foreign artists was used. Following the artistic and public acclaim that the music received, Mekaal decided to continue writing music which would feature different classical and experimental artists who could contribute to the progressive and bold nature of the music that Mekaal Hasan Band play which is a fusion between the melodic sensibility of the East and the harmonic sophistication of the West.

The lead singer of The Mekaal Hasan Band, Javed Bashir, and flutist Papu are part of the older community of classically trained musicians living in Lahore. Many of them have been relegated to playing backup for the country’s glossy pop stars. Hasan reversed that arrangement and brought those musicians to the forefront and formed the band. They released their debut album, Sampooran, in 2004.

Sampooran (2004-2008)

Mekaal Hasan Band released their debut album, “Sampooran”, in 2004 by EMI/Virgin Records. The album based mostly on classical music and was recorded at Mekaal Hasan’s own studio, Digital Fidelity Studios, in Lahore. The album featuring the artistry of artists from Pakistan and abroad, with stunning performances by the UK’s Pete Lockett on drums and multipercussion along with bass sensation Michael Mondesir. Pakistan’s own drum legend, John Luis “Gumby” Pinto, makes his mark as guest artist on the opening four tracks on the record.

The band has toured extensively since the launch of their album “Sampooran” including an extremely well-received tour of India. Mekaal Hasan’s compositions and feel for the guitar has constantly earned critical praise and recognition. Initially the public’s response was underwhelming. In a fledgling music scene such as Pakistan’s, the public has found it hard to understand the artistry of a jazz fusion (although Mekaal Hasan refers to it as “world music”) album such as “Sampooran”.

The songs themselves are classic poetry pieces set to Mekaal’s compositions, and as such are lacking the catchy beats and simple lyrics that are the hallmark of Pakistani-pop. However, the songs have a haunting beauty, immaculate composition and structure, and address topics that are both diverse and thought-provoking but that has changed with the release of MHB’s new single “Jhok Ranjhan” which is the first single from the band’s second album titled “Saptak”. The video for “Raba” was a social commentary on a scale rarely found in Pakistani videos. Having garnered a cult following, the band finds itself breaking into the mainstream with the success of “Jhok Ranjhan”, which spent over 4 weeks at the number 1 slot on the national charts.

Saptak (2009-2010)

Mekaal Hasan Band, released their second album in October, 2009. They also released their video of a single “Chal Bulleya” on 2 October 2009.

On 3 February 2010, Javed Bashir(Vocals) decided to part ways after working along with the band for 8 years.

Atif Aslam

Early life and education

Atif Aslam was born in 1983 in Wazirabad, Pakistan. His kindergarten started in Model town, Lahore at Kimberley Hall School, where he studied from grade one to three. His first stage performance was in a fancy dress show at his school when he was in first grade, where he performed as Imran Khan (former captain of the Pakistani Cricket Team). Since then cricket was a passion for him. At that time he did not listen to any particular kind of songs.

At the age of 9, he moved to Rawalpindi and studied at Saint Paul’s Cambridge School from grade four to eight. He came back to Lahore in 1995 where he continued his studies in Divisional Public School, Model Town, Lahore. He was selected in his school cricket team as a bowler. He cleared his tenth grade at the age of 14 with a distinctive edge of always being the youngest boy in the class because of his double promotions. During that period he put his best efforts into becoming a professional cricketer. He passed out of Divisional Public School after completing his matriculation.

He further continued his education at PAF College, Lahore where he completed his F.Sc (Pre-engineering) with the class of 2001. He used to be the main attack bowler of his college cricket team and represented his college in various other cities and ultimately got selected in under 19 National cricket team of Pakistan. He won his first singing competition on Independence Day celebrations in the college. He then went to the University of Central Punjab and completed his Bachelors in Computer Science.

Music career

Jal

He used to sing at the college canteen when his friends urged him to participate in the singing competition on Independence Day celebrations at PAF College Lahore in 1998. He performed there and won the competition. Thereafter, he also won several other college competitions.

He met Goher- a guitarist who became his future Jal band-mate, at his college. Together they practiced and started doing mini-concerts for their friends. Aslam used to perform on the songs of Junoon and Strings at these concerts. They started performing in their college, McDonalds, Uncle Bubba’s Rabba Dabba and other restaurants. Thus began the original line up of Jal.

Jal recorded their first song Aadat at Mekal Hassan’s Studio. The song became popular on different musical websites in Pakistan and was also aired on major radio stations of Pakistan like City FM 89, FM 100, Mast FM 103, FM 105 etc. The video for this song was released on ARY Digital and The Musik and then it was played on almost all the channels.

Solo career

After leaving Jal due to personal differences, Aslam released his first solo album, Jal Pari on 19 July 2004, under Sound Master and IC records. Its promoters declared it to be the best selling album of that year within just 5 months of it’s release. Besides his native country, he also became popular in India and his career took off to fame in both the countries. In the meantime he also cleared his Bachelors in Computer Science (Hons.) from the University of Central Punjab. His second album, Doorie was released on 22 December 2006.

His first major concert was at Al Hamra Hall, Mall Road Lahore where he performed during the break of a stage drama Moulin Rouge. On 14 April 2007, Aslam performed in Royal Albert Hall. His first international concert was at W. StarDreamz Entertainment Group during his tour of USA and Canada with RDB and Annie.

Bollywood

Aslam has also sung many songs for Bollywood films, like Pehli Nazar Mein in Race, Bakuda Tum Hi Ho in Kismat Konnection, Tera Hone Laga Hoon and Tu Jaane Na in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, both of which have been well-received by the Indian audience.

His last Indian venture was Prince in which he sang four songs, Tere Liye, Aa Bhi Ja Sanam, Kaun Hoon Main and O Mere Khuda. The songs were composed by musician Sachin Gupta.

Acting career

Aslam is expected to make his acting debut in the second film of well acclaimed Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor. The film titled Bol is set to release in 2011. The film will also star famous Pakistani TV anchor Mahira Khan. Aslam plays the role of a doctor in the film.The film is being shot nowadays in Karachi and Lahore.

Controversies

Jal controversy

After the release of the song Aadat by Jal, there were disputes within the band about Aslam’s brother being the band’s manager. At this point Aslam broke off from the band to do his own solo album. His solo album was released a few weeks before the release of the Jal’s album, Aadat. As both the albums shared certain tracks, such as Aadat, Wo Lamhey, Rangon Mein and Dil Harey, an unofficial war over rights began between both the groups. Goher Mumtaz sued Aslam for using the name Jal in his album title cunningly

Aziz Mian Qawwal

Early life and background

Aziz Mian was born as Abdul Aziz (Urdu: عبد العزیز) in Delhi, British India. The exclamation Mian, which he often used in his qawwalis, became part of his stage name. He began to introduce himself as Aziz Mian Mairthi. The word Mairthi refers to Meerut, a city in northern India, from which he migrated to Pakistan in 1947.

At the age of ten, he began learning the art of Qawwali under the tutelage of Ustad Abdul Waheed Khan. He received sixteen years of training at the Data Ganj Baksh School of Lahore, and obtained a degree in Urdu literature from the University of Punjab, Lahore.

Career

Aziz Mian was one of the more traditional Pakistani Qawwals. His voice was raspy and powerful. Aziz Mian was the only prominent qawwal to write his own lyrics (though, like others, he also performed songs written by other poets).

His break-out performance was in 1966, when he performed before the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He won first prize and a gold medal from the Shah of Iran. In the early days of his career, he was nicknamed Fauji Qawwal because most of his early stage-performances were in military barracks for army personnel. He was known for a “more recitative, more dramatic diction” and inclined toward qawwali’s religious rather than entertainment qualities,though he also enjoyed success in more romantic qawwals.

For his service in philosophy and music, the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Pride of Performance medal in 1989.

He was fond of discussing religious and Sufi paradoxes in his qawwalis. He directly addressed Allah and complained about the misery of man (the greatest creation of the Almighty). In addition to his own poetry, Aziz Mian performed poetry by Allama Iqbal, and a number of contemporary Urdu poets, including Sadiq and Qateel Shifai.

Death

Aziz Mian died from complications of hepatitis in Tehran, Iran on December 6, 2000. He was in Iran at the invitation of the Government of Iran, to perform on the occasion of Hazrat Ali’s(R.A) death anniversary. He is buried in Multan, in the graveyard of Nau Bahar Shah.

OffSpring

Aziz Mian had three sons Imran, Tabrez, and Naeem who all followed in his footsteps. They are very similar in style to Aziz Mian himself and like other sons of famous qawwals (Amjad Sabri for example, or Waheed and Naveed Chishti), they perform many of their father’s hits. Tabrez is however considered to be the closest to his father’s style. His looks and his style are a mirror image of his father. Tabrez also toured North America for a tribute to Aziz Mian Qawwal.

Overload

Since their inception, the group has released two albums, one self-titled, released in 2006 and Pichal Pairee, released on August 14, 2009. Three songs from their debut album Overload were released as singles; “Cursed”, “Dhamaal” and “Storm”. Two singles were also released from their second album; “Pichal Pairee” and “Mela Kariye”. The band’s first album charted at #1 spot in the Pakistan music charts, where as their second album, even though released exclusively online for free, still topped the charts locally.

After the release of the band’s first album, Pappu Sain, regarded as the greatest dhol player in the world, left the band due to ill health. Pappu Saeein was suffering from acute diabetes, and claustrophobia, which limited air travel. He was replaced by Nasir Sain. Hassan Mohyeddin exited from the band and pursued an education in tabla and music production.

When Sufi saints realized the importance of music in the daily lives of the local residents of the subcontinent, they relied on music to spread the message of Islam. Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Sheikh Allaudin Lajuri, etc. held regular sessions of sama or qawwali at their khanqahs to spread Islam in the region.

The Creation of Pakistan

When Pakistan came into being, it inherited the colorful musical heritage of the subcontinent. Many great musicians of that region chose to live in Pakistan. Classical music was initially not bestowed enough importance to flourish or grow, but in the later years, people have gained awareness regarding classical music’s contribution to Pakistan’s heritage. Along with classical music, many other diverse elements have also emerged and co-existed in the music arena in Pakistan. Ghazal, Qawwali, religious music, regional folk music, modern pop, rock, hiphop and filmy music are all contributors to the greatly diverse Pakistani culture.

In Pakistan, music is as diverse as its people and its different region. Local music is merged with western music to create tunes that appeal to all kinds of audience. Pakistani musicians have achieved a lot of fame worldwide with their fusion of qawwali or ghazal with western music. Music contributes greatly to Pakistani heritage as every region has its own expression, folk music and a traditional dance to go with it.

Nusrat Flateh Ali khan was a great qawwali singer who inspired many people around the world including Pearl Jam’s lead singer Eddie Vedder. Mehdi Hassan is another iconic ghazal singer well known and respected around the world. These musicians and their music is a part and parcel of Pakistani heritage; their artistic expression can never be placed apart from Pakistani traditions. Madam Noor Jehan was another famous singer and pride of Pakistan and its culture.

Music in Pakistan is a reflection of its people and the cultural traditions they follow in their daily life. Love, hope, love lost, despair, love of God, etc. are all diverse expressions found in this music.

Music has greatly contributed to this nation’s heritage that is evident through its various mediums, especially films. No movie made in Pakistan would be complete without its touch of local dance and music. Be it theatre, stage drama, radio, a private function, the religious month of Ramadan, a wedding, believers in a shrine celebrating the saint’s birthday, all are incomplete without music. Any event in Pakistan has some form of music; otherwise, it remains incomplete. This is probably the biggest contribution of music to Pakistani heritage. There are special songs for special occasions. Literature and art lovers go for ghazal mehfils to quench their thirst for music. Lovers of sufis go to qawwali mehfils for their desires to be fulfilled. Music completes them all!

Ghulam Ali

Early life and background

Ali was born in the village of Kaleke in the Sialkot District of Punjab, pre-partition India (now in Pakistan). He belongs to a musical family, his father was a vocalist and a sarangi player who initiated Ghulam Ali to music from his childhood.

Ali’s father named him after Bade Ghulam Ali. At 15, he became a student of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, a master of the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani music. Due to the busy schedule of Bade Ghulam Ali, he was trained mainly by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan’s three brothers, Barqat Ali Khan, Mubarak Ali Khan, and Amanat Ali Khan, in Lahore.

All these distinguished classical musicians taught him the finer nuances of classical music. His solid foundation of classical music included studying Thumri and learning to sing raga.

Career

Ali started singing for Radio Lahore in 1960. Along with singing ghazals, Ghulam Ali composes music for his ghazals. His compositions are raga-based and sometimes include a scientific mixture of ragas. He is known for blending gharana-gaayaki into ghazal and this gives his singing the capability to touch hearts. He beautifully sings Punjabi songs too. Most of his Punjabi songs have been extremely popular. Though from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali remains as popular in India as in Pakistan.

He entered Bollywood with a Hindi film song Chupke Chupke Raat Din in B. R. Chopra’s film, Nikaah. Other popular ghazals include Hungama hai kyon barpaa, Awaargi, and Yeh dil yeh paagal Dil mera.

On being questioned about Pakistani pop groups, Ghulam Ali replied, “Frankly, I am really bewildered at their style of singing. How can you sing a song by running and jumping around the stage? The stage is meant for performing not for acrobatics.”

Ali has also sung some beautiful ghazals like Kina kina timro tasveer, Gajalu tee thula thula aankha, Lolaaeka aee thula and Ke chha ra diun in Nepali language with Narayan Gopal, a well known Nepali singer, and composer Deepak Jangam. These songs were compiled in an album entitled Narayan Gopal, Ghulam Ali Ra Ma, and are popular among Nepali music lovers to this day.

One of his memorable concerts was at the Taj Mahal

Notable Ghazals/Songs

• Ae husn-ae lala faam
• Apne Dhun Mai Reheta Hun Mai Bhee Tere Jaisa Hun
• Apni Tasveer Ko Aankhon Se
• Baharon Ka Chaman
• Barsan Lagi Sun Budiya Raja
• Chamakte Chand Ko Tuta Hua Tara Bana Dala
• Chhup Chhupa Ke Piyo
• Chupke Chupke Raat Din
• Dil Buk Buk Ahro
• Dil Jala Ke Mera Muskuraate Hain Woh
• Dil dhadakne ka sabab
• Dil Mein Ek Leher Si Uthi Hai Abhi
• Fasle Aise Bhi Honge
• Heer
• Hum Tere Shahar Mein Aaye Hain
• Hum To Kitno Ko Mehzabeen Kehte Hain
• Humko Kiske Gham Ne Mara
• Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa
• Itni muddat baad mile ho
• Kabhi neki mein mujhe
• Kachhi Deewar Hoon Thokar Na Lagana
• Kaisi Chali Hai Abke Hawa
• Kal Chaudvin Ki Raat Thi
• Kal Raat Bazm mein jo mila
• Kehte Hai Mujhse Ishq Ka Afsana Chahiye
• Khuli Jo Aankh
• Khusboo Gunche Talash Karti Hain
• Khusboo Jaise Log Mile
• Ki Pucchde Ho Haal
• Kiya Hai Pyaar Jise
• koi humnafas nahi hai
• Main Nazar Se Pee Raha Hoon
• Mariz-e-muhabbat unhi ka fasana
• Mehfil Mein Baar Baar
• Mera Kya Tha Tere Hisaab Mein
• Ni Chambe Diye Bandh
• Patta Patta Boota Boota
• Rabba Mere Haal Da
• Tak Patri Waaleya Lekh Mere
• Tumhare Khat Mein Naya Ik Salaam
• Woh Kabhi Mil Jayen To
• Yeh Batein Jhooti Batein Hain
• Yeh Dil Yeh Pagal Dil
• Zakhm-e-Tanhai Mein Khusboo-e-Heena Kiski Thi

Mehdi Hassan

Career

The struggle ended when Mehdi Hassan was given the opportunity to sing on Radio Pakistan in 1957, primarily as a thumri singer, which earned him recognition within the musical fraternity. At the time, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan, Begum Akhtar and Mukhtar Begum were considered the stalwarts of ghazal gayaki.

He also had a passion for Urdu poetry and began to experiment by singing ghazals on a part-time basis. He cites radio officers Z.A. Bukhari and Rafiq Anwar as additional influences in his progression as a ghazal singer.

Later career

Following a severe illness in the late 80s, Mehdi Hassan stepped down from playback singing. Later due to severity of his illness he completely departed from music. He now lives a secluded life in Karachi which he has made his permanent residence. Nevertheless he often visits Lahore where he spends most of his time with his children and other family members.

Awards

He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions: the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz granted to him by Gen Ayub Khan; the Pride of Performance bestowed on him by Gen Ziaul Haq; and the Hilal-i-Imtiaz conferred by Gen Pervez Musharraf. Besides the Nigar Film and Graduate Awards from Pakistan, he was presented the Saigal Award in Jalandhar, India, in 1979, whereas the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu Award was given to him in Nepal in 1983. Recently, he travelled to Dubai to receive yet another award.

Personal life

Mehdi Hassan is married and has fourteen children, nine of whom are boys and five of whom are girls. Like him, most of his children are also interested in the field of music. Born on 18th July 1927 (PTV celebrated his birthday on 18th July 2010 in Sunday Lounge). it is not known when he moved to pakistan ,at what age and where he lived his child hood.

He was born in the village of Luna in Rajasthan, India in 1927 into a family of rich traditional musicians, and claims to be the 16th generation of hereditary musicians*

List of Ghazals of Mehdi Hasan

• Aage barhe na qissa -e -ishq -e- butaan se hum
• Aaj Tak Yaad Hai Woh Piar Ka Manzar
• Aankhon Se Mili Aankhen
• Aap Ki Aankhon Ne
• Aaye Kuchh Abr Kuchh Sharaab Aaye
• Ab Ke Hum Bichde To Shaayad Kabhi Khwaabon Mein Mile
• Ae Raushnion Ke Shahr
• Aik Bus Tu Hi Nahin
• Apnon Ne Gham Diye To Yaad Aa Gaya
• Bhuuli bisri chand umeedein
• Chalte ho to chaman ko chaliye
• Charaag-e-toor Jalao Bada Andhera Hai
• Dekh to dil keh jaan se uthta hai
• Dil-E-Nadan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai ( Lyrics: Mirza Ghalib )
• Dil Ki Baat Labon Par Laakar
• Dil Men Toofan Chupae Betha Hon
• Duniya Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein Jaanat Se Kam Nahin
• Dayam Pada Hua Tere Dar Pe Nahi Hoon Main
• Ek Bar Chale Aao
• Ek Sitam Aur Meri Jaan, Abhi Jaan Baqi Hai
• Fikr Hii Thaharii To Dil Ko Fikr-E-Khubaa.N Kyo.N Na Ho
• Ga Mere Dewane Dil
• Garmii-E-Hasarat-E-Naakaam Se Jal Jaate Hai.N
• Gulo.N Me.N Rang Bhare, Baad-E-Naubahaar Chale
• Gulshan gulshan shola e gul ki
• Guncha-e-Shauq Laga hei Khilne
• Hamari Sanson Men Aaj Tak
• Har Dard Ko
• Hum mei koi ghum nahi tha ghum-e-aashiqi sai pahlay
• Ik Husn Ki Dewi Se Mujhe Pyaar Hua Thaa
• Jab Bhi Aati Hei Teri Yaad Kabhi Shaam ke Baad
• Jab Bhi Chahen Ek Nai Sorat
• Jab Bhi Pee Kar
• Jab Koi Piar Se Bulaae Ga
• Jab Us zulf Ki Baat Chali
• Jahan Jake Chain
• Kahan Gai Woh Wafa
• Khuli Jo Aankh Woh Tha
• Kiya Hei Pyaar Jisse Humne Zindagi ki Tarah
• Kya Bhala Mujhko Parakhne Ka Nateeja Nikla
• Kyoon Humse Khafa Ho Gaye Ae Jaan-E-Tamanna
• Main Hosh Mein Tha
• Main Khyala hu kisi aur ka
• Mohabat Karne Wale
• Mohabat Zindagi Hai Aur Tum Meri Mohabat Ho
• Mujhe Tum Nazar Se Gira To Rahe Ho
• Naavak andaz jidhar diida-e-jaana honge
• Patta Patta Boota Boota
• Phuul hi phuul khil utthe
• Pyaar Bhare Do Sharmile Nain
• Rafta Rafta Wo Meri Hasti Ka Saamaan Ho Gaye
• Ranjish Hi Sahi Dil Hi Dukhaane Ke Liye Aa
• Rim Jhim Ki Barsaat Hai Aur Jaage Huye Jazbaat Hain
• Roshan Jamal-e-yaar Se Hain
• Saamne Aa Ke Tujhko Pukara Nahin
• Sahar Ho Rahi Hai
• Shikwa Na Kar Gila Na Kar Ye Duniya Hai Pyaare
• Shola Tha Jal Bujha Hoon
• Tanha Thi Aur Hamesha Se Tanha Hai Zindagi
• Tark-e-Ulfat Ka Sila
• Tere Bheege Badan Ki Khooshboo Se
• Tere Mere Piar Ka Aisa Nata Hai
• Toote Hue Khwabon Ke Liye
• Thah ar Thorri Der To
• Tu Meri Zindagi Hei (Copied by Nadeem Sharavan in “Ashiqi” Hindi Movie India)
• Usne Jab Meri Taraf
• Uzr Aane Mein Bhi Hei Aur Bulaate bhi nahin
• Wo Dil Nawaaj Hei Lekin Nazar Shinaas Nahin
• Yaaro Kisii Qaatil Se Kabhii Pyaar Na Maa.Ngo
• Ye Dhooan Kahan Se Uthta Hei
• Ye Kaghzi Phool Jaise Chahre
• Ye Mojazaa Bhii Muhabbat Kabhii Dikhaaye Mujhe
• Ye Tera Naazuk Badan Hai Ya Koi Mehka Gulaab
• Yoon Zindagi Ki Raah Mein Takra Gaya Koi
• Zindagi Mein To Sabhi Pyaar Kiya Karte Hain
• Zulf Ko Teri Ghataon Ka Payam Aaya Hai