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A Great Classical Singer
A Great Classical Singer
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LAHORE - The death of eminent vocalist Ustad Salamat Ali Khan on July 11 in Lahore has saddened music-lovers and his admirers all over the world. Born in 1934, he belonged to a great family of classical singers known all over South Asia as Sham Chaurasi Gharana. He rose to eminence within a short span after teaming with his brother Nazakat Ali Khan. Ustad Salamat Ali Khan introduced new compositions in classical music, which became a trademark of Shamchuraci Gharana. Ustad Salamat Ali Khan had received Pride of Performance Award, Sitara-e-Imtiaz Pakistan, Artiste Award from Afghanistan, Citizen Award from America, Indra Gandhi Award and many others from India.
He was a professional musician to the core and a truest upholder of the great tradition of Shamchuraci Gharana, which is the second oldest family of classical musicians. Its history goes back to the court of Emperor Akbar, where Mian Chand Khan and Mian Souraj Khan of Shamchurasi, a town in Punjab, had performed. Since then the family had produced a number of musicians who proved their skills by excelling in the art of classical music.
Salamat Ali Khan received his initial training in music from his father Wilayet Ali Khan and his three uncles. His education was a continuous process and was quick to absorb the influences of his tutors. He wrote his autobiography: Mein aur Mauseeqi.
Ustad Salamat Ali Khan was not only a great classical singer, but a lover of music as well. He toured Europe and North America to introduce and promote South Asian classical music. He prodded all his four sons: Sharafat Ali Khan, Latafat Ali Khan, Sakhawat Ali Khan and Shafqat Ali Khan to learn classical music. Shafqat Ali Khan has formed schools of classical music in different parts of the world. These music institutions are helping the spread of classical music in Europe and America. His three sons, Sharafat Ali Khan, Shafqat Ali Khan and Saqafat Ali Khan are in the United States and have been singing there for a good number of years. His fourth son Latafat Ali Khan is settled in the United Kingdom.
[Researched by Mehraab staff]
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