Mubarak Ali Khan (singer)
Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1937 Jalandhar district, British India |
| Origin | British India |
| Died | 8 April 2021 (aged 81) Lahore, Pakistan |
| Genres | Khyal |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | until 2021 |
| Labels | Kirana Gharana of Hindustani classical music |
Mubarak Ali Khan | |
|---|---|
| Awards | Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2007 |
Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan (1937 – 8 April 2021) was a veteran Pakistani classical singer from the Kirana school.[1][2] He also contributed to Bollywood soundtracks, though specific details of these works remain unknown.[3]
Biography
Born in Jalandhar district, British India in 1937,[4] although some sources suggest 1940, Khan was one of the prominent classical vocalists of the Kirana Gharana.[4]
He received his initial musical training from his paternal uncle, Ghazanfar Ali Khan.[5][4] He was associated with the Kirana Gharana for over five decades. While initially trained in various genres, he remained associated for the last thirty years of his career primarily to khyal music. Although Khan began as a qawwal, he moved to khyal after being influenced by the singing style of Ustad Amir Khan.[1][6]
Khan's musical career was focused on adherence to traditional forms, despite the rise of modern, popular styles. His music was focused on the slow, exploration of raga in the vilampat laya, a slow tempo that emphasizes the gradual development of musical ideas. His performances were focused on melody and tone, contrasting with the trend of faster, virtuosity-driven music that became prevalent in Pakistani classical music during his time.[1][6]
Although 'khyal' was less popular in Pakistan at the time he adopted it, Khan remained focused on the form, despite its diminishing audience. Khan's relationship with Ustad Amir Khan was one of spiritual mentorship, with Khan considering Amir Khan his "roohani ustad" (spiritual teacher), despite never having met him in person. Amir himself was influenced by Ustad Waheed Khan of the Kirana Gharana.[1][5][6]
Mubarak Ali Khan last performed at All Pakistan Music Conference in 1992. In the past, classical music luminaries like Roshan Ara Begum, Mian Qadir Bukhsh Pakhawaji (tabla maestro) and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan had also performed at the conference concert events.[5]
Khan also represented Pakistan on various international platforms, although specific details about these appearances are not widely documented.[6][4]
Awards
- 6th Lifetime Achievement Award from the All Pakistan Music Conference[4]
- Presidential Pride of Performance award by the President of Pakistan in 2007.[2][6][4]
Death
Mubarak Ali Khan was feeling unwell for a few days before his death. He died from a heart attack on 8 April 2021 at age 81 in Lahore, Pakistan.[5][3]
References
- ^ a b c d Sarwat Ali. "The kheyal maestro (Mubarak Ali Khan)". The News International newspaper. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Classical singer Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan dies at age of 81". Geo TV News website. 9 April 2021. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ a b "THE GRAPEVINE - Ustad Mubarak dies". Dawn newspaper. 18 April 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Classical singer Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan passes away at age of 81". Daily Jang newspaper. 10 April 2021. Archived from the original on 27 November 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d Lodhi, Adnan (9 April 2021). "Classical singer Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan passes away". The Express Tribune newspaper. Archived from the original on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Classical singer Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan passes away in Lahore". 9 April 2021.