Pakistani classical singer (1937–2021)
Musical artist
Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan (1937 – 8 April 2021) was a veteran Pakistani classical singer from the Kirana school.[1] He also contributed to Bollywood soundtracks, though specific details of these works remain unknown.[2]
Biography
Born in Jalandhar, British India in 1937,[3] although some sources suggest 1940, Khan was one of the prominent classical vocalists of the Kirana Gharana. He received his initial musical training from his paternal uncle, Ghazanfar Ali Khan.[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 kheyal after being influenced by the singing style of Ustad Amir Khan.[5][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.[5][6]
Although kheyal 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.[5][6]
Khan also represented Pakistan on various international platforms, although specific details about these appearances are not widely documented.[6]
Awards
Khan was the recipient of the 6th Lifetime Achievement Award from the All Pakistan Music Conference and the Presidential Pride of Performance award by the president of Pakistan in 2007.[6]
References
