Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan is a well-known paradigm in the world of Indian Music. Born in 1902 at Lahore, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan is one of the greatest classical vocalists of India. The man of great pedigree, Ghulam Ali was regarded as one of the best model of Hindustani music tradition. Ghulam Ali Khan was up brought with the musical roots developed by father, Ali Baksh Khan, who was a well-known Sarangi player and a vocalist.

Since childhood, Ghulam Ali started his music training from his uncle Kale Khan, a well-known vocalist. He became a great proponent of Thumri and made certain innovations to it. He added a touch of Punjabi to Thumri and in the present date, it is popular as Punjab-ang of Thumri. When he made innovations to Khayal, he kept his conventional flavor alive. He recorded numerous Khayals and Thumris, to name a few, 'Yad piya ki aaye', 'Katena birahaki raat', Tirachhi Nazariya ke baan', 'Aaye na baalam' and 'Kya karun sajani' are the popular ones.

Bade Ghulam Ali lived a life full of best and worst experiences, but during any of the times, he never let the music down. He immersed himself and all his mental, physical & spiritual senses in learning and practicing music. His unbeatable talent let him to sustain during the age of Abdul Karim Khan, Alladiya Khan and Fayyaz Khan. By the time he reached 42 years of age, he was regarded as the uncrowned king of Indian music by many music lovers.

Ghulam Ali Khan is often referred as the Tansen of 20th century. He is undeniably the one of the most talented musicians of his time. He lived in Lahore, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad at different periods. When India got separated with Pakistan in 1947, Bade Ghulam Ali went to his home in Pakistan. He again came back to India and got settled here. In 1968, he breathed last in Hyderabad, due to a prolonged sickness that also made him somewhat paralyzed in his last years.

The unending passion for music boosts up the energy levels of Ghulam Ali and he continued singing and performing in concerts with the support of his son Munawar Ali Khan till his death. In the present date, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Yaadgar Sabha is keeping the Hindustani music alive. The institute was initiated by Ghulam Ali's disciple Malti Gilani. The institution aspires to encourage classical music and arranges several concerts to live upto its aim. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan left this corporal world, but his memories will always be cherished.