Ustad Amanat Ali Khan’s 48th death anniversary observed today
Today, on September 18th, marks the 48th anniversary of the death of renowned classical singer Ustad Amanat Ali Khan.
He was a member of the renowned Patiala gharana of musicians and was born in the Indian city of Hoshiarpur in 1922. He was the older of the two brothers who had been partnered by their father to carry on the gharana’s history through their performance of the ghazal style, kheyal.
It was evident that the musical tastes had changed drastically as soon as Pakistan was founded. As the princely states vanished overnight and the more popular forms consolidated their dominance by giving in to market forces, the patronage system had transformed.
Amanat Ali is more recognised for his patriotic songs and a few ghazal songs than for his significant contributions to the kheyal and thumri styles.
His younger brother, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, who lived on after him for 37 years, was a traditional gawaiya who unfurled the raga’s structure before advancing it from the valampat to the drut song and tarana formats.
He moved to Pakistan in 1948. Both the classical and Ghazal styles of singing brought him fame in the country.
Ustad Amanat Ali Khan’s 48th death anniversary observed today
After a long battle fought with depression, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan’s life was cut short in its prime.
He released many ghazals, the most famous ones include:
- Insha Ji Utho Ab Kuch Karo,
- Honton Pe Kabhi Unke Mera Naam
- Jo Daag Ghame E
- Yeh Aarjoo Thi Tujhe
- Jo Guzri Hum Pe
- Mora Jiya Na Lagay
He was awarded with ‘Pride of Performance’ by the government of Pakistan in 2009. Ustad Amanat Ali was laid to rest in Mominpura Graveyard in Lahore.
