Asad Amanat Ali: the prince charming of Patiala Gharana

On the 10th death anniversary of the exemplary classical singer, his loved ones recall memorable moments

LAHORE: With tear-jerking ghazals, such as Umraan Langyaan, Kal Chodwien Ki Raat and Ghar Wapas Jab Aao Ge, late Ustad Asad Amanat Ali has left behind an indelible legacy. After receiving musical training from his grandfather Ustad Akhtar Hussain Khan, father Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and uncle Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Asad recorded his first song at the age of 10, which featured on his grandfather’s debut album.



Today marks the 10^th death anniversary of the classical singer, who belonged to the renowned Patiala Gharana.

While his beautiful voice is still etched in our memory, Asad’s uncle Ustad Hamid Ali Khan and younger brother Shafqat Amanat Ali khan still remain amongst the top classical singers of the country.

“Asad Amanat Ali was very dear to me. He was my nephew and we both started our careers together. It was our good luck that we gained fame so fast. We learnt classical music from our elders and it always made me so happy to see my nephew grow with me,” Hamid told The Express Tribune.

Popularly known for his iconic thumris, Asad kicked off his music career singing solo songs in Punjabi and later went on to releasing music albums comprising ghazals and light music. “He was famous for thumri and darbari and was an expert at singing ever kind of raag. Whatever he sang people liked and appreciated because his voice was so sweet and his personality was charismatic,” shared Hamid.



Asad’s claim to fame was the album Kake da Kharrak Shahiya Punjab Da, which he produced alongside the late singing legend Madam Noor Jehan. He performed at multiple private events, both locally and internationally. But, one of the songs that featured at almost every concert of his was Insha Ji Utho, which was originally sung by his father. “Asad Amanat Ali and his father’s talent can be seen in the famous ghazal Insha Ji Utho. He was a true follower of his family’s traditions,” mentioned lyric writer Altaf Bajwa.

He worked on PTV for many years, and was also given the Pride of Performance award in early 2007 for his contributions to the music industry. He passed away soon after following a fatal heart attack on April 2007. “He died too soon. He was only 52. Today, the entire family is missing him,” added Hamid.

While Asad’s passing was a big blow for his family, many entertainment personalities remained equally affected. “Asad Amanat Ali’s father surprised the entire world with his classical music and Asad was no different. I am lucky I got the chance to sing with both big names at that time. I not only performed in Pakistan with Asad but abroad as well. It’s still hard to believe that his sweet voice left us 10 years ago.”



It seems as though he is still with us and I listen to his ghazals every day,” said Asad’s close friend and classical singer Shoukat Ali Khan.

Singer Humera Arshad revealed Asad was like a “university for young classical singers”. She said, “His loss was a big loss for the artist community. He was a great human and a beautiful personality. Whenever I listen to his ghazals, I miss him.”

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