Folk singer Alam Lohar remembered on 37th death anniversary
On his death anniversary; son and fellow musicians tell all
PHOTO: PUBLICITY
Punjabi folk singer Alam Lohar’s 37th death anniversary was observed, yesterday, on July 3. While his son and musician Arif Lohar organised a dua for him at his residence, a number of entertainment personalities were in attendance.
The folk legend, who passed away in a car crash in 1979, began his musical journey at 13 when he released his first music album. From singing at traditional festivals in far-flung villages of the country, to spreading his influence in the UK, US, Canada, Germany and India, it didn’t take long for Alam to become a household name in folk music. Needless to say, he was endowed the Pride of Performance award as well.
Won’t participate in branded music shows anymore: Arif Lohar
Alam was considered to be one of the pioneers of singing jugni songs in south Asia. "My father specialised in jugni and was at the peak of his career when he passed away. He earned a lot of fame around the world and earned himself a name at a time when TV and media were not so prominent,” Arif told the Express Tribune.
He started his career by reciting poetry of famous Sufi saints including Heer Waris Shah, Saiful Malook and Bulleh Shah. “Alam Lohar was a no doubt a big name and his style of singing was beautiful. But, one of his tracks that won so many hearts is Heer Waris Shah. It is beautiful. He sang it in 35 different styles. Besides this, he was an expert at singing Mirza Sahiban, Sassi De Pedaish and Punjabi Wars,” elucidated singer Naseebo Lal.
What made his performances unique was the use of the chimta – an instrument that Arif often uses in his performances today. His songs that are still remembered include Bol Mitti Deya Baweya, and Dil Wala Dukhra.
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While he tried his best to follow his father’s footsteps, Arif believes there is still no match between them. “I can never reach my father’s level. He was too talented and went out of his way to promote Punjabi music. He introduced our local folk music to the world. I always attended his performances and I would feel so proud with the level of respect the public gave him."
Alam Lohar, Anayat Hussain Bhatti and Tufail Niazi are amongst those names that put folk genre on the world map. “All three tried their best to promote music and gave their lives working in the field. Alam’s distinct style of singing cannot be compared to anyone else. Nobody can replace him, but the only one to come close is his son, Arif Lohar,” confessed lyricist Altaf Bajwa.
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The folk legend, who passed away in a car crash in 1979, began his musical journey at 13 when he released his first music album. From singing at traditional festivals in far-flung villages of the country, to spreading his influence in the UK, US, Canada, Germany and India, it didn’t take long for Alam to become a household name in folk music. Needless to say, he was endowed the Pride of Performance award as well.
Won’t participate in branded music shows anymore: Arif Lohar
Alam was considered to be one of the pioneers of singing jugni songs in south Asia. "My father specialised in jugni and was at the peak of his career when he passed away. He earned a lot of fame around the world and earned himself a name at a time when TV and media were not so prominent,” Arif told the Express Tribune.
He started his career by reciting poetry of famous Sufi saints including Heer Waris Shah, Saiful Malook and Bulleh Shah. “Alam Lohar was a no doubt a big name and his style of singing was beautiful. But, one of his tracks that won so many hearts is Heer Waris Shah. It is beautiful. He sang it in 35 different styles. Besides this, he was an expert at singing Mirza Sahiban, Sassi De Pedaish and Punjabi Wars,” elucidated singer Naseebo Lal.
What made his performances unique was the use of the chimta – an instrument that Arif often uses in his performances today. His songs that are still remembered include Bol Mitti Deya Baweya, and Dil Wala Dukhra.
Arif Lohar all set to make acting comeback
While he tried his best to follow his father’s footsteps, Arif believes there is still no match between them. “I can never reach my father’s level. He was too talented and went out of his way to promote Punjabi music. He introduced our local folk music to the world. I always attended his performances and I would feel so proud with the level of respect the public gave him."
Alam Lohar, Anayat Hussain Bhatti and Tufail Niazi are amongst those names that put folk genre on the world map. “All three tried their best to promote music and gave their lives working in the field. Alam’s distinct style of singing cannot be compared to anyone else. Nobody can replace him, but the only one to come close is his son, Arif Lohar,” confessed lyricist Altaf Bajwa.
Have something to add in the story? Share it in the comments below.