PHOTO: SCREENGRAB
Countless classical singers and showbiz personalities of today remember Khan and his art. They believe his name will always shine due to his sweet, melodious voice.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB“Ustad Amanat Ali Khan’s work still speaks to us and his voice has allowed him to remain among us even after all this time. How can we forget him? There was no one like him in the field of classical singing," singer Shoukat Ali Khan told The Express Tribune. "Although there is a lot of new talent in this industry, no one can match Ustad Amanat's flair. He was a shining star and I don't think anyone will be able to earn the same amount of fame, ever."
The renowned Patiala Gharana, who have a long history of music in Pakistan, arranged the annual gathering in Lahore to pay tribute to the late singer and his services to Pakistan's music industry. The hosts include his son Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, brother Ustad Hamid Ali Khan among other family members.
“The Patiala family is very proud of Ustad Amanat Ali Khan for all his achievements. He did a lot during his life and he sang everything with excellence," shared Ustad Hamid. "His work is an asset of our family, as well as our music industry. Understandably, we are all very sad on the occasion of his death anniversary."
PHOTO: SCREENGRABThe Chand Meri Zameen singer was born in 1922 in Hoshiarpur, now in Indian Punjab. He was the grandson of Ali Baksh Jarnail, who was the founder of the Patiala Gharana.
However, after the creation of Pakistan, Khan's family migrated to Lahore. Following in their tracks, Ustad Amanat learnt the art of music from his elders. According to them, the late artist was always interested in classical, ghazal singing.
His son Asad Amanat Ali Khan was also a great classical singer but died in 2007 due to a heart attack, while Shafqat and Hamid are still among the top singers of Pakistan.
During the peak of his popularity on the radio and TV, Amanat performed in various countries around the world. He released many ghazals, including Insha Ji Utho Ab Kuch Karo, Honton Pe Kabhi Unke Mera Naam, Mora Jiya Na Lagay, Kab Aogay, Yah Na Thi Humari Qismat, Yeh Arzoo Thi Tujhe Gul and many others, which are still remembered by fans.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB“It saddens me to see the number of talented singers who are no longer with us. I have no words for how wonderful they were," said classical singer Hussain Baksh Gallo. "Ustad Amanat Ali Khan especially ruled the whole world with his singing. Many singers ended up following his style. It was the era that Mahdi Hassan was also alive in and we are known for classical singing because of them."
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He was also given the Pride of Performance award by the government of Pakistan due to his excellent music services.
The star died on September 18 1974, aged 52. Nonetheless, his family is doing a great job at carrying on his legacy.
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Edited by Ramsha Vistro.
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