Death Anniversary: Fans remember Ustad Salamat Khan

Born in 1934 in Punjab, Khan belonged to a family of traditional musicians representing the Shamchaurasi Gharana.

ISLAMABAD: Classical music lovers on Monday celebrated the achievements of legendary classical music maestro Ustad Salamat Ali Khan on his 10th death anniversary. Khan’s death on July 11, 2001, ended a glorious chapter of classical music that spanned over six decades. The late maestro received worldwide acclaim for his command over Khayal singing and was recognised as a major influence in the popularisation of classical music outside South Asia. Born in 1934 in the heartland of Punjab at Shamchaurasi, Khan belonged to a family of traditional musicians representing the Shamchaurasi Gharana. It is claimed that the Gharana was founded in the 16th century by Mian Chand Khan and Mian Suraj Khan who were contemporaries of Mian Tansen at the court of Emperor Akbar.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2011.