Singers pay tribute to music legend
Renowned instrumentalist Ustad Raees Ahmed Khan delivers a captivating musical tribute to legendary composer Master Ghulam Haider during a special event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) organised a musical tribute to the iconic composer Master Ghulam Haider, featuring performances by renowned singers Bano Rehmat, Raees Ahmad, Niazi Brothers, and Humera Channa.
The event celebrated Haider's contributions to Urdu and Punjabi music.
PNCA Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali emphasised the importance of preserving the work of master composers, singers, and instrumentalists as part of Pakistan's cultural heritage. He highlighted Haider's pivotal role in establishing the Punjabi school of thought in the film industry, challenging the dominance of the Bengali school of music in Lahore, the subcontinent's second-largest film hub.
Master Ghulam Haider, a celebrated composer in both Indian and Pakistani cinema, revolutionised film music by blending traditional Raagas with the energy of Punjabi rhythms. He is credited with launching the careers of legendary singers, including Lata Mangeshkar and Noor Jehan. Lata Mangeshkar herself acknowledged him as her "Godfather" for his unwavering belief in her talent when others in the Hindi film industry had turned her away.
Haider's contributions also extended to other notable figures like Pushpa Hansraj, Sudha Malhotra, and Surinder Kaur, leaving an indelible mark on the subcontinent's music industry.