Remembering Asad Amanat Ali

Classical singers reminisce about working with the luminary

LAHORE: April 8 marked the death anniversary of the late classical ghazal singer Ustad Asad Amanat Ali Khan. The legendary singer was remembered by his lovers and family members alike on the day. Emerging from a family of musicians, Asad Amanat Ali khan was son of great classical singer and musician of Patyala family Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and his grandfather Ali Buksh was the founder of Patyala gharana. Classical singer Shafqat Amanat Ali khan is also his brother while his uncle Ustad Hamid Ali Khan is also among the legend singers of the country.

Renowned singer Ustad Shokat Ali Khan claimed that the deceased was an exemplary son of a great father and will be remembered always as a good human being. “Asad was a beautiful classical singer and following his father’s footsteps, he spent his life promoting classical music.” Ustad Shokat had the opportunity to work with Asad Amanat Ali Khan and Ustad Mahdi Hassan. He adds, “We jointly sang in England. Mehdi Hassan and I were honoured to have Amanat Ali perform with us.”

Ustad Hamid Ali Khan expressed his admiration for the late singer, saying, “His voice was sweet and he sung for films and television brilliantly. Whatever he sang is still famous.” He adds, “His sad demise was a great loss for the Patyala family and we still can’t manage his loss for our gharana as he was our asset.” He further says, “We were like friends and we worked very well together and no doubt he was a great man and a great singer.”

Classical singer Sanwari remarked that there is a lot to be learnt from the talent of Asad Amanat Ali Khan. “It is reality that the entire Patiala family, especially Asad Amanat Ali Khan. He is a role model for all newcomers”, she asserted. The government of Pakistan in 2007 rewarded Asad Amanat Ali Khan with the Pride of Performance award.

Asad rose to fame by singing his father’s ghazal ‘Insha ji utho ab kooch karo”. In his 32 year career, Asad sung for film, television and showcased his talent across the globe with breathtaking performances. His ghazals ‘Umran lungyan paaban par’, ‘kal chudwyien ki rat thi’, ‘Ghar wapis jab aou’ are still popular among music lovers.  The great classical singer died at the age of 52 after suffering a cardiac arrest in London.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th,  2015.

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