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{{Short description|Pakistani singer}}
{{Short description|Pakistani singer (born 1940)}}
{{distinguish|Bade Ghulam Ali Khan}}
{{distinguish|Bade Ghulam Ali Khan}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Ghulam Ali khan
| honorific_prefix  = [[Ustad]]
| image           = Gulam ali copy.jpg
| name             = Ghulam Ali Khan
| caption         = Ghulam Ali in Chennai
| image             = Gulam ali copy.jpg
| native_name     = غلام علی خان<br> 
| caption           = Ghulam Ali in Chennai
ਗ਼ੁਲਾਮ ਅਲੀ ਖ਼ਾਨ
| native_name       = غلام علی خان
| native_name_lang = غلام علی
| native_name_lang = غلام علی
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|df=y|1940|12|05}}
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|df=y|1940|12|05}}
| birth_place     = [[Kalengre, Nagra]], [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]], [[British Raj| Undivided India]]<br />(now in [[Sialkot, Pakistan]])
| birth_place       = Galotian Khurd, [[Daska]], [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]], [[British Raj]]&lt;br /&gt;(now in [[Sialkot District|Sialkot, Pakistan]])
| background       = solo_singer
| background       = solo_singer
| genre           = {{flatlist|
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* classical music
* [[Hindustani classical music]]
* [[ghazal]]
* [[Ghazal]]
* [[playback singing]]
* [[Playback singing]]
}}Father name     = Daulat Ali Jafri ( By his words )
}}
| occupation        =
| instrument        = {{hlist|[[Singing|Vocals]]|[[Harmonium]]|[[Tabla]]}}
| years_active     = 1960– present
| label            = [[Radio Pakistan]], PTV
}}
 
'''Ustad Ghulam Ali''' ({{langx|pa|{{Nastaliq|غُلام علی}}}}; born 5 December 1940) is a [[Pakistani]] [[ghazal]] singer of the [[Patiala Gharana]]. Ghulam Ali is considered one of the greatest ghazal singers of his era. He has also been a prominent playback singer in Bollywood. He is a disciple of [[Bade Ghulam Ali Khan]]. Ali was also trained by Bade Ghulam Ali's younger brothers, Barkat Ali Khan and Mubarak Ali Khan.


| occupation      = Singer, playback singer, [[ghazal]], classical music
His style and variations in singing [[ghazals]] are unique, as he blends [[Hindustani classical music]] with ghazals, unlike any other ghazal singer. He is highly popular in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, as well as among [[South Asian]] diaspora in the US, the UK and the Middle Eastern countries.&lt;ref name="APNA"&gt;{{cite web |author=Amjad Parvez |date=8 April 2014 |title=Legendary singer Ghulam Ali |url=http://apnaorg.com/articles/dailytimes-25/index.shtml |access-date=16 July 2019 |website=Academy of the Punjab in North America (APNA) website}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| years_active    = 1960– present
Many of his hit ghazals have been used in [[Bollywood]] movies. His famous ghazals are ''[[Chupke Chupke Raat Din]]'', ''[[Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi]]'', ''[[Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa]]'', ''Chamakte Chand Ko'', ''Kiya Hai Pyar Jise'', ''May Nazar Se Pee Raha Hoon'', ''Mastana Peeye'', ''Ye Dil Ye Pagal Dil'', ''Apni Dhun Mein Rehta Hoon'' a [[ghazal]] by [[Nasir Kazmi]], ''Ham Ko Kiske Gham Ne Maara''. His album ''Hasratein'' was nominated in the Best Ghazal Album category at the Star GIMA Awards 2014.
| label            = [[Radio Pakistan]], PTV
 
}}
==Early life==
Ghulam Ali was born in 1941 in the [[Sialkot District|Sialkot district]] of present-day Pakistan and was a child during the Partition of India, an event he recalls only faintly. He was introduced to music at an early age, coming from a musical family; his father was a musician, being a vocalist who could play the [[sarangi]],&lt;ref name=":0"&gt;{{cite web |last=Parvez |first=Amjad |title=Legendary singer Ghulam Ali – Part I, II, III |url=https://apnaorg.com/articles/dailytimes-24/index.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251226135004/https://apnaorg.com/articles/dailytimes-24/index.shtml |archive-date=26 December 2025 |access-date= |website=[[Academy of the Punjab in North America]] |publisher=}}&lt;/ref&gt; and recognized his talent when one of his teachers noticed him humming a song at school and encouraged him to sing. At the age of 8, Ghulam Ali began formal training under his father, who assigned him a [[Raga|raaga]] to practise intensively on the [[Pump organ|harmonium]], laying the foundation for his musical discipline. Though his grandmother initially objected to the rigorous training, his father believed early childhood was essential for building a strong musical base. He was named after the classical vocalist Ustad [[Bade Ghulam Ali Khan]], whom his father greatly admired, and later had the opportunity to train under the legendary musician. His father aspired for him to become a ghazal singer, and Ghulam Ali began practising seriously from the age of 9.&lt;ref name="easterneye2021"&gt;{{cite web |last=Mehta |first=Anjali |date=7 December 2021 |title=Ghazal great Ghulam Ali in his own words |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/ghazal-great-ghulam-ali-in-his-own-words/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251226123515/https://www.easterneye.biz/ghazal-great-ghulam-ali-in-his-own-words/ |archive-date=26 December 2025 |access-date= |website=[[Eastern Eye]]}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name=":1"&gt;{{cite web |date=2 January 2007 |title=When Rafi woke up Ustad Ghulam Ali |url=http://update.im.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/02ali.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251226124034/https://update.im.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/02ali.htm |archive-date=26 December 2025 |access-date= |website=[[Rediff]]}}&lt;/ref&gt;


'''Ustad Ghulam Ali''' ({{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|غُلام علی}}}}; born 5 December 1940) is a Pakistani [[ghazal]] singer of the [[Patiala Gharana]]. He has also been a prominent playback singer in Bollywood. Ghulam Ali was a disciple of [[Bade Ghulam Ali Khan]] (elder Ghulam Ali Khan). Ali was also trained by Bade Ghulam Ali's younger brothers – Barkat Ali Khan and Mubarak Ali Khan.
Ghulam Ali encountered Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, for the first time, when he was in his early teens. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan had toured [[Kabul]], Afghanistan and, on the way back to India, Ghulam Ali's father requested the Ustad to take his son as a disciple. But Khan insisted that since he was hardly in town, regular training wouldn't be possible. But after repeated requests from Ghulam Ali's father, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan asked the young Ghulam Ali to sing something. It wasn't easy to have the courage to sing before him. He mustered the courage to sing the [[Thumri|rhumri]] ''Saiyyan Bolo Tanik Mose Rahiyo Na Jaye''. After he finished, Ustad hugged him and made him his disciple.&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt; Apart from the harmonium, he would also learn to play the [[tabla]].&lt;ref name=":0" /&gt;


Ghulam Ali is considered to be one of the best ghazal singers of his era. His style and variations in singing [[Ghazals]] has been noted as unique, as he blends [[Hindustani classical music]] with ghazals, unlike any other ghazal singer. Highly popular in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, as well as among [[South Asian]] diaspora in the US, the UK and the Middle Eastern countries.<ref name=APNA/>
== Personal life ==
He was married to Afsana Ali, with whom he has a daughter, Manjari Ghulam Ali. His sons Aamir Ghulam Ali&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=22 January 2014 |title=Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali perform with his son Amir at a hotel in Bandra, Mumbai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/music-events/pakistani-ghazal-singer-ghulam-ali-perform-with-his-son-amir-at-a-hotel-in-bandra-mumbai/articleshow/13929341.cms |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}&lt;/ref&gt; and Nazar Ali Abbas are also musicians.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=8-14 August 2003 |title=Wah Ustad! |url=http://archive.nepalitimes.com/news.php?id=3577 |website=[[Nepali Times]] |quote=Now his son and disciple, Nazar Abbas Ali is following in his father's footsteps.}}&lt;/ref&gt;


Many of his hit ghazals have been used in [[Bollywood]] movies. His famous ghazals are ''[[Chupke Chupke Raat Din]]'', ''[[Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi]]'', ''[[Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa]]'', Chamakte Chand Ko, ''Kiya Hai Pyar Jisé'', ''May Nazar Sé Pee Raha Hoon'', ''Mastana Peeyé'', ''Yé dil yé pagal dil'', ''Apni Dhun Mein Rehta Hoon'' a [[ghazal]] by [[Nasir Kazmi]], "Ham Ko Kiske Gham Ne Maara". His recent album "Hasratein" was nominated in the Best Ghazal Album category at Star GIMA Awards 2014. He was married to Afsana Ali and has a daughter Manjari Ghulam Ali.
==Career==


In 2015, due to protest by Shiv Sena at [[Mumbai]], his concert was cancelled.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/09/world/asia/pakistan-singer-ghulam-ali-concert-canceled-india.html Pakistani Singer's Concerts in India Are Canceled After Shiv Sena Protests] ''The New York Times'', Published 8 October 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref> After this, he received invitations from Delhi Chief Minister [[Arvind Kejriwal]], West Bengal Chief Minister [[Mamata Banerjee]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] Chief Minister [[Akhilesh Yadav]].<ref name=NDTV/> After this cancellation, he performed at [[Lucknow]], India.,<ref name=NDTV>{{Cite web|title = Ghulam Ali Performs in Lucknow, Meets Akhilesh Yadav|url = http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ghulam-ali-performs-in-lucknow-meets-akhilesh-yadav-1230674|website = NDTV.com|access-date =16 July 2019}}</ref> New Delhi and in [[Trivandrum]], and [[Kozhikode]], Kerala, India.<ref name=ZeeNews/>
=== Pakistan ===
A strong student academically, Ghulam Ali’s musical talent was soon recognized beyond his household. While practising on a terrace, he was noticed by a representative from [[Radio Pakistan]], leading to an invitation to perform. At the age of 14, he began singing for a children’s programme on Radio Pakistan and within six months advanced to performing at the highest level, marking the beginning of his professional musical career.&lt;ref name="easterneye2021"/&gt;


In a news item reported in 2015, Ghulam Ali has said that he won't perform in India until situation is right for music.He, however, assured that he will visit India when ‘the atmosphere is right.’ He said that he does not want to be used for political mileage.<ref name=ZeeNews>{{Cite web|title = Ghulam Ali doesn't want to be used for political mileage; won't perform in India|url = http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/music/ghulam-ali-doesn%25E2%2580%2599t-want-to-be-used-for-political-mileage-won%25E2%2580%2599t-perform-in-india_1818138.html|work= Zee News|access-date =16 July 2019}}</ref>
Along with singing [[ghazal]]s, Ghulam Ali composed music for his ghazals. His compositions are [[raga]]-based and sometimes include a scientific mixture of ragas. &lt;!-- A raga is a scientific, precise, subtle and aesthetic melodic form with its own peculiar ascending and descending movement consisting of either a full seven note octave, or a series of six or five notes (or a combination of any of these) in a rising or falling structure called the Arohana and Avarohana. --&gt; He is known for blending gharana-gaaiaki into ghazal and this gives his singing the capability to touch people's hearts. He sings [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] songs too. Many of his Punjabi songs have been popular and have been part of Punjab's own cultural diaspora.  


His sons Aamir Ghulam Ali<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2014 |title=Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali perform with his son Amir at a hotel in Bandra, Mumbai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/music-events/pakistani-ghazal-singer-ghulam-ali-perform-with-his-son-amir-at-a-hotel-in-bandra-mumbai/articleshow/13929341.cms |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> and Nazar Ali Abbas are also musicians.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8-14 August 2003 |title=Wah Ustad! |url=http://archive.nepalitimes.com/news.php?id=3577 |website=[[Nepali Times]] |quote=Now his son and disciple, Nazar Abbas Ali is following in his father's footsteps.}}</ref>
On being questioned about Pakistani pop groups, Ghulam Ali replied, "Frankly, I am really bewildered at their style of singing. How can you sing a song by running and jumping around the stage? The stage is meant for performing not for [[acrobatics]]."&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;


==Early life==
=== India ===
His name 'Ghulam Ali' was given by his father, a great fan of [[Bade Ghulam Ali Khan]] who, in the past, used to live in [[Lahore]]. Ghulam Ali had always been listening to Khan since childhood.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}
Though from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali remains as popular in India as in Pakistan. He first came to India in 1980.&lt;ref name="easterneye2021"/&gt; [[Asha Bhosle]] has done joint music albums with him, beginning with ''Meeraj-E-Ghazal'' in 1984.&lt;ref name="easterneye2021"/&gt; He was introduced to [[Bombay cinema]] with an Urdu film song ''[[Chupke Chupke Raat Din]]'' written by the poet [[Hasrat Mohani]] in [[B R Chopra]]'s film, ''[[Nikaah (film)|Nikaah]]'' (1982).&lt;ref name="IMDb"&gt;{{IMDb name|1265094}}, Ghulam Ali Filmography on IMDb. Retrieved 16 July 2019&lt;/ref&gt; Other popular ghazals include ''Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa'' and ''[[Awaargi]]''. He tends to select the ghazals of famous poets.[[File:Ghulam Ali.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Ghulam Ali in Hyderabad, 2007]]One of his memorable concerts was at the [[Taj Mahal]].&lt;ref name="TOI"&gt;[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/City_Supplements/Bombay_Times/Ghulam_Ali_sings_in_praise_of_the_Taj_/articleshow/2189319.cms Ghulam Ali sings in praise of the Taj] ''The Times of India'', published 10 July 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2019&lt;/ref&gt; On being asked about the future of [[ghazal]] singers, he said he enjoyed popular [[ghazal]] singer [[Adithya Srinivasan]]'s ghazals, who performed the opening act at his concert in 2012 at [[Bangalore]].&lt;ref name="Deccan"&gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/entertainment-tvmusic/article/words-ghalib |title=Deccan Chronicle / Music : From the words of Ghalib ... |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=21 June 2013 |access-date=16 July 2019|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002513/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/entertainment-tvmusic/article/words-ghalib |archive-date=3 December 2013 }}&lt;/ref&gt;
Recently, in February 2013, the maestro became the first person to receive the [[Bade Ghulam Ali Khan]] award. Commenting on this, he said," I am indebted to the Indian government for giving me this award. For me, it is the greatest award I have received because it is named after my guru."
He also received the first Swaralaya Global Legend Award (2016) at [[Trivandrum]], Kerala, India.&lt;ref&gt;[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/swaralaya-award-presented-to-ghulam-ali/article8110564.ece Ghulam Ali's award info on The Hindu newspaper] Published 15 January 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2019&lt;/ref&gt;
 
=== Nepal ===
Ghulam Ali has also sung some [[Nepali language|Nepali]] ghazals like ''Kina Kina Timro Tasveer'', ''Gajalu Tee Thula Thula Aankha'', ''Lolaaeka Tee Thula'' and ''Ke Chha Ra Diun'' in [[Nepali language]] with [[Narayan Gopal]], a well known Nepali singer, and composer Deepak Jangam. Those songs were written by King [[Mahendra of Nepal]]. These songs were compiled in an album entitled ''[[Narayan Gopal]], Ghulam Ali Ra Ma'', and are popular among Nepali music lovers to this day.&lt;ref name="APNA" /&gt;


Ghulam Ali encountered Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, for the first time, when he was in his early teens. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan had toured [[Kabul]], Afghanistan and, on the way back to India, Ghulam Ali's father requested the Ustad to take his son as a disciple. But Khan insisted that since he was hardly in town, regular training wouldn't be possible. But after repeated requests from Ghulam Ali's father, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan asked the young Ghulam Ali to sing something. It wasn't easy to have the courage to sing before him. He mustered the courage to sing the [[Thumri]] "Saiyyan Bolo Tanik Mose Rahiyo Na Jaye..". After he finished, Ustad hugged him and made him his disciple.<ref name=APNA/>
Furthermore, Ghulam Ali was the singer of choice for His late Majesty the king of Nepal Mahendra Birbikram Shah Dev. Ghulam Ali sang a number of popular songs written by King Mahendra.&lt;ref name="APNA" /&gt;


==Career==
== Musical style ==
Ghulam Ali started singing for [[Radio Pakistan]], [[Lahore]] in 1960. Along with singing [[ghazal]]s, Ghulam Ali composes music for his ghazals. His compositions are [[raga]]-based and sometimes include a scientific mixture of ragas. <!-- A raga is a scientific, precise, subtle and aesthetic melodic form with its own peculiar ascending and descending movement consisting of either a full seven note octave, or a series of six or five notes (or a combination of any of these) in a rising or falling structure called the Arohana and Avarohana.  --> He is known for blending gharana-gaaiaki into ghazal and this gives his singing the capability to touch people's hearts. He sings [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] songs too. Many of his Punjabi songs have been popular and have been part of Punjab's own cultural diaspora. Though from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali remains as popular in India as in Pakistan. [[Asha Bhosle]] has done joint music albums with him.
Ghulam Ali is known for composing the majority (he estimates at up to 95%) of the ghazals he performs, stating that most of his repertoire consists of his own compositions, while remaining open to singing works by other composers if he finds them musically strong. Over time, he has increasingly performed self-composed material, which has become a defining feature of his musical output.&lt;ref name="easterneye2021"/&gt;


He was introduced to [[Bombay cinema]] with a Urdu film song ''[[Chupke Chupke Raat Din]]'' written by the poet [[Hasrat Mohani]] in [[B R Chopra]]'s film, ''[[Nikaah (film)|Nikaah]]'' (1982).<ref name=IMDb>{{IMDb name|1265094}}, Ghulam Ali Filmography on IMDb. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref> Other popular ghazals include [[Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa]] and ''[[Awaargi]]''. He tends to select the ghazals of famous poets.
His ghazal singing is firmly grounded in the [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani classical]] tradition, drawing extensively from classical raagas while adapting them to the lyrical and emotive structure of the ghazal. He has emphasized that ghazal singing requires rigorous training, particularly in precise pronunciation of Urdu poetry and accurate melodic execution, describing the form as technically demanding and time-intensive to master.


On being questioned about Pakistani pop groups, Ghulam Ali replied, "Frankly, I am really bewildered at their style of singing. How can you sing a song by running and jumping around the stage? The stage is meant for performing not for [[acrobatics]]."<ref name=APNA/>
== Controversies ==


[[File:Ghulam Ali.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Ghulam Ali in Hyderabad, 2007]]
=== Performances in India ===
Ghulam Ali has also sung some [[Nepali language|Nepali]] ghazals like ''Kina kina timro tasveer'', ''Gajalu tee thula thula aankha'', ''Lolaaeka tee thula'' and ''Ke chha ra diun'' in [[Nepali language]] with [[Narayan Gopal]], a well known Nepali singer, and composer ''Deepak Jangam''. Those songs were written by King [[Mahendra of Nepal]]. These songs were compiled in an album entitled ''[[Narayan Gopal]], Ghulam Ali Ra Ma'', and are popular among Nepali music lovers to this day.<ref name=APNA/>
In 2015, due to protest by [[Shiv Sena]] at [[Mumbai]], his concert was cancelled.&lt;ref&gt;[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/09/world/asia/pakistan-singer-ghulam-ali-concert-canceled-india.html Pakistani Singer's Concerts in India Are Canceled After Shiv Sena Protests] ''The New York Times'', Published 8 October 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2019&lt;/ref&gt; After this, he received invitations from Delhi Chief Minister [[Arvind Kejriwal]], West Bengal Chief Minister [[Mamata Banerjee]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] Chief Minister [[Akhilesh Yadav]].&lt;ref name="NDTV"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Ghulam Ali Performs in Lucknow, Meets Akhilesh Yadav |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ghulam-ali-performs-in-lucknow-meets-akhilesh-yadav-1230674 |access-date=16 July 2019 |website=NDTV.com}}&lt;/ref&gt; After this cancellation, he performed in [[Lucknow]],&lt;ref name="NDTV" /&gt; New Delhi, [[Thiruvananthapuram]], and [[Kozhikode]], India.&lt;ref name="ZeeNews"&gt;{{Cite web |title=Ghulam Ali doesn't want to be used for political mileage; won't perform in India |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/music/ghulam-ali-doesn%25E2%2580%2599t-want-to-be-used-for-political-mileage-won%25E2%2580%2599t-perform-in-india_1818138.html |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=Zee News}}&lt;/ref&gt;


One of his memorable concerts was at the [[Taj Mahal]].<ref name=TOI>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/City_Supplements/Bombay_Times/Ghulam_Ali_sings_in_praise_of_the_Taj_/articleshow/2189319.cms Ghulam Ali sings in praise of the Taj] ''The Times of India'', published 10 July 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref> On being asked about the future of [[ghazal]] singers, he said he enjoyed popular [[ghazal]] singer [[Adithya Srinivasan]]'s ghazals, who performed the opening act at his concert in 2012 at [[Bangalore]].<ref name=Deccan>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/entertainment-tvmusic/article/words-ghalib |title=Deccan Chronicle / Music : From the words of Ghalib ... |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=21 June 2013 |access-date=16 July 2019|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002513/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/entertainment-tvmusic/article/words-ghalib |archive-date=3 December 2013 }}</ref>
In a news item reported in 2015, Ghulam Ali has said that he won't perform in India until situation is right for music. He, however, assured that he will visit India when ‘the atmosphere is right.’ He said that he does not want to be used for political mileage.&lt;ref name="ZeeNews" /&gt;
Recently, in February 2013, the maestro became the first person to receive the [[Bade Ghulam Ali Khan]] award. Commenting on this, he said," I am indebted to the Indian government for giving me this award. For me, it is the greatest award I have received because it is named after my guru."
He also received the first Swaralaya Global Legend Award (2016) at [[Trivandrum]], Kerala, India.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/swaralaya-award-presented-to-ghulam-ali/article8110564.ece Ghulam Ali's award info on The Hindu newspaper] Published 15 January 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref>
Furthermore, Ghulam Ali was the singer of choice for His late Majesty the king of Nepal Mahendra Birbikram Shah Dev. Ghulam Ali sang a number of popular songs written by King Mahendra.<ref name=APNA/>


==Notable ghazals/songs==
==Notable ghazals/songs==
* ''Aah ko chahiyye ek umr asar honey tak'' (Poet: [[Ghalib| Mirza Ghalib]])<ref name=Technofundo/>
{| class="wikitable"
* ''Ae husn-e-beparwah tujhe shola kahoon ya shabnam kahoon'' (Poet: [[Bashir Badr]])
!Title
* ''Apni Dhun Mein Rehta Hun, Mai Bhi Tere Jaisa Hun'' (Poet: [[Nasir Kazmi]])<ref name=APNA/>
!Poet / Lyricist
* ''Apni Tasveer Ko Aankhon Se (Poet: Shahzad Ahmad)''
![[Raga]]
* ''Arz-e-gham say bhi faaida tou nahin'' (Poet: [[Raees Warsi]])
!Year
* ''Awaargi'' (Poet: Mohsin Naqvi)
!Album / Collection
* ''Teri Yaad Yaad  (Poet: [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]])''
!Film
* ''Saaqi Sharab Laa''
!Notes
* ''Baharon ko Chaman''
|-
* ''Barsan Lagi Sawan Bundiya Raja (Poet: Traditional)''
|Aah ko chahiye ik umr asar hone tak
* ''Bata do tum humein bedaad karna'' (Poet: Riaz Khairabadi)
|Mirza Ghalib
* ''Bechain bahut phirna ghabraaye huye rehna'' (Poet: [[Munir Niazi]])
|—
* ''Chamakte Chand Ko Tuta Hua Tara Bana Dala (Poet: [[Anand Bakshi]])''
|c. 1975
* ''Chhup Chhupa Ke Piyo''
|Classical Ghazals
* ''[[Chupke Chupke Raat Din]]'' (Poet: [[Hasrat Mohani]])<ref name=IMDb/><ref name=Technofundo/><ref name=APNA/>
|Non-film
* ''Dard-e-dil dard aashna jaane'' (Poet: [[Bahadur Shah II|Bahadur Shah Zafar]])
|
* ''Dareeche Be-sada Koi Nahin Hai'' (Poet: [[Sabir Zafar]])
|-
* ''Dil Buk Buk Ahro''
|Ae husn-e-beparwah tujhe shola kahoon ya shabnam
* ''Dil Jala Ke Mera Muskuraate Hain Woh''
|Bashir Badr
* ''Dil dhadakne ka sabab yaad aaya'' (Poet: [[Nasir Kazmi]])
|—
* ''Dil Mein Ek Leher Si Uthi Hai Abhi'' (Poet: [[Nasir Kazmi]])<ref name=TOI/><ref name=Technofundo/>
|c. 1980
* ''Fasle Aise Bhi Honge (Poet: [[Adeem Hashmi]])''
|Ghazals Vol. 3
* ''Gajalu Ti Thula Thula Aankha'' (Poet: [[King Mahendra of Nepal]])<ref name=APNA/>
|Non-film
* ''Hadaff-e-Gham na kiya sang-e-mallamat nay mujhay''  (Poet: [[Raees Warsi]])
|
* ''Heer'' (Punjabi Traditional)
|-
* ''Hum Tere Shahar Mein Aaye Hain Musafir Ki Tarha''
|Aa gayi yaad shaam dhalte hi
* ''Hum To Kitnon Ko Mahzabeen Kehte Hain''
|Munir Niazi
* ''Humko Kiske Gham Ne Mara'' ''(Poet: Masroor Anwar)''
|—
* [[Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa]] ([[Akbar Allahabadi]])<ref name=Technofundo>[http://www.technofundo.com/fun/music/ga/index.html To Ghulam Ali With Love] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235101/http://www.technofundo.com/fun/music/ga/index.html |date=3 March 2016 }} Technofundo.com website, Published 19 September 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref><ref name=APNA/>
|c. 1979
* ''Itni muddat baad mile ho (Poet: [[Mohsin Naqvi]])''
|Ghazals Vol. 2
* ''Jin ke honton pe hansi''
|Non-film
* ''Kachhi Deewar Hoon Thokar Na Lagana''
|
* ''Kaisi Chali Hai Abke Hawa''
|-
* [[Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi]] (Poet: [[Ibn-e-Insha]])<ref name=Technofundo/><ref name=APNA/>
|Apni dhun mein rehta hoon
* ''Kal Raat Bazm mein jo mila''
|Nasir Kazmi
* ''Kina Kina Timro Tasveer'' (Poet: [[King Mahendra of Nepal]])
|—
* ''Kehte Hain Mujhse Ishq Ka Afsana Chahiye''  ([[Qamar Jalalabadi]])
|c. 1976
* ''Khuli Jo Aankh (Poet:'' ''Farhat Shehzad)''<ref name=Technofundo/>
|Ghazals Vol. 1
* ''Khushboo Gunche Talash Karti Hai''
|Non-film
* ''Khushboo Jaise Log Mile''
|
* ''Ki Pucchde Ho Haal'' (Punjabi song)
|-
* ''Kiya Hai Pyaar Jise'' (Poet: [[Qateel Shifai]])<ref name=Technofundo/><ref name=APNA/>
|Apni tasveer ko aankhon se
* ''koi humnafas nahi hai''
|Shahzad Ahmad
* ''koi ummid bar nahi aati'' (Poet: [[Ghalib]])<ref name=Technofundo/>
|—
* ''Lolayeka ti thula'' (Nepali Song)
|c. 1977
* ''Main Nazar Se Pee Raha Hoon''<ref name=APNA/>
|Ghazals Vol. 1
* ''Mehfil Mein Baar Baar'' ([[Agha Bismil]])
|Non-film
* ''Mere shoq da nai aitbar tenu''  Poet: [[Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum]]
|
* ''Niyat-e-shauq bhar na jaaye kahin'' (Composed by [[Mohsin Raza (composer)|Mohsin Raza]] Poet: [[Nasir Kazmi]])
|-
* ''Ni Chambe Diye Bandh Kaliye'' (Punjabi song)
|Arz-e-gham se bhi faida to nahin
* ''Nit de vichore sada'' (Punjabi song)
|Raees Warsi
*''Pata laga mainu huun ki judai'' (Punjabi song)
|—
* ''Patta Patta Boota Boota'' (Poet: [[Mir Taqi Mir|Meer Taqi Meer]])
|c. 1982
* ''Paara Paara Hua Pairaahan-e-Jaan''    (Poet: Syed Razid-e-Ramzi)
|Ghazals Vol. 4
* ''Pehli waari aj hona'' (Punjabi song)
|Non-film
* ''Phir Kisi Rahguzar Par Shahyad'' (Poet: [[Ahmed Faraz]])
|
* ''Phir Sawan Rut Ki Pawan Chali, Tum Yaad Aaye'' (Poet: [[Nasir Kazmi]])
|-
* ''Rabba Mere Haal Da'' (Punjabi song)
|Awaargi
* "Rahe ishq ki inteha chahata hoon"
|Mohsin Naqvi
* ''Ranj Ki Jab Guftagu Hone Lagi'' (Poet: [[Daagh Dehlvi|Daag Dehlavi]])
|Bhairavi (light)
* ''Roya Karenge Aap Bhi (Poet: [[Momin Khan Momin]])''<ref name=APNA>{{cite web|url=http://apnaorg.com/articles/dailytimes-25/index.shtml |author=Amjad Parvez|website=Academy of the Punjab in North America (APNA) website|title=Legendary singer Ghulam Ali|date=8 April 2014|access-date=16 July 2019}}</ref>
|1988
* ''Shauq Har Rang Raqeeb-E-Sar-O-Samaan Nikla'' (Poet: [[Ghalib]])<ref name=Technofundo/>
|Awaargi
* ''Tak Patri Waaleya Lekh Mere'' (Punjabi song)
|Non-film
* ''Tamaam Umr Tera Intezar Kiya'' (Poet: Hafeez Hoshiarpuri)
|Title ghazal
* ''Tumhare Khat Mein Naya Ik Salaam Kis Ka Thaa'' (Poet: [[Daagh Dehlvi|Daag Dehlavi]])<ref name=APNA/>
|-
* ''Woh Kabhi Mil Jayen Tau'' (Poet: [[Akhtar Sheerani]])<ref name=APNA/>
|Baharon ko chaman yaad aa gaya
* ''Woh Jo Hum Mein Tum Mein Qarar Tha'' (Poet: [[Momin Khan Momin]])<ref name=APNA/>
|—
* ''Yeh Batein Jhooti Batein Hain'' Poet: [[Ibn-e-Insha]]<ref name=APNA/>
|—
* ''Yeh Dil Yeh Pagal Dil'' (Poet: [[Mohsin Naqvi]])<ref name=APNA/>
|c. 1981
* ''Zakhm-e-Tanhai Mein Khusboo-e-Heena Kiski Thi''
|Ghazals Vol. 3
*''Zehaal-e-miskin mukun taghaful'' (Poet: [[Amir Khusrow|Amir Khusroo]])<ref name=Technofundo/>
|Non-film
|
|-
|Barsan lagi sawan bundiya
|Traditional
|—
|c. 1984
|Folk &amp; Ghazals
|Non-film
|Folk-based
|-
|Bata do tum humein bedaad karna
|Riaz Khairabadi
|—
|c. 1978
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Bechain bahut phirna
|Munir Niazi
|—
|c. 1979
|Ghazals Vol. 2
|Non-film
|
|-
|Chamakte chand ko toota hua taara bana dala
|Anand Bakshi
|—
|1982
|Nikaah (OST)
|Nikaah
|Film song
|-
|Chhup chhupa ke piyo
|—
|—
|c. 1977
|Ghazals Vol. 1
|Non-film
|
|-
|Chupke Chupke Raat Din
|Hasrat Mohani
|Kafi (light)
|1982
|Nikaah (OST)
|Nikaah
|Widely accepted
|-
|Dard-e-dil dard-e-aashna jaane
|Bahadur Shah Zafar
|—
|c. 1976
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Dareeche be-sada koi nahin hai
|Sabir Zafar
|—
|c. 1983
|Ghazals Vol. 4
|Non-film
|
|-
|Dil dhadakne ka sabab yaad aaya
|Nasir Kazmi
|—
|c. 1980
|Ghazals Vol. 3
|Non-film
|
|-
|Dil mein ek lehar si uthi hai abhi
|Nasir Kazmi
|Pilu (light)
|c. 1979
|Ghazals Vol. 2
|Non-film
|
|-
|Fasle aise bhi honge
|Adeem Hashmi
|—
|c. 1985
|Ghazals Vol. 5
|Non-film
|
|-
|Gajalu ti thula thula aankha
|King Mahendra (Nepal)
|—
|c. 1986
|Nepali Ghazals
|Non-film
|Nepali
|-
|Heer
|Punjabi traditional
|—
|c. 1984
|Punjabi Classics
|Non-film
|
|-
|Hum tere shehar mein aaye hain
|—
|—
|c. 1981
|Ghazals Vol. 3
|Non-film
|
|-
|Humko kiske gham ne maara
|Masroor Anwar
|—
|c. 1977
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa
|Akbar Allahabadi
|Darbari Kanada
|c. 1978
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|Strong consensus
|-
|Itni muddat baad mile ho
|Mohsin Naqvi
|—
|c. 1987
|Ghazals Vol. 5
|Non-film
|
|-
|Kachchi deewar hoon thokar na lagana
|—
|—
|c. 1982
|Ghazals Vol. 4
|Non-film
|
|-
|Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi
|Ibn-e-Insha
|Yaman (light)
|c. 1978
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Kehte hain mujhse ishq ka afsana chahiye
|Qamar Jalalabadi
|—
|c. 1979
|Ghazals Vol. 2
|Non-film
|
|-
|Khuli jo aankh
|Farhat Shehzad
|—
|c. 1980
|Ghazals Vol. 3
|Non-film
|
|-
|Khushboo jaise log mile
|—
|—
|c. 1984
|Ghazals Vol. 4
|Non-film
|
|-
|Kiya hai pyaar jise
|Qateel Shifai
|—
|c. 1981
|Ghazals Vol. 3
|Non-film
|
|-
|Koi ummeed bar nahin aati
|Mirza Ghalib
|—
|c. 1976
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Main nazar se pee raha hoon
|—
|—
|c. 1977
|Ghazals Vol. 1
|Non-film
|
|-
|Mehfil mein baar baar
|Agha Bismil
|—
|c. 1978
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Mere shauq da nai aitbaar tenu
|Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum
|—
|c. 1983
|Punjabi Classics
|Non-film
|Punjabi
|-
|Niyat-e-shauq bhar na jaaye kahin
|Nasir Kazmi
|—
|c. 1982
|Ghazals Vol. 4
|Non-film
|
|-
|Ni chambe diye bandh kaliye
|Punjabi traditional
|—
|c. 1984
|Punjabi Classics
|Non-film
|
|-
|Patta patta boota boota haal hamaara jaane hai
|Mir Taqi Mir
|Kafi (light)
|c. 1976
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Phir kisi raahguzar par shayad
|Ahmed Faraz
|—
|c. 1986
|Ghazals Vol. 5
|Non-film
|
|-
|Phir saawan rut ki pawan chali
|Nasir Kazmi
|—
|c. 1980
|Ghazals Vol. 3
|Non-film
|
|-
|Roya karenge aap bhi
|Momin Khan Momin
|—
|c. 1979
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Tamaam umr tera intezaar kiya
|Hafeez Hoshiarpuri
|—
|c. 1981
|Ghazals Vol. 3
|Non-film
|
|-
|Tumhare khat mein naya ik salaam kis ka tha
|Daagh Dehlvi
|—
|c. 1977
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Woh kabhi mil jaayen to
|Akhtar Sheerani
|—
|c. 1982
|Ghazals Vol. 4
|Non-film
|
|-
|Woh jo hum mein tum mein qaraar tha
|Momin Khan Momin
|—
|c. 1976
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|
|-
|Yeh baatein jhooti baatein hain
|Ibn-e-Insha
|—
|c. 1984
|Ghazals Vol. 4
|Non-film
|
|-
|Yeh dil yeh paagal dil
|Mohsin Naqvi
|—
|c. 1989
|Awaargi
|Non-film
|
|-
|Zehaal-e-miskin makun taghaful
|Amir Khusro
|—
|c. 1980
|Classical Ghazals
|Non-film
|}


==Discography==
==Discography==
* ''Tere Shehar Mein'' – 1996<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Tere Shehar Mein'' – 1996&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''Lamha Lamha'' – 1997
* ''Lamha Lamha'' – 1997
* ''Mahtab'' – 1997
* ''Mahtab'' – 1997
Line 138: Line 471:
* ''Passions'' – 2000
* ''Passions'' – 2000
* ''Sajda'' – 2001
* ''Sajda'' – 2001
* ''Visaal'' – 2004<ref name=Technofundo/>
* ''Visaal'' – 2004&lt;ref name="Technofundo"&gt;[http://www.technofundo.com/fun/music/ga/index.html To Ghulam Ali With Love] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235101/http://www.technofundo.com/fun/music/ga/index.html|date=3 March 2016}} Technofundo.com website, Published 19 September 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2019&lt;/ref&gt;
* ''Aabshaar'' – 2006
* ''Aabshaar'' – 2006
* ''Parchhaiyan'' – 2006
* ''Parchhaiyan'' – 2006
* ''Husn-E-Ghazal'' – 2007
* ''Husn-E-Ghazal'' – 2007
* ''The Enchanter'' – 2010
* ''The Enchanter'' – 2010
* ''Anjuman Behtareen Ghazalein''<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Anjuman Behtareen Ghazalein''&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''At His Very Best'' Ghulam Ali
* ''At His Very Best'' Ghulam Ali
* ''Aawargee''
* ''Aawargee''
* ''Dillagee''
* ''Dillagee''
* ''Ghazalain – Live at Islamabad''<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Ghazalain – Live at Islamabad''&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''Ghazals''
* ''Ghazals''
* ''Great Ghazals''
* ''Great Ghazals''
* ''Geet Aur Ghazals''
* ''Geet Aur Ghazals''
* ''Hungama Live in Concert Vol.1''<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Hungama Live in Concert Vol.1''&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''Haseen Lamhe''
* ''Haseen Lamhe''
* ''Khwahish''
* ''Khwahish''
* ''Live in USA Vol 2 – Private Mehfil Series''
* ''Live in USA Vol 2 – Private Mehfil Series''
* ''Live in USA Vol 1 – Private Mehfil Series''
* ''Live in USA Vol 1 – Private Mehfil Series''
* ''Mast Nazren -Ecstatic Glances Live in London'', 1984<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Mast Nazren -Ecstatic Glances Live in London'', 1984&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''Narayan Gopal, Ghulam Ali Ra Ma'' (Nepali Ghazals)<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Narayan Gopal, Ghulam Ali Ra Ma'' (Nepali Ghazals)&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''Once More''
* ''Once More''
* ''Poems of Love''
* ''Poems of Love''
Line 177: Line 510:
* ''Ghulam Ali – Mehfil – Collection From Live Concerts''
* ''Ghulam Ali – Mehfil – Collection From Live Concerts''
* ''The Best of Ghulam Ali''
* ''The Best of Ghulam Ali''
* ''Awargi—Ghulam Ali – Vocal CDNF418/419 Live. Vol.3 & 4.''
* ''Awargi—Ghulam Ali – Vocal CDNF418/419 Live. Vol.3 &amp; 4.''
* ''Aitbaar''
* ''Aitbaar''
* ''Aadaab Ustad (Ghazals)''
* ''Aadaab Ustad (Ghazals)''
Line 188: Line 521:
* ''Best of Ghulam Ali''
* ''Best of Ghulam Ali''
* ''Greatest Hits Of Ghulam Ali''
* ''Greatest Hits Of Ghulam Ali''
* ''The Golden Moments Ghulam Ali'' (Vol.1)<ref name=APNA/>
* ''The Golden Moments Ghulam Ali'' (Vol.1)&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''A Live Concert''
* ''A Live Concert''
* ''The Best of Ghulam Ali''
* ''The Best of Ghulam Ali''
* ''Once More''<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Once More''&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''Mehraab''
* ''Mehraab''
* ''Ghulam Ali Live at India Gate – Swar Utsav 2001 – Songs of the Wandering Soul''<ref name=APNA/>
* ''Ghulam Ali Live at India Gate – Swar Utsav 2001 – Songs of the Wandering Soul''&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;
* ''Ghalib – Ghazals – Ghulam Ali – Mehdi Hassan''
* ''Ghalib – Ghazals – Ghulam Ali – Mehdi Hassan''
* ''The Latest, the best"\''
* ''The Latest, the best"\''
* ''Meraj-E-Ghazal, Ghulam Ali & [[Asha Bhosle]]''<ref name=Technofundo/><ref name=APNA/>
* ''Meraj-E-Ghazal, Ghulam Ali &amp; [[Asha Bhosle]]''&lt;ref name=Technofundo/&gt;&lt;ref name=APNA/&gt;


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
*[[Pride of Performance]] Award in 1979 by the [[President of Pakistan]]
*[[Pride of Performance]] Award in 1979 by the [[President of Pakistan]]
*[[Sitara-i-Imtiaz]] Award (Star of distinction) in 2013 by the [[President of Pakistan]]<ref>[http://www.dawn.com/news/742068/abida-parveen-aleem-dar-among-winners-posthumous-awards-for-manto-mehdi-Hassan Ghulam Ali's award info on Dawn (newspaper)] Published 14 August 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref>
*[[Sitara-i-Imtiaz]] Award (Star of distinction) in 2013 by the [[President of Pakistan]]&lt;ref&gt;[http://www.dawn.com/news/742068/abida-parveen-aleem-dar-among-winners-posthumous-awards-for-manto-mehdi-Hassan Ghulam Ali's award info on Dawn (newspaper)] Published 14 August 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2019&lt;/ref&gt;


==References==
==References==
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ali, Ghulam}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ali, Ghulam}}
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:1941 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Pakistani ghazal singers]]
[[Category:Pakistani ghazal singers]]
[[Category:Pakistani classical singers]]
[[Category:Pakistani classical singers]]
[[Category:Classical music in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Pakistani folk singers]]
[[Category:Pakistani folk singers]]
[[Category:Performers of Sufi music]]
[[Category:Performers of Sufi music]]
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[[Category:Pakistani Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:Pakistani Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:People from Sialkot]]
[[Category:People from Sialkot]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Nepali-language singers]]
[[Category:Nepali-language singers]]
[[Category:Pakistani playback singers]]
[[Category:Pakistani playback singers]]
Line 228: Line 560:
[[Category:Recipients of Sitara-i-Imtiaz]]
[[Category:Recipients of Sitara-i-Imtiaz]]
[[Category:Patiala gharana]]
[[Category:Patiala gharana]]
[[Category:People from Punjab Province (British India)]]
[[Category:Punjabi-language singers]]

Revision as of 00:27, 11 January 2026


Not to be confused with Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

Ustad
Ghulam Ali Khan
غلام علی خان
Ghulam Ali in Chennai
Ghulam Ali in Chennai
Background information
Born (1940-12-05) 5 December 1940 (age 85)
Galotian Khurd, Daska, Punjab, British Raj<br />(now in Sialkot, Pakistan)
Genres
Instruments
Years active1960– present
LabelsRadio Pakistan, PTV

Ustad Ghulam Ali (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.; born 5 December 1940) is a Pakistani ghazal singer of the Patiala Gharana. Ghulam Ali is considered one of the greatest ghazal singers of his era. He has also been a prominent playback singer in Bollywood. He is a disciple of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Ali was also trained by Bade Ghulam Ali's younger brothers, Barkat Ali Khan and Mubarak Ali Khan.

His style and variations in singing ghazals are unique, as he blends Hindustani classical music with ghazals, unlike any other ghazal singer. He is highly popular in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, as well as among South Asian diaspora in the US, the UK and the Middle Eastern countries.<ref name="APNA">Amjad Parvez (8 April 2014). "Legendary singer Ghulam Ali". Academy of the Punjab in North America (APNA) website. Retrieved 16 July 2019.</ref> Many of his hit ghazals have been used in Bollywood movies. His famous ghazals are Chupke Chupke Raat Din, Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi, Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa, Chamakte Chand Ko, Kiya Hai Pyar Jise, May Nazar Se Pee Raha Hoon, Mastana Peeye, Ye Dil Ye Pagal Dil, Apni Dhun Mein Rehta Hoon a ghazal by Nasir Kazmi, Ham Ko Kiske Gham Ne Maara. His album Hasratein was nominated in the Best Ghazal Album category at the Star GIMA Awards 2014.

Early life

Ghulam Ali was born in 1941 in the Sialkot district of present-day Pakistan and was a child during the Partition of India, an event he recalls only faintly. He was introduced to music at an early age, coming from a musical family; his father was a musician, being a vocalist who could play the sarangi,<ref name=":0">Parvez, Amjad. "Legendary singer Ghulam Ali – Part I, II, III". Academy of the Punjab in North America. Archived from the original on 26 December 2025.</ref> and recognized his talent when one of his teachers noticed him humming a song at school and encouraged him to sing. At the age of 8, Ghulam Ali began formal training under his father, who assigned him a raaga to practise intensively on the harmonium, laying the foundation for his musical discipline. Though his grandmother initially objected to the rigorous training, his father believed early childhood was essential for building a strong musical base. He was named after the classical vocalist Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, whom his father greatly admired, and later had the opportunity to train under the legendary musician. His father aspired for him to become a ghazal singer, and Ghulam Ali began practising seriously from the age of 9.<ref name="easterneye2021">Mehta, Anjali (7 December 2021). "Ghazal great Ghulam Ali in his own words". Eastern Eye. Archived from the original on 26 December 2025.</ref><ref name=":1">"When Rafi woke up Ustad Ghulam Ali". Rediff. 2 January 2007. Archived from the original on 26 December 2025.</ref>

Ghulam Ali encountered Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, for the first time, when he was in his early teens. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan had toured Kabul, Afghanistan and, on the way back to India, Ghulam Ali's father requested the Ustad to take his son as a disciple. But Khan insisted that since he was hardly in town, regular training wouldn't be possible. But after repeated requests from Ghulam Ali's father, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan asked the young Ghulam Ali to sing something. It wasn't easy to have the courage to sing before him. He mustered the courage to sing the rhumri Saiyyan Bolo Tanik Mose Rahiyo Na Jaye. After he finished, Ustad hugged him and made him his disciple.<ref name=APNA/> Apart from the harmonium, he would also learn to play the tabla.<ref name=":0" />

Personal life

He was married to Afsana Ali, with whom he has a daughter, Manjari Ghulam Ali. His sons Aamir Ghulam Ali<ref>"Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali perform with his son Amir at a hotel in Bandra, Mumbai". Hindustan Times. 22 January 2014.</ref> and Nazar Ali Abbas are also musicians.<ref>"Wah Ustad!". Nepali Times. 8–14 August 2003. Now his son and disciple, Nazar Abbas Ali is following in his father's footsteps.</ref>

Career

Pakistan

A strong student academically, Ghulam Ali’s musical talent was soon recognized beyond his household. While practising on a terrace, he was noticed by a representative from Radio Pakistan, leading to an invitation to perform. At the age of 14, he began singing for a children’s programme on Radio Pakistan and within six months advanced to performing at the highest level, marking the beginning of his professional musical career.<ref name="easterneye2021"/>

Along with singing ghazals, Ghulam Ali composed music for his ghazals. His compositions are raga-based and sometimes include a scientific mixture of ragas. <!-- A raga is a scientific, precise, subtle and aesthetic melodic form with its own peculiar ascending and descending movement consisting of either a full seven note octave, or a series of six or five notes (or a combination of any of these) in a rising or falling structure called the Arohana and Avarohana. --> He is known for blending gharana-gaaiaki into ghazal and this gives his singing the capability to touch people's hearts. He sings Punjabi songs too. Many of his Punjabi songs have been popular and have been part of Punjab's own cultural diaspora.

On being questioned about Pakistani pop groups, Ghulam Ali replied, "Frankly, I am really bewildered at their style of singing. How can you sing a song by running and jumping around the stage? The stage is meant for performing not for acrobatics."<ref name=APNA/>

India

Though from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali remains as popular in India as in Pakistan. He first came to India in 1980.<ref name="easterneye2021"/> Asha Bhosle has done joint music albums with him, beginning with Meeraj-E-Ghazal in 1984.<ref name="easterneye2021"/> He was introduced to Bombay cinema with an Urdu film song Chupke Chupke Raat Din written by the poet Hasrat Mohani in B R Chopra's film, Nikaah (1982).<ref name="IMDb">Ghulam Ali on IMDb, Ghulam Ali Filmography on IMDb. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref> Other popular ghazals include Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa and Awaargi. He tends to select the ghazals of famous poets.

Ghulam Ali in Hyderabad, 2007

One of his memorable concerts was at the Taj Mahal.<ref name="TOI">Ghulam Ali sings in praise of the Taj The Times of India, published 10 July 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref> On being asked about the future of ghazal singers, he said he enjoyed popular ghazal singer Adithya Srinivasan's ghazals, who performed the opening act at his concert in 2012 at Bangalore.<ref name="Deccan">"Deccan Chronicle / Music : From the words of Ghalib ..." Deccan Chronicle. 21 June 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2019.</ref>

Recently, in February 2013, the maestro became the first person to receive the Bade Ghulam Ali Khan award. Commenting on this, he said," I am indebted to the Indian government for giving me this award. For me, it is the greatest award I have received because it is named after my guru." He also received the first Swaralaya Global Legend Award (2016) at Trivandrum, Kerala, India.<ref>Ghulam Ali's award info on The Hindu newspaper Published 15 January 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref>

Nepal

Ghulam Ali has also sung some Nepali ghazals like Kina Kina Timro Tasveer, Gajalu Tee Thula Thula Aankha, Lolaaeka Tee Thula and Ke Chha Ra Diun in Nepali language with Narayan Gopal, a well known Nepali singer, and composer Deepak Jangam. Those songs were written by King Mahendra of Nepal. These songs were compiled in an album entitled Narayan Gopal, Ghulam Ali Ra Ma, and are popular among Nepali music lovers to this day.<ref name="APNA" />

Furthermore, Ghulam Ali was the singer of choice for His late Majesty the king of Nepal Mahendra Birbikram Shah Dev. Ghulam Ali sang a number of popular songs written by King Mahendra.<ref name="APNA" />

Musical style

Ghulam Ali is known for composing the majority (he estimates at up to 95%) of the ghazals he performs, stating that most of his repertoire consists of his own compositions, while remaining open to singing works by other composers if he finds them musically strong. Over time, he has increasingly performed self-composed material, which has become a defining feature of his musical output.<ref name="easterneye2021"/>

His ghazal singing is firmly grounded in the Hindustani classical tradition, drawing extensively from classical raagas while adapting them to the lyrical and emotive structure of the ghazal. He has emphasized that ghazal singing requires rigorous training, particularly in precise pronunciation of Urdu poetry and accurate melodic execution, describing the form as technically demanding and time-intensive to master.

Controversies

Performances in India

In 2015, due to protest by Shiv Sena at Mumbai, his concert was cancelled.<ref>Pakistani Singer's Concerts in India Are Canceled After Shiv Sena Protests The New York Times, Published 8 October 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref> After this, he received invitations from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.<ref name="NDTV">"Ghulam Ali Performs in Lucknow, Meets Akhilesh Yadav". NDTV.com. Retrieved 16 July 2019.</ref> After this cancellation, he performed in Lucknow,<ref name="NDTV" /> New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode, India.<ref name="ZeeNews">"Ghulam Ali doesn't want to be used for political mileage; won't perform in India". Zee News. Retrieved 16 July 2019.</ref>

In a news item reported in 2015, Ghulam Ali has said that he won't perform in India until situation is right for music. He, however, assured that he will visit India when ‘the atmosphere is right.’ He said that he does not want to be used for political mileage.<ref name="ZeeNews" />

Notable ghazals/songs

Title Poet / Lyricist Raga Year Album / Collection Film Notes
Aah ko chahiye ik umr asar hone tak Mirza Ghalib — c. 1975 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Ae husn-e-beparwah tujhe shola kahoon ya shabnam Bashir Badr — c. 1980 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Aa gayi yaad shaam dhalte hi Munir Niazi — c. 1979 Ghazals Vol. 2 Non-film
Apni dhun mein rehta hoon Nasir Kazmi — c. 1976 Ghazals Vol. 1 Non-film
Apni tasveer ko aankhon se Shahzad Ahmad — c. 1977 Ghazals Vol. 1 Non-film
Arz-e-gham se bhi faida to nahin Raees Warsi — c. 1982 Ghazals Vol. 4 Non-film
Awaargi Mohsin Naqvi Bhairavi (light) 1988 Awaargi Non-film Title ghazal
Baharon ko chaman yaad aa gaya — — c. 1981 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Barsan lagi sawan bundiya Traditional — c. 1984 Folk & Ghazals Non-film Folk-based
Bata do tum humein bedaad karna Riaz Khairabadi — c. 1978 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Bechain bahut phirna Munir Niazi — c. 1979 Ghazals Vol. 2 Non-film
Chamakte chand ko toota hua taara bana dala Anand Bakshi — 1982 Nikaah (OST) Nikaah Film song
Chhup chhupa ke piyo — — c. 1977 Ghazals Vol. 1 Non-film
Chupke Chupke Raat Din Hasrat Mohani Kafi (light) 1982 Nikaah (OST) Nikaah Widely accepted
Dard-e-dil dard-e-aashna jaane Bahadur Shah Zafar — c. 1976 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Dareeche be-sada koi nahin hai Sabir Zafar — c. 1983 Ghazals Vol. 4 Non-film
Dil dhadakne ka sabab yaad aaya Nasir Kazmi — c. 1980 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Dil mein ek lehar si uthi hai abhi Nasir Kazmi Pilu (light) c. 1979 Ghazals Vol. 2 Non-film
Fasle aise bhi honge Adeem Hashmi — c. 1985 Ghazals Vol. 5 Non-film
Gajalu ti thula thula aankha King Mahendra (Nepal) — c. 1986 Nepali Ghazals Non-film Nepali
Heer Punjabi traditional — c. 1984 Punjabi Classics Non-film
Hum tere shehar mein aaye hain — — c. 1981 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Humko kiske gham ne maara Masroor Anwar — c. 1977 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Hungama Hai Kyun Barpa Akbar Allahabadi Darbari Kanada c. 1978 Classical Ghazals Non-film Strong consensus
Itni muddat baad mile ho Mohsin Naqvi — c. 1987 Ghazals Vol. 5 Non-film
Kachchi deewar hoon thokar na lagana — — c. 1982 Ghazals Vol. 4 Non-film
Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi Ibn-e-Insha Yaman (light) c. 1978 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Kehte hain mujhse ishq ka afsana chahiye Qamar Jalalabadi — c. 1979 Ghazals Vol. 2 Non-film
Khuli jo aankh Farhat Shehzad — c. 1980 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Khushboo jaise log mile — — c. 1984 Ghazals Vol. 4 Non-film
Kiya hai pyaar jise Qateel Shifai — c. 1981 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Koi ummeed bar nahin aati Mirza Ghalib — c. 1976 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Main nazar se pee raha hoon — — c. 1977 Ghazals Vol. 1 Non-film
Mehfil mein baar baar Agha Bismil — c. 1978 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Mere shauq da nai aitbaar tenu Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum — c. 1983 Punjabi Classics Non-film Punjabi
Niyat-e-shauq bhar na jaaye kahin Nasir Kazmi — c. 1982 Ghazals Vol. 4 Non-film
Ni chambe diye bandh kaliye Punjabi traditional — c. 1984 Punjabi Classics Non-film
Patta patta boota boota haal hamaara jaane hai Mir Taqi Mir Kafi (light) c. 1976 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Phir kisi raahguzar par shayad Ahmed Faraz — c. 1986 Ghazals Vol. 5 Non-film
Phir saawan rut ki pawan chali Nasir Kazmi — c. 1980 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Roya karenge aap bhi Momin Khan Momin — c. 1979 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Tamaam umr tera intezaar kiya Hafeez Hoshiarpuri — c. 1981 Ghazals Vol. 3 Non-film
Tumhare khat mein naya ik salaam kis ka tha Daagh Dehlvi — c. 1977 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Woh kabhi mil jaayen to Akhtar Sheerani — c. 1982 Ghazals Vol. 4 Non-film
Woh jo hum mein tum mein qaraar tha Momin Khan Momin — c. 1976 Classical Ghazals Non-film
Yeh baatein jhooti baatein hain Ibn-e-Insha — c. 1984 Ghazals Vol. 4 Non-film
Yeh dil yeh paagal dil Mohsin Naqvi — c. 1989 Awaargi Non-film
Zehaal-e-miskin makun taghaful Amir Khusro — c. 1980 Classical Ghazals Non-film

Discography

  • Tere Shehar Mein – 1996<ref name=APNA/>
  • Lamha Lamha – 1997
  • Mahtab – 1997
  • Madhosh – 1999
  • Khushboo – 2000
  • Rabba Yaar Milaade – 2000
  • Passions – 2000
  • Sajda – 2001
  • Visaal – 2004<ref name="Technofundo">To Ghulam Ali With Love Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Technofundo.com website, Published 19 September 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2019</ref>
  • Aabshaar – 2006
  • Parchhaiyan – 2006
  • Husn-E-Ghazal – 2007
  • The Enchanter – 2010
  • Anjuman Behtareen Ghazalein<ref name=APNA/>
  • At His Very Best Ghulam Ali
  • Aawargee
  • Dillagee
  • Ghazalain – Live at Islamabad<ref name=APNA/>
  • Ghazals
  • Great Ghazals
  • Geet Aur Ghazals
  • Hungama Live in Concert Vol.1<ref name=APNA/>
  • Haseen Lamhe
  • Khwahish
  • Live in USA Vol 2 – Private Mehfil Series
  • Live in USA Vol 1 – Private Mehfil Series
  • Mast Nazren -Ecstatic Glances Live in London, 1984<ref name=APNA/>
  • Narayan Gopal, Ghulam Ali Ra Ma (Nepali Ghazals)<ref name=APNA/>
  • Once More
  • Poems of Love
  • Saadgi
  • Suraag – In Concert
  • Suno
  • Soulful
  • Saugaat
  • The Golden Moments – Patta Patta Boota Boota
  • The Finest Recordings of Ghulam Ali
  • The Golden Collection
  • With Love
  • Kalaam-E-Mohabbat (Ghazals written by Sant Darshan Singh Ji)
  • Chupke Chupke – Live in Concert, England
  • Rang Tarang vol 1,2
  • Janay Walay
  • Heer
  • Ghulam Ali – The Very Best
  • Ghulam Ali – Mehfil – Collection From Live Concerts
  • The Best of Ghulam Ali
  • Awargi—Ghulam Ali – Vocal CDNF418/419 Live. Vol.3 & 4.
  • Aitbaar
  • Aadaab Ustad (Ghazals)
  • Ghulam Ali Vol.1 and 2
  • A Ghazal Treat – Ghulam Ali in Concert;;
  • Ghulam Ali in Concert
  • Awargi (Live) Vol 1 and 2
  • Moods and Emotions
  • Ek Ehsaas – A Confluence of the Finest Ghazal Voices
  • Best of Ghulam Ali
  • Greatest Hits Of Ghulam Ali
  • The Golden Moments Ghulam Ali (Vol.1)<ref name=APNA/>
  • A Live Concert
  • The Best of Ghulam Ali
  • Once More<ref name=APNA/>
  • Mehraab
  • Ghulam Ali Live at India Gate – Swar Utsav 2001 – Songs of the Wandering Soul<ref name=APNA/>
  • Ghalib – Ghazals – Ghulam Ali – Mehdi Hassan
  • The Latest, the best"\
  • Meraj-E-Ghazal, Ghulam Ali & Asha Bhosle<ref name=Technofundo/><ref name=APNA/>

Awards and recognition

References

External links

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