Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali is a legendary singer known for his unique style and soulful renditions. Ghulam Ali’s introduction to the world of ghazals came through the works of iconic poets like Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, and Ahmed Faraz. His ability to interpret and render these timeless verses elevated him to the status of a ghazal virtuoso. Each ghazal became a journey, an exploration of human emotions, and a celebration of the Urdu language’s poetic richness.
Early Life and Training
Ghulam Ali was born on December 5, 1940, in Kaleki, Sialkot District, Punjab, into a musical family. His father, Daulat Ali, was a great admirer of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahab. He named him after one of the greatest musicians of all time, Khan Sahab. It was his father’s dream to see his son follow in the footsteps of the legendary singer. Ali’s early exposure to music came from listening to Bade Ghulam Ali Khan’s performances, which left a profound impact on him.
Daulat Ali, recognising his son’s talent, arranged for him to receive training from Khan Sahab himself. Although the maestro was often travelling, he agreed to mentor the young Ali. who would later also receive training from Khan Sahab’s younger brothers, Barkat Ali Khan and Mubarak Ali Khan.
Ghulam Ali’s early training under these stalwarts of the Patiala Gharana laid a strong foundation for his musical career. His rigorous training in classical music enabled him to develop a deep understanding of the intricacies of the ragas and talas, which he would later incorporate into his ghazal singing.
Singing Career
Ghulam Ali’s career began in the early 1960s when he started working as a singer for Radio Pakistan in Lahore. His early performances were well received, and he quickly gained recognition for his talent. In 1962, Ghulam Ali made his debut as a playback singer in the Pakistani film “Chiragh Jalta Raha.”
Ghulam Ali has an innate ability to blend classical music with ghazals, creating a unique and captivating style. His soulful renditions and emotive performances resonated with audiences, earning him widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Over the years, Ghulam Ali has released numerous albums and performed at countless concerts, both in Pakistan and internationally.
Ghulam Ali – The Legend
His renditions of ghazals by renowned poets such as Mirza Ghalib, Daagh, Meer, Momin, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Hasrat Mohani, Akbar Allahabadi, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmed Faraz, Ibne Insha, Nasir Kazmi, Mohsin Naqvi, Munir Niazi, and Qateel Shifai resonated deeply with audiences. He also sang Sufi poetry of Amir Khusro, Waris Shah, and many more. His ability to convey complex emotions through his singing earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
One of Ghulam Ali’s most famous ghazals, “Chupke Chupke Raat Din,” written by Great Hasrat Mohani, became an anthem of love, echoing through the hearts of fans globally. His repertoire also includes gems like “Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa” by Akbar Allahbadi and “Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi” by Ibne Insha, which are two of the most admired ghazals of all time.
Some of his most memorable Ghazals include “Apni Dhun Mein Rehta Hoon,” “Ham Ko Kiske Gham Ne Maara,” “Yeh Dil Yeh Paagal Dil, Kiya Hai Pyar Jise,” “Main Nazar Se Pee Raha Hoon,” “Woh Jo Hum Mein Tum Mein,” “Dil Mein Ek Lehar Si Uthi Hai,” “Khuli Jo Ankh,” “Andaz Apne Dekhte,” “Jinke Hothon Pe,” “Kiya Hai Pyar Jise, Kisi Ko De Ke Dil,” “Gardish E Dauran,” “Hum Tere Shahar Mein Aaye Hain Musafir Ki Tarha,” “Zehaal-e-miskin mukun taghaful,” “Patta Patta Boota Boota,” “Phir Sawan Rut Ki Pawan Chali,” “Tum Yaad Aaye,” “Roya Karenge Aap Bhi,” “Shauq Har Rang Raqeeb-E-Sar-O-Samaan Nikla,” and countless more.
Ghulam Ali – The Explorer
In 1982, he made his debut as a singer in Hindi films with his famous ghazal “Chupke Chupke Raat Din (Nikah).” He also sang songs like “Ya Sahib-E-Quran (Kasam Bhawani Ki),” “Ye Dil Ye Paagal Dil Mera (Maati Mange Khoon),” “Chamakte Chaand Ko (Awaargi),” “Teri Yaad Yaad Yaad (Bewafaa),” “Diwali Mein Ali Ram Ramzan Mein (Maalik Ek),” and “Kangana (The Great Indian Butterfly).”
Apart from Urdu, his Punjabi ghazals and songs have a heart-touching quality and have been a rage among Punjabi music lovers. One of his famous Punjabi songs, “Beh ja mere kol tenu,” is used in the Hindi film “Yadon Ki Kasam” as “Baith Mere Paas Tujhe Dekhti Rahoon,” in the voice of Lata Mangeshkar.
In addition to his ghazals, Ghulam Ali has also sung in Punjabi Sufi songs and Punjabi ghazals. Some of his most memorable Punjabi songs include Heer, Mere Shauk Da Nain, Khorey Kyon Mainu, Beh Ja Mere Kol Tenu, Ni Chambe Diye Bandh Kaliye, Nit de vichore sada, pata laga mainu huun ki judai, pehli waari aj hona, Rabba Mere Haal Da, Tak Patri Waaleya Lekh Mere, Ki Pucchde Ho Haal, and many more.
He also sang a few Nepali ghazals written by King Mahendra of Nepal, such as “Gajalu Ti Thula Thula Aankha,” “Kina Kina Timro Tasveer,” “Lolaaeka tee thula,” and “Ke chha ra diun.”
Personal Life
Ghulam Ali was first married to Afshan Abbas, but the couple got divorced after some time. He then married Sayeeda Ali, who is still with him. His daughter “Manjari Ghulam Ali” and sons “Aamir Ghulam Ali” and “Nazar Ali Abbas” are also musicians.
Ghulam Ali on IMDB
