LAHORE: Ustad Asad Amanat Ali, the classical ghazal singer was born on the 25th of September, 1955 and passed away in London due to a cardiac arrest in 2007, April 8. Today marks his 11th death anniversary. A ceremony was held in Lahore today with many of the renowned singers of the Patiala music family were in attendance to pay their respects.
One of the most famous classical singers of Pakistan, he was the son of legendary singer Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and great grandchild to Ustad Ali Baksh, founder of the Patiala gharana. When his father passed away, Asad was taught the basics of classical music by uncle, Bade Fateh Ali Khan.
In an interview to The Express Tribune, the singer’s uncle, Ustad Hamid Ali Khan said, “Asad’s sudden death came as a shock to everyone and was a big loss for the whole country, especially for the Patiala gharana. We had been singing together since the beginning of his career. He had a beautiful voice and people always appreciated his work.”
The late classical singer recorded his first track at the astounding age of 10 and some of his most famous hits include, Umran Langiyaan Paban Bhar, Gham Tera Hum Nay, Zara Zara Dil Mein Dard Hua and Kal Chaudvin Ki Raat Thi. The singer was well known and loved all over the world and was even awarded with the honorary Pride of Performance award for his work.
According to fellow singer and friend, Ustad Shaukat Ali Khan “I miss the great singer and the great man Asad was. Although he is not amongst us today, his memories are with me.”
