Adil Najam
I just heard that Asad Amanat Ali Khan died of a heart attack, in London. The news leaves me sad. Death of such talent at such a young age is always tragic. Just as it was when his father (Ustad Amanat Ali Khan) died, also relatively young and also abundantly talented.
For me – as for so many others – this scion of this Patiala gharana of classical singing was always his father’s son.
Asad Amanat Ali Khan was himself immensely talented, thought probably not as innovative in delivery as his father, but in many ways he was never able to come out of his father’s shadows. This was neither his fault nor his father’s. If anything, it was the fault of fans like myself who coudl never get themselves to listen to him without thinking of Ustad Amanat Ali Khan. But let it also be said that this was a compliment not only to Ustad Amanat Ali Khan but also to Asad Amanat Ali. He did his father proud. He made his the Patiala gharana proud.
In his memory let me share three memorable songs – the first two by Asad Amanat Ali Khan and the third by his father; all three are part of the legacy of both men. They also demonstrate how the memory of each can be so poignantly evoked by listening to the other.
First, Piyar nahin hai surr se jiss ko, woh morakh insaan nahin, by Ustad Asad Amanat Ali Khan.
Next, Kal chaudhvien ki raat thi, shab bhar raha charcha taira, also by Ustan Asad Amanat Ali Khan.
Finally, Insha Ji Utho, abb kooch karo, iss shehr mein dil ko lagana kiya by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan.
Sad news indeed. They say that when an old man dies it’s like a library burning down. I guess that when a musician of his caliber passes away, it’s also like a part of our musical heritage disappearing with him. Others will take up things after him, but he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
ps: Hamid, thanks for sharing that gem!
Very sad indeed — for me, his biggest hit was not in Urdu, but in Punjabi — kalam of Ghulam Fareed, “Umraan Langian Pubbhan Paar” — a real gem! You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt-P3KDxQsQ
very sad to hear about this news…
I m building up a database of the Performing artists and musicians; but sadly i m finding it very hard to gather info about the great music icons of our country. if anyone can help me and send me links of websites do feel free to mail me. mariam.ahmed.ali@gmail.com
Thanking you.
bye
Insha ji utho ab kooch karo
is shehar me ji ko lagana kia
I didn’t like him as a singer but one of his song which ends at “Ye Nagri Sunsaan” was really awesome.
It was hard to read about his early death. I always liked his ‘Umraan langiaN pabaaN bhar’. Earlier he and his uncle Ustan Hamid Ali Khan used to sing together but later they started performing separately.
Great loss to Patiala gharana !