New Delhi, April 24: Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan, renowned for immortalizing songs like “Yaad Piya Ki Aayi” and “Naina More Taras Gaye,” left an indelible mark on the history of Indian classical music. A prominent representative of the Patiala gharana, he was celebrated for his extraordinary voice, remarkable melodies, and emotive performances. Although he passed away on April 25, 1968, his music continues to resonate with audiences today.
Born on April 2, 1902, in Kasur, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Bade Gulam Ali Khan hailed from a family deeply rooted in music. His father, Ali Baksh Khan, and uncle, Kale Khan, were both esteemed musicians. He began his musical education at home, laying a strong foundation for his future.
Bade Gulam Ali Khan spent his life in Lahore, Bombay, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Notably, the famous ghazal singer Ghulam Ali was his disciple. His family was known for its musical lineage. His journey in music began as a sarangi player, later learning from his father, uncle, and Baba Shinde Khan. Ali Baksh Khan was a court singer for the Maharaja of Kashmir, and their gharana was initially known as the “Kashmiri gharana.” After relocating to Patiala, it became known as the “Patiala gharana.” His exceptional vocal skills garnered him widespread fame.
He first showcased his talent at the Lahore Music Conference in 1919, gaining national recognition through performances at music festivals in Kolkata and Allahabad. His melodious and flexible voice transformed the thumri genre, infusing it with the sweetness and freshness of folk music.
In his khayal singing, he beautifully blended styles from the Dhrupad, Gwalior, and Jaipur gharanas. Mahatma Gandhi was deeply impressed after hearing him sing the bhajan “Radheshyam Bol.” He lent his voice to the character of Tansen in the film “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960). Bade Gulam Ali Khan performed on numerous stages in India and abroad, earning a special place among both classical music enthusiasts and the general public.
Despite his immense talent, he was staunchly against singing in films. When director K. Asif approached him to sing for “Mughal-e-Azam,” he requested a staggering fee of ₹25,000 per song, a sum far greater than what contemporary singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi charged, which was around ₹500. K. Asif accepted the terms, and Bade Gulam Ali Khan recorded songs like “Prem Jogan Ban Ke” and “Shubh Din Aayo” for the film.
After the 1947 India-Pakistan partition, he briefly moved to Pakistan but later returned to India, where he dedicated himself to music until his final years. For his exceptional artistry, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1962. After a prolonged illness, he passed away on April 25, 1968, at the Bashir Bagh Palace in Hyderabad. He continued to perform publicly until his death, with the support of his son, Munawwar Ali Khan.
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