Lahore (Web Desk): The 62nd death anniversary of the illustrious classical and semi-classical vocalist Ustad Barkat Ali Khan is being observed today (Thursday), marking over six decades since the music world lost one of its most soulful voices.
Born in 1908 in the historic town of Kasur, Punjab, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan was destined for greatness.
He was a proud torchbearer of the Patiala Gharana, and the younger brother of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, from whom he inherited not just a musical lineage but a deep, emotive connection to the art itself.
With a voice that could stir hearts and silence rooms, he breathed life into forms like Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal and Kafi, elevating each to new realms of expression.
His music was not merely performance—it was poetry in motion, steeped in feeling and layered with nuance.
In a time of great cultural transition, he stood as a bridge between the purity of classical tradition and the accessibility of the semi-classical style, making his art resonate with both connoisseurs and common listeners.
Ustad Barkat Ali Khan’s presence graced radio waves, filled concert halls, and echoed through timeless recordings. But his influence extended beyond the stage; he nurtured a generation of singers, instilling in them not only the techniques of music but its spirit.
His command over sur and bhav, melody and emotion, earned him admiration that transcended borders.
Ustad Barkat Ali Khan passed away on June 19, 1963, in Lahore, leaving behind not silence but an eternal echo—one that continues to inspire, teach, and move.
