Legendary ghazal singer Ustad Ghulam Ali marked his 85th birthday on December 5, 2025, celebrating decades of contributions to South Asia’s classical and contemporary music scene.
Born on December 5, 1940, in Kalekay Nagra, British India, Ghulam Ali belongs to the prestigious Patiala Gharana and began his career with Radio Pakistan, Lahore, in 1960.
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Renowned for his soulful ghazal renditions, he also composes music blending classical ragas, while his Punjabi songs have become an integral part of Punjab’s cultural heritage and gained widespread popularity.
Ghulam Ali has collaborated with legendary Indian singers, including Asha Bhosle, and made his Bollywood debut with “Chupke Chupke Raat Din” in B.R. Chopra’s film Nikaah (1982), further expanding his cross-border appeal.
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His iconic performances include a landmark show at the Taj Mahal, and he has received multiple prestigious awards such as Pride of Performance (1979), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (2013), and Swarayala Global Legend Award (2016).
Over decades, timeless ghazals like “Ae Husn-e-Beparwah,” “Aah Ko Chahiye Ek Umr Asar Hone Tak,” and “Teri Yaad Yaad” have solidified his status as one of South Asia’s most celebrated ghazal maestros.