Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA’s) on Friday paid rich tributes to classical singers Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and Ustad Nazakat Ali Khan at the Shakir Ali Museum.

The PNCA organised the evening in collaboration with Sham Chaurasi Music Circle (SCMC) in remembrance of the two maestros who are considered to be the pioneers of classical singing in Pakistan.

Shafqat Ali Khan, who is the youngest son of Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, said that artists are part of the society and they must be given equal respect, adding that it is important to acknowledge our great classical musical legacy.

Shafqat, who has been proactively going in universities and colleges to change the mindset of young generation about classical music, announced that he had successfully made ‘doctors panel’ to provide free medication for the needy artists.

“To save the dying art of classical music, it is important that the social status of artists is uplifted without looking towards the government. People should come forward and join hands in helping the artists,” he added.

On the occasion, Shakir Ali Museum Director Amna Pataudi said that it was the consecutive fourth tribute to Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, adding that the mission, led by celebrated singer’s son Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, would always be supported by PNCA. She said that the council is fully supporting the idea of making proper royalty system for music producers and composers in order to give them financial protection.

Shafqat Ali Khan, Hussain Bux Gullo, Fariha Pervez, Insha Dar, Ustad Ejaz Ali Khan, Qasim Ali Khan, Ustad Muhammad Akhtar Khan, Aqeel Manzoor, Qadir Shaggan and Muslim Shaggan, Nazir Faridi, Nayyab and Enaam Ali Khan, Faizan Ali Khan, Sheryar Ali Khan, Roushu Ali Khan and Sarwat Ali Khan performed on the occasion.

Legendary classical singer Ustad Salamat Ali Khan belonged to Sham Chaurasia gharana. The celebrated singer had received the Pride of Performance award, which is the highest national award in the field of performing arts.