Dr. Amjad Parvez

When Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) came into being in 1964 with its pilot station housed in the sheds inside the boundary of Radio Pakistan building (next to present CPU studios) in Lahore, its presentations used to be telecast LIVE for three hours daily, from 6 to 9 in the evenings. Daily transmissions had music programmes as its essential ingredient; folk, classical, traditional and Pop. … [Read more...] about Kausar Parveen — a phenomenal singer who died young

I woke up to the prowess of singer Raj Kumari when I was a child and used to tag along with my elder sisters and maternal aunts to watch movies in Ladies Shows held in Lahore’s cinemas. In one of these sessions, I saw the film titled ‘Mehal’ (The Mansion) released in 1949. It was blockbuster film and Madhubala-Ashok Kumar pair was supported by Vijay Lakshami playing the role of a neglected wife … [Read more...] about Raj Kumari — first female playback singer

Even today I hum Shamshad Begum song ‘Ohde Naal Hone Giyan Taan Galaan Goorhian Jehra Ajj Lehya Kei Daivey Kutch Diyan Choorian’ for the reason that her voice is very powerful in this song and yet very pleasing to ears. Of course the tune is catchy as well. Another of her Punjabi hits is a duet with Muhmmad Rafi ‘Saari Umraan Dei Pei Gaye Vichore’. There are many other songs which can be quoted to … [Read more...] about Shamshad Begum — a powerful, crispy but melodious voice

I remember that Malika Pukhraj telephoned me from Detroit in my hostel, Lucas House, Birmingham UK in the University of Birmingham to fix a recording with Saleem Shahid (father of actor Salman Shahid) for Sunday morning programme for the Asian community. BBC used to air one hour programme ‘Apna Hi Ghar Samajhiye’ (Make Yourself at Home) every Sunday morning at 9 AM and Saleem Shahid was one of the … [Read more...] about Malika Pukhraj — a strong, unique and tuneful voice

Listening to Mir Taqi Mir’s Ghazal ‘Ulti Ho Gaeein Sab Tadbeerain/Kutch Na Dawa Nei Kaam Kiya’ composed by music composer Khayyam, my mind travels back to late 1960s when this beautiful number was released. One can notice strong vocals in lower notes entering into softer tones on higher notes to remain tuneful. Emotions and expressions are dominating factor in this Ghazal. As a matter of fact, it … [Read more...] about Akhtari Bai Faizabadi — a girl who found solace in singing

Classical music in the subcontinent is at its lowest ebb nowadays, and there are many reasons for this decline. Availability of modern technology, less time with the music lovers to enjoy extended music concerts, discouragement of the use of traditional instruments in live music concerts (replaced by electronic instruments), low turnout of students for learning the intricacies of classical music … [Read more...] about Roshan Ara Begum — the queen of sub-continent’s classical music