Raza Ali Khan

Raza Ali Khan
Raza Ali Khan, performing
Background information
Born	(1962-08-08) 8 August 1962
Origin	Kolkata, India
Genres	Hindustani classical music
Occupation	Hindustani classical vocalist

Ustad Raza Ali Khan (born on 8 August 1962 in Karachi, Pakistan) is an Indian classical vocalist of the Kasur Patiala gharana.Ustad Raza Ali Khan is grandson of the legendary Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Raza Ali Khan belongs to a family of musicians His grandfather is the legendary Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and his father is Ustad Munawar Ali Khan Younger son of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan,So naturally, he began learning the art from a very young age. “Music was the only thing that interested him as a kid. But it is a tough job to carry on a legacy as there is a lot of pressure,” says Raza Ali Khan, who was in Hyderabad for a concert over the weekend. Taking the family’s name ahead has always been crucial for the maestro, but it hasn’t been easy. He says, “It is difficult to carve a niche for yourself when you belong to a legendary family. However, the one advantage is that you are gifted. Khan’s grandfather, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, made sure that his training was interesting. He says, “Every time I learned a particular music piece, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan ji would buy me a new toy or take me out. As I grew up, my father continued the training, but on a more serious note. Khan’s training was going well but he received the surprise of his life when he turned 14. “I had accompanied my father to a concert at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Suddenly, he turned towards me and asked me to perform. I was taken aback. But then he warned me saying that if I didn’t perform well, he would slap me in front of everyone. I was appalled, but I poured my life into the performance and everything went well,” he laughs while reminiscing.

Early years

Raza Ali Khan was born in Karachi, Pakistan to Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Munawar Ali Khan, who was the son of The Legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. He received his early training from his grandfather and then from his father. He also accompanied his father on concerts.

Career

Raza Ali performs Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, Geet, Sozkhani, Noha Khani, and Manqabat.

He gave his first solo performance at the Youth Festival in 1977 at the Eden Garden Stadium at Calcutta.

He has composed Ghazals for Ghulam Ali which were released by Venus, 'Moods and Emotions' and for Penaz Masani which was released by Polydor, 'Dharkan'. He remained the chief music director of Venus for four years. He also gave music in a Telefilm named Bindia which was produced by Doordarshan and was directed by Uma Vasudeva.

Discography

• Gharana Lineage (NAVRAS Records, London)
• 3 Generations (Gathani Records, Calcutta)
• A Tribute to Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, (Audio Rec, London)
• Homage to Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Raagleela and Shadab released from Venus
• Ustad Raza Ali Khan live in Karachi released by APMC.

References

• "Legacy comes with pressure and talent: Ustad Raza Ali Khan". Deccan Chronicle. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2019.