By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Dallas, Texas: Pakistan’s distinguished classical singer, Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, a two-time Presidential Award recipient, mesmerized the audience with a spellbinding performance at a Ghazal Night in Dallas. Organized by Hasan Soomro Entertainment, the event became an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts as the renowned Patiala family maestro captivated the crowd with his exceptional talent.
Ustad Hamid Ali Khan commenced the evening with his signature rendition of Raag Darbari, which immediately transported the audience into a trance. Each note, rhythm, and cadence received resounding applause. He performed his celebrated ghazals, “Lagi Re Tose Lagi” and “Mainu Tere Jeya Sohna,” deeply touching the hearts of the attendees. Additionally, he introduced a new song, “Udas Logon Se Pyar Karna Koi To Seekh.”
The maestro also showcased traditional Patiala Gharana compositions, a hallmark of his musical legacy. The audience swayed and cheered enthusiastically with each raag and ghazal. When he performed classics like “Piya Dekhna Ko,” “Teri Yaad Hai Meri,” and “Pyar Nahi Hai Sur Se Jisko,” the atmosphere was electrified.
Throughout the event, music lovers expressed their admiration by showering Ustad Hamid Ali Khan with dollars, a testament to his immense popularity even outside Pakistan. The audience not only applauded but also vocalized their appreciation, turning the event into a vibrant celebration. The program continued late into the night, with the maestro fulfilling numerous requests for additional ghazals and songs.
At the end of the event, Hassan Soomro and his wife, Shiza Rizvi, thanked the attendees. They extended special gratitude to Raja Zahid Khanzada, Editor-in-Chief of Jago Times, for his invaluable support. They emphasized that such events play a crucial role in bringing the community together and promoting Pakistani music on an international level. They reiterated their commitment to promoting Pakistani culture in the United States.
For the music aficionados of Dallas, the evening was nothing short of a blessing. Ustad Hamid Ali Khan not only entertained with his singing and raags but also introduced the audience to the profound depths of classical music. Attendees expressed their joy, stating they would cherish the beautiful memories of the evening forever. The event was a testament to the enduring magic of classical music, with Ustad Hamid Ali Khan reigning as its undisputed king.
Addressing the audience, Ustad Hamid Ali Khan shared his delight in performing for the discerning crowd in Dallas. He remarked on the transformative power of music, noting that those who appreciate good music tend to lead meaningful lives. Reflecting on his family’s musical heritage spanning three centuries, he recounted how his grandfather was honored as the “General of Music” by a former Raja.
He proudly traced his lineage to legendary figures like his brothers, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and Ustad Salamt Ali Khan, and his father, Ustad Akhtar Hussain Khan, all of whom were icons in their time. His great-grandfather served as a court musician for the Maharaja of Patiala.
Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, a prominent figure of the Patiala musical family , was awarded by the President of Pakistan “The Pride of Performance” in 2007 and the “Sitara-e-Imtiaz” in 2010, cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s finest classical musicians.
ustad Hamid Ali khan with Editor in chief & CEO of The Jago Times News Group of Publicaton in USA
