Ustad Barkat Ali Khan (1908-1963)

Barkat Ali Khan’s  captivating voice and a unique ability to engross listeners has left an indelible mark on the world of music. He was the brother of legendary Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan .

Barkat Ali Khan was born in 1908 in Kasur, to the Patiala Gharana, a prestigious lineage of musicians tracing its roots back to the court of the Maharaja of Patiala.

As a child, Barkat Ali Khan demonstrated a keen interest in music, a passion that was strongly encouraged by his family, known for their musical talents. He was initially trained by his father, Ali Bux Khan, who was a well-regarded vocalist in the court of Patiala.

With his father’s training forming the bedrock of his musical foundation, Barkat Ali Khan soon developed his unique style, combining the rigorous classical tradition with an instinctive sense of creativity. The initial years of his career were marked by struggle and hard work. However, his tenacity and passion for music never waned. Barkat Ali Khan’s rise in the classical music sphere can be credited to his perseverance, coupled with his unmatched talent.

Barkat Ali Khan was well-versed in both the Dhrupad and Khayal styles of Indian classical music. His training under his elder brother Bade Ghulam Ali Khan further diversified his musical range, and he gained proficiency in the Patiala Gharana’s style. Barkat Ali Khan was particularly known for his thumris, a semi-classical form, wherein he skillfully incorporated the intricate techniques of Khayal singing.

Many people in Pakistan say that simplicity and humility were the hallmark of his personality. He started a new trend of ghazal-singing in Pakistan. Before Mehdi Hassan Barkat Ali Khan became known as the 'King of ghazals' in the 1970s.

He was widely acknowledged as one of the great exponents of Thumri, Dadra, Geet and Ghazal, and was well known for both Purab and Punjab Ang Thumris. The great Mohammad Rafi was a shagird of Barkat Ali Khan.

Barkat Ali Khan’s contributions were not limited to performance alone. He also worked to mentor and train future generations of musicians, thus ensuring the continuity and growth of the classical music tradition.  Among his disciples include  Begum Akhtar , Madam Farida Khanum, Ghulam Ali, Abzal Hussain.  K.L Saigel was also highly influenced by Ustad ji and  Salamat Ali Khan and Nazakat Ali Khan, who went on to establish their own significant careers in music.