Vocal Ghazal 

Mehdi Hassan

1929-

Teachers: Ustad Azeem Khan and Ustad Ismail Khan

Known as the Shehenshah –e- ghazal, legendary vocalist Mehdi Hassan has enriched ghazal gayaki with his mellifluous voice, perfection of sur and extraordinary ability as a composer.

Ghulam Ali

1940-

Teachers: Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan & Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan

Ghulam Ali is a born genius responsible for modernising ghazal gayaki. Internationally renowned, his strengths lie in his mastery over rhythm and skill of blending the Patiala style to the ghazal foray.

Link: Music Room - Ghulam Ali

Mukhtar Begum

1911 - 1982

Teacher: Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan

A standard bearer to the likes of Farida Khanum and Noor Jehan, Mukhtar Begum was considered an icon amongst the ghazal singers of the gramophone era. Her qualities included her command over classical music and understanding of Urdu poetry.

Farida Khanum

1933-

Teacher: Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan

Farida Khanum is appropriately known as the “Malika-e- Ghazal”. With strong grooming in khayal and thumri, her performances are marked by elegance, poise and sophistication. She was conferred the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan award in 2005.

Link: Gharana - Patiala

Madam Noor Jehan

1926 - 2000

Teachers: Ustad Ghulam Mohammad & Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

The legendary playback singer Malika-e- Tarannum Noor Jehan was an equally proficient ghazal singer. With rigorous training in classical music, Noor Jehan employed the essential features necessary to present the ghazal in an exceptional manner.

Link: Madam Noor Jehan

Iqbal Bano

1938-

Teacher: Ustad Chand Khan

Another pillar amongst the ghazal singers of the sub-continent, Iqbal Bano is renowned for presenting the ghazal in its authenticity. Her style is reminiscent of the legendary Begum Akhtar.

Link: Iqbal Bano

Ejaz Qaiser

1950-

Teacher: Master Akhtar Hussain “Akhyian”

Ejaz Qaiser is a leading name amongst the ghazal singers of Pakistan and regarded as a musician’s musician. His strength lies in his sonorous voice and impeccable rendering of classic Urdu poetry.

Parvez Mehdi

1947 - 2005

Teacher: Mehdi Hassan

A gifted vocalist who carved an independent artistic identity following inspiration from his teacher Mehdi Hassan. Parvez Mehdi combined the elements of folk and geet traditions into the ghazal genre.

Salamat Ali

1950-

Teachers: Mehdi Hassan & Ustad Sharif Khan

Salamat Ali is a leading exponent of ghazal and thumri from the Mehdi Hassan school of thought. He possesses an excellent aesthetic sense in conveying the essence of poetry through his music. 

Link: Salamat Ali Online Interview

Aqeel Manzoor

1950-

Teacher: Ustad Salamat Ali Khan

Based in Lahore, Aqeel Manzoor is a highly respected ghazal and kafi singer. A senior disciple of Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Aqeel employs various facets of the Shamchaurasi gharana into his singing.

Link: Sialkot - Tribute Concert

Ghulam Abbas

1951-

Teacher: Mehdi Hassan

Ghulam Abbas is amongst the leading ghazal singers of Pakistan. A senior disciple of Mehdi Hassan, he is also a leading playback singer of the Pakistani film industry.

Bashir Khan

1934- 1997

Teacher: Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan

An exceptional khayal, thumri and ghazal singer, Bashir Khan was a member of the Rampur/ Bhindi Bazaar gharanas. His renditions were marked with wonderful Behlawas and Murkis.

Link: Gharana - Bhindi Bazaar

Mehnaz

1956-

Teacher: Kajjan Begum

A popular vocalist associated with the film industry, Mehnaz’s main passion is ghazal singing. A good base in classical music has helped her to create an individual standing amongst modern-day ghazal singers.

Gulbahar Bano

1963-

Teacher: Afzal Khan

A talented ghazal singer of the younger generation, Gulbahar makes regular appearances on Radio, Television and Music conferences.

Mohammad Ali

1966-

Teacher: Ashiq Ali Khan

A promising musician of the younger generation who sings in the mould of Parvez Mehdi, Mohammad Ali has been blessed with a sweet voice and is making full use of the opportunities presented to him by the electronic media.

Samina Iqbal

1958-

Based in Lahore, Samina Iqbal follows the same pattern of presentation as Malika-e- Tarannum Noor Jehan. She frequently makes appearances on Television.

Shehzad Ali Khan

1975-

Teacher: Ustad Imtiaz Ali Khan

Hailing from the prestigious Shamchaurasi gharana, Shehzad has immense talent to develop into an excellent ghazal singer. His performance at the National Ghazal Festival in 2005 was immensely appreciated.