Instrumentalists 

Tabla

Mian Qadir Bukhsh

1903 - 1962

Gharana: Punjab

 Link: Professor Kippen's site

Khalifa Akhtar Hussain Khan

1947-2001

Gharana: Punjab

Teachers: Mian Qadir Bukhsh, Ustad Mashooqay Khan and Ustad Aslam Khan

The last recognised khalifa of the Punjab tradition, Akhtar Hussain was respected for his knowledge over the traditional solo repertoire of Punjab.

Link: Obituary

Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan

1930-1996

Gharana: Punjab & Delhi

Teachers: Pandit Hiralal & Mian Qadir Bukhsh

The late Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan ranked amongst the finest musicians of South Asia. Apart from his prowess over the solo repertoire, the maestro’s forte was his impeccable accompaniment.

Link: Professor Kippen's site

Ustad Altaf Hussain "Tafo" Khan

1945-

Gharana: Punjab

Teachers: Mian Qadir Bukhsh & Haji Fida Hussain

The renowned Tafo Khan is recognised for his matchless tayyari. His solo performances are characterised by his dazzling prowess over difficult bols and charismatic stage presence. 

Link: Music Room - Ustad Tafo Khan

Ustad Bashir Hussain "Goga"

1940- 1991

Gharana: Punjab

Teachers: Ustad Mureed Hussain & Baba Hameed Khan

An outstanding soloist, Ustad Goga Khan was a regular participant in the tabla dungals of Pakistan. His solos were marked by clear tonal reproduction, exquisite dexterity and daring panache.

Link: Professor Kippen's Site

Ustad Faryaad Hussain "Bhulli" Khan

1945-2004

Gharana: Punjab

Teacher: Ustad Ghulam Hussain “Jullundhari”

Ustad Bhulli Khan was an outstanding musician renowned for his tayyari and mastery over the “Ten Finger Style” created by his mentor, Lala Ghulam Hussain. Bhulli Khan won special praise over his ability to play the difficult “Dhire Dhire” bol.

Link: Sadarang Sales Catalogue

Ustad Bashir Khan

1946-

Gharana: Punjab

Teacher: Mian Karim Bukhsh “Pairna”

A senior disciple of Mian Karim Bukhsh Pairna, Bashir Khan is an outstanding soloist and a highly rated member of the Punjab gharana. One of the last few tabla players of Pakistan concentrating on propagating the traditional solo repertoire.

Ustad Abdul Sattar "Tari" Khan

1953-

Gharana: Punjab

Teacher: Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan

Also known as the “Prince of Tabla”, the celebrated Tari Khan has a large following amongst classical music listeners. His greatest contribution towards tabla playing is redefining tabla accompaniment to the ghazal genre.

Link: www.taritabla.com

Arshad Ali

1955-

Gharana: Punjab

Teachers: Ustad Allahditta Khan & Ustad Rasheed Khan  

Arshad Ali is a gifted musician, who made his name with his accompaniment with ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali. Arshad possesses a huge repertoire of traditional compositions of the Punjab Gharana.

Ghulam Abbas Khan

1956-

Gharana: Punjab

Teachers: Ustad Ghulam Hassan “Kook” Khan & Ustad Allah Rakha Khan

Ghulam Abbas Khan’s rigorous training and close association with Ustad Salamat Ali Khan helped him to develop into a fine all round tabla player. His playing displays all the hallmarks of the Punjab gharana.  

Link: www.ghulamabbas.com

Ejaz Hussain "Ballu" Khan

1962-

Gharana: Punjab

Teacher: Ustad Altaf Hussain “Tafo” Khan

Ballu Khan has established himself as a tabla player of outstanding merit. Despite being associated with the Pakistani film industry, Ballu has maintained a strict regime of practice and focus on solo tabla.

Mohammed Ajmal Khan

1958-

Gharana: Punjab

Teacher: Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan

Based in Islamabad, Ajmal is following in his teacher’s mould by providing excellent accompaniment.  He is presently associated with Lok Virsa and Pakistan Television Network.  

Sajjad Ali

1968-

Gharana: Punjab

Teacher: Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan  

Strongly influenced by Ustad Tari Khan, Sajjad Ali is a dynamic young tabla player who is a regular accompanist to the leading musicians. Like Tari Khan, he is equally at ease at both classical and light forms of accompaniment.