Legendary ghazal singer Ghulam Ali Khan turns 80 today. While his fans across the world have been pouring their wishes for the icon, celebrated Indian singer Daler Mehndi also wishes him all the health and prosperity.
Sharing his love for the Pakistani legend , the Punjabi icon says, “The first time I heard Khan saab’s ghazal was back in 1975, and it was Jinke Honton Pe Hansi Paon Mein Chhale Honge. Though I was a kid, I fell in love with his gayaki and he became such a huge influence for me that I pursued his gharana of music. He had become such a sensation in India that once I was touring Maharashtra and even shops and restaurants in really small cities would also play his ghazals. I consider myself fortunate that later I shared a close bond with Khan saab and shared many privileged moments in his company,” says Mehndi.
Recalling the first time he spoke to Ghulam Ali in the US in 1986, Mehndi says that it happened when he was performing at the Yuba City California Nagar Keertan. “My elder brother Ustad Shamsher Singh used to live in Berkley. He made me speak to Khan saab over the phone when he visited him. I was so overwhelmed after speaking to him that I cried for almost 20 minutes,” says Mehndi, adding, “As he celebrates his 80th birthday today, I wish God blesses him with all the health and happiness.”
Ms. Soumya Vajpayee
Senior Entertainment & Lifestyle Journalist
