Ghulam Ali

HE DOES not like being addressed as `Sir'. "Mujhe apne aap ko sir vir bulwana achcha nahin lagta. You can call me bhaijaan (elder brother) or uncle if you like." This is Ghulam Ali, the ghazal maestro from Pakistan. The singer prefers to speak in Urdu.

Music was "a natural choice" for him. His father Naubat Ali Khan Jafri, and grandfather were both good singers of their times. "Their renown remained confined to the local level because of lack of media facilities. But they wanted me to earn name and fame."

He is known for blending gharana-gaayaki into ghazal and this gives his singing the capability to touch hearts. He beautifully sings Punjabi songs too. Most of his Punjabi songs have been extremely popular. Though from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali remains as popular in India as in Pakistan.

Ghulam Ali originates from Pakistan, and has sung over the years in various countries in many live concerts. Many international music labels have produced his albums in various forms.