About - Biography of Late Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan Sahab

Biography of Late Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan Sahab

Late Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan, an eminent vocalist and one of the pioneers of Hindustani Classical Music, was the son of Late Padma Bhushan Ustad Mushtaq Hussain Khan (the first recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award). He belonged to the illustrious Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, which owes its allegiance to the tradition of Miyaan Tansen.

Born on the 15th of August, 1936 in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan was initiated into the noble lineage tradition and art at a tender age by his father, one of the doyens of the gharana, late Ustad Mushtaq Hussain Khan, with a rigorous training for well over two decades and having performed on vocal support. After the demise of his father in the year 1964, Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan continued his training under the tutelage of his legendary elder brother, late Ustad Ishtiaq Hussain Khan, who then further groomed him into excellence, not only in Khayal, but also in numerous allied forms of Hindustani classical and light classical music, such as Tarana, Sadra, Dadra, Thumri, Ghazals, Soz, etc. Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan also composed and directed music for many TV serials, documentaries, etc.

Having been one of the leading torch bearers of Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana with a professional career of over 60 years, Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan performed not only in India, but also abroad, and has many disciples around the globe carrying forward his legacy, including his sons,

Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi and Ghulam Aziz Khan Niazi and grandsons, Muneer Khan Niazi and Mehdi Hasan Niazi. He was also the founder of Padmabhushan Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan Association (PUMHKA) - a non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong, which promotes performing arts, specifically Indian classical music; vocal, instrumental and dance, through conducting concerts, events and workshops. The elder son of Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan, Ustad Ghulam Siraj Niazi is the chairman of PUMHKA. PUMHKA also runs an academy in Hong Kong named after him and in his memory; “Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan Academy”.

Late Ustad Ghulam Husain Khan’s achievements, honours and career highlights include:

- All India Radio (A.I.R.) & Doordarshan “A-Grade” Senior Artist
- An Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Empanelled Artist
- Senior Fellowship Awardee (Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India)
- Special features in National Programmes of Music of A.I.R. & Television
- Special features and performances for prestigious organisations; Prasar Bharati (2001), Dhurupad Society of Dagar Brothers (1995), Dover Lane (1985, Kolkata), Association of Indian Universities (A.I.U.), Port Blair Sangeet Sammelan (1983), Indian High Commission of Singapore (1992), guest artist feature for SPIC MACAY, performance at ‘Raag Rang’ Silver Jubilee concert (1986), Tansen Sangeet Sammelan (1980), Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan (1981), ITC Sangeet Research Academy (1995), Sur Singar Samsad (1983), Thakur Awadh Bihari Mandir Trust, Kanpur (‘80s), Indian Arts Circle, Hong Kong (2005), RTHK Radio, Hong Kong (2005) and many more.