Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo passes away in Lahore | The Express Tribune

Veteran Pakistani classical singer Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo passed away in Lahore today, The Express Tribune can confirm. He was the son of the renowned vocalist Ustad Nathu Khan, who hailed from the famous Patiala Gharana of classical music.

Gullo is well known for his impeccable singing skills and has a big name within the industry, due to his expertise in thumri and kafi singing. He has previously been presented with a Pride of Performance award deliberated by the Government of Pakistan.

The Patiala Gharana, a social organisation linking vocal Hindustani classical musicians, was founded by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Ustad Ali Baksh Khan. He belongs to two famous houses of music, Patila and Shamchaurasi. Gullo is survived by two sons, Suraj and Chand, who are both also singers.

Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo.

Condolences pour in

“Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo was one of the pioneers of classical music. At the moment, he was the most seasoned name in the musical world, who contributed monumentally to his art,” said guitarist, Sajjad Tafu. “He was from the Cham Chorasi Gharana and was the brother-in-law of Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, while Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan was his nephew.”

Tafu added, “He struggled hard for the prosperity of classical music and was equally famous across the border as he was in his home country. He also sang for the local films while also working in India. Besides this, he performed in several countries of the world. He was teaching classical music to the young singers at Alhamra Arts Council and there is a line of aspiring singers who learnt basic classical music from him.”

“Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullo was the singer of the singers, who worked tirelessly for his craft,” said Sharif Awan Founder of Tehzeeb Foundation. “He sang every type of classical music including Thumri, Khyal but his popularity was the Multani Kafi. He had a grip on classical music like no other. He knew how to set the right mood during his performance. His two sons Suraj Khan and Chand Khan are following their father’s footsteps. There’s no doubt that Gullo’s death is a big loss for classical music.”

“Hussain Baksh Gullo was the reason for our domination in the field of classical music,” said veteran Ghazal singer Taranum Naz. “He spent almost his whole life in the service of classical music and struggled tremendously to earn respect for the art at an international level.” Naz went on to add, “He was like a teacher for all singers who wanted to learn from his work; he was an institution. A splendid era of classical music has come to an end after his passing away. Today, the whole music industry is mourning the loss of Hussain Baksh Gullo.”

Social media mourns Gullo

Honouring Hussain Baksh Gullo

Lahore Arts Council is set to host a solemn tribute session in memory of Gullo. This gathering will serve as a reflective platform to celebrate the remarkable artistry and indelible legacy of the late artist. As a mark of profound respect for the late maestro, classes at Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts stand cancelled, creating a moment of collective mourning.

Expressing heartfelt grief over the departure of Ustad Hussain Bakhsh Gullo, Executive Director Alhamra, Tariq Mehmood Chaudhry, hailed him as a radiant singing luminary, whose artistry brilliantly illuminated the nation. 

He further said that Ustad Gullo’s enduring association with Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts became a beacon for numerous aspiring artists, enriching their musical journeys. Alhamra remains steadfast in its commitment to perpetuating and advancing the extraordinary musical legacy left by Ustad Hussain Bakhsh.

In extending condolences to the family of Ustad Hussain Bakhsh Gullo, the head of Alhamra prayed for the departed soul to find eternal peace in Jannah. In a fitting tribute to his invaluable contributions, the class once led by Ustad at Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts will be named in his honour, eternally acknowledging his service to the world of music.

‘Classical music will die altogether’

In a 2017 interview with The Express Tribune, Gullo had expressed his disappointment regarding the future of classical music within the country. He believes that as of now, there is no platform in Pakistan to provide classical music the recognition it deserves.

“Years ago, classical music dominated the industry but it seems like that domination is now coming to an end,” Gullo told the publication. “Although there is a lot of talent and many classical singers present in Pakistan, they lack opportunities.”

“There’s a list of legendary singers that are the pride of classical music and who earned fame for our country because of their work. Many of them introduced new styles and traditions within classical music, which was welcomed by many,” shared Gullo.“However, the last two decades have witnessed the industry’s decline. It seems like no one is ready to talk about or consider the challenges we are presently facing.”

Regarding his sons, he shared, “I wish my boys Suraj and Chand the best of luck and am proud that they have learnt this art. I am happy that they are performing in different countries but I would really like to see more singers in the classical music field.”

In his five-decade-long singing career, the musician released many albums and has won countless hearts along the way. He has performed around the globe and is currently teaching music at Alhamra Hall, Lahore. “I have seen a wonderful era of classical music in my 55 years of singing. And I can say, without a doubt, Pakistan has ruled the classical music industry.”

The singer then went on to speak about the lack of motivation within the country’s youngsters. “However, no one has the passion to learn anymore. Everyone just wants to become a star in a matter of days and of course, that can’t happen. I don’t know what happened to ustad-shaagird tradition.”

He continued, “I am not forgetting those who are willing to learn but the fact of the matter is that they are a minority. Overall, the majority want fame at their fingertips and the situation is getting worse by the day. We can’t forget that classical music is our asset. Our seniors have really struggled and it is so painful for me to see that even after all those hitches, such circumstances have still occurred.”

Gullo further spoke about the future of classical music and expressed his desire for the concerned departments to really understand the issue and take relevant steps to make the situation better. “India has thousands of music academies in comparison to Pakistan. The root of the issue is that we have a shortage of resources due to which, people like us can’t provide such platforms to our young talent.”

He suggested the government establish more institutions like Alhamra Hall so senior musicians have the opportunity to teach music. “I believe that artists like me have a responsibility to teach and transfer knowledge on to the newcomers. It’s really hard for me to see that we are unable to provide opportunities for such people. I fear that in coming years, classical music will die altogether within Pakistan.”

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.