Karachi (Web Desk): The 43rd death anniversary of famous Pakistani classical, Ghazal singer Mukhtar Begum, whose voice continues to resonate through the corridors of classical music, was observed on Tuesday.
Born in Amritsar in 1901, into a family where music was not just a tradition but a passion, Mukhtar Begum’s journey began under the loving guidance of her father, Ghulam Muhammad, a harmonium virtuoso himself.
Recognizing her immense potential, he entrusted her to the tutelage of some of the finest classical maestros of the time.
Under the guidance of Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan, a renowned figure of the Patiala Gharana, Mukhtar Begum honed her craft in the intricate layers of classical music.
Her journey didn’t stop there, as she absorbed the teachings of many stalwarts like Ustad Allah Diya Khan Mehrban, Ustad Fatu Khan, and Pandit Shambhu Maharaj.
With each lesson, Mukhtar Begum’s voice grew in depth, and she mastered multiple forms such as Thumri, Dadra, and Ghazal with equal grace.
Mukhtar’s artistry was not confined to just her technical prowess, but in how she captured the soul of each raag, each lyric, and brought forth an emotional depth that was both rare and captivating.
Her Ghazals, in particular, held a timeless elegance, and they continue to evoke a sense of longing and reflection in listeners.
Her death on February 25, 1982, in Karachi marked the loss of one of Pakistan’s greatest musical treasures.
However, Mukhtar Begum’s legacy lives on, immortalized in her recordings, which continue to inspire both musicians and music lovers alike.
Through her, the essence of classical music also found a voice that would echo through generations.
