Ustad Ghulam Ali Ustad Ghulam Ali

Pakistani ghazal singer Ustad Ghulam Ali would be performing at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi during an annual music concert, beginning April 8. However, he won’t be singing ghazals, but classical ‘chaiti’ and ‘thumri’ at the event.

Ali, who reportedly had himself contacted the temple mahant requesting to allow him perform at the concert, will not charge any fee for his performance. The temple administration has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also the local MP, to the event.

Temple’s mahant Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, also a professor at IIT-BHU, said it will be the first performance by a Pakistani artist at Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple. “Sangeet Samaroh will be the last lap of the temple’s annual event that will begin on April 4 on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti,” he added.

Mishra told The Indian Express that he spoke to Ali over phone during his recent visit to Delhi around 20 days ago. “Ghulam Ali ji himself expressed desire to perform in Sangeet Samaroh,” he said.

The mahant said more than 50 performers, including kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia, odissi dancer Sonal Mansingh, tabla player Hasmat Ali Khan, sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, his sons Amaan and Ayaan, will participate in the event.

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