LAHORE: Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Pakistan’s prominent name in classical music, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 81.
Khan’s funeral prayers were offered at Karbala Gam-e-Shah in Lahore on Thursday and he was later laid to rest amid tears and tributes.
Ustad Fateh Ali Khan was suffering from lung ailment since the past two weeks.
He was the younger of the singing duo Amanat Ali and Hamid Ali Khan, who enjoyed immense success in Pakistan as well as India until the demise of Amanat Ali Khan.
They were trained by their father, Akhtar Hussain Khan, who was also a distinguished vocalist in the princely state of Patiala, British India. He was the uncle of classical singer Asad Amanat Ali Khan.
Amanat Ali and Fateh Ali became celebrities while still in their teens in British India, and were conferred the Pride of Performance Award in 1969.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the sad demise of Fateh Ali Khan and said his services in the field of classical singing would always be remembered.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif also was shocked over the death of the legendary classical singer.
“Ustad Fateh Ali Khan held a unique place in classical music and his talent will always be remembered,” said CM Punjab while extending his condolences to the bereaved family.
REACTIONS
Ustad Fateh Ali Khan passes away. May his soul rest in peace!
— Hina Butt (@hinaparvezbutt) January 4, 2017
Ustad Fateh Ali Khan,great classical singer (uncle of shafqat amanat ali)passed away.May Allah bless his soul.Ameen https://t.co/KDI1EA7dhm
— Dr Shahid Masood (@Shahidmasooddr) January 4, 2017
RIP “Ustad Fateh Ali Khan” He was a great singer and amazing artist of his field. Prayers for the departed soul.
— qazi saleem (@qazisaleem) January 4, 2017
Legendary Classical Singer Ustad Fateh Ali Khan passed away, closing a glorious chapter of classical music. May his soul in eternal peace.
— Sobia Kamal Khan (@SobiaKamalKhan) January 4, 2017