Veteran Classical Vocalist Manzoor Ali Khan Remembered On 46th Death Anniversary

SANGHAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Sep, 2026) The 46th death anniversary of renowned Sindh classical vocalist and music maestro Ustad Manzoor Ali Khan was observed in his native Tando Adam on Wednesday with music lovers, writers, intellectuals, journalists and artistes paying tribute to the legendary singer. A large number of people visited his grave, laid a floral chadar and offered Fateha to pay homage to the late maestro. Prominent singer Hameer Rajpar, Didar Lashari, writer and intellectual Ali Sher Karyio, senior journalists Wafa Raza Chandio, Imdad Rahi and Ashiq Hussain Saand, Mohammad Juman Saand, and Ustad Manzoor Ali Khan's nephews Nadir Ali Khan and Hameer Ali Khan, along with Junior Manzoor Ali Khan, Sagar Dahraj, Jaanan Sindhi, Anwar Panhwar, Hasnain Ali Saand and others attended the commemorative gathering. Speaking on the occasion, Ali Sher Karyio, Nadir Ali Khan, Wafa Raza Chandio and other speakers described Ustad Manzoor Ali Khan as an outstanding exponent of classical music and a master of raag. They said he had introduced classical raag in his distinctive style and elevated it to new heights, earning a lasting place in the history of Sindhi music. They said his disciples continued to preserve and promote his musical tradition, which was why the maestro remained alive in the hearts of music lovers even decades after his death. Born in Shikarpur in 1922, Manzoor Ali Khan received his early musical training from his father, Ustad Jamal Khan, who was also a noted singer of his time. He devoted nearly five decades of his life to the promotion of classical music and the preservation of traditional raag. He was particularly renowned for his renditions of the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, especially Sur Marui and Sur Rano. He regularly performed at shrines and literary and cultural gatherings and was known for visiting the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai every Thursday, where he would perform Sur Rano. Speakers said the maestro was not merely a great vocalist but also a creative musician and an institution in his own right. He trained several prominent musicians, including Ustad Yousuf, Anwar Hussain Wastaro, Ustad Waheed Ali, Qamar Soomro, Gulzar Ali, Din Mohammad Damsaz and Mukhtiar Ali Sheikh. Ustad Manzoor Ali Khan had a deep affection for Sindh and the Sindhi language. In recognition of his contribution to music, he received several honours, including the Pride of Performance, Shah Latif Award and Sachal Award. The legendary vocalist died on Sept 9, 1980, but his musical legacy continues to influence generations of classical singers and remains an important part of Sindh's cultural heritage.