Hafiz Ali Khan Biography 
Hafiz Ali Khan was a leading Sarod player during 20th century. He was a fifth-generation descendant of the famous Bangash Gharana of sarod players. His works resembled semi-classical thumri though austere dhrupad style was most common in those days. For his contributions to Indian music, he has received Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. He was among the first recipients of this award. Great sarod player of present times, Amjad Ali Khan is the son of Hafiz Ali Khan. His grandsons, Amaan and Ayaan are also popular.
Hafiz Ali Khan was born on 1888 as the son of great sarod player, Nanneh Khan. He learnt his music instrument from his father. He grew up in a community of sarod players. Later he took lessons from his cousin Abdulla Khan, nephew Mohammad Amir Khan, and finally from Wazir Khan of Rampur. Ustad Wazir Khan was a direct descendant of the legendary Tansen. Allauddin Khan of Maihar, another recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for the first time, was also the disciple of Wazir Khan at the same time. Later Hafiz learnt thumri from Bhaiya Ganpatrao and dhrupad from Ganeshilal Mishra.
When Hafiz Ali Khan took name as a musician, the era was dominated by great vocalists. Yet he was able to achieve fame as a great sarod player. He was a court musician in Gwalior. During this time, he used to conduct tours to Bengal and participate in many cultural programs as well. He used this occasion to teach many students as well. Raychand Boral and Manmatha Ghosh were the disciples of Hafiz. He has performed at all major music festivals. His unique, stylized renditions of ‘God Save The King’ on his sarod made him an icon of ancient times. Haafiz Ali Khan died in 1972, at the age of 84 in New Delhi.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 07, 2014
