Veteran Classical Vocalist Manzoor Ali Khan Remembered On 46th Death Anniversary
SANGHAR, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – September 09, 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 figures present included:
- 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
- Ustad Manzoor Ali Khan’s nephews Nadir Ali Khan and Hameer Ali Khan
- Junior Manzoor Ali Khan
- Sagar Dahraj
- Jaanan Sindhi
- Anwar Panhwar
- Hasnain Ali Saand
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 noted that he had introduced classical raag in his distinctive style and elevated it to new heights, ensuring a lasting place in the history of Sindhi music.
They emphasized that his disciples continued to preserve and promote his musical tradition, keeping his legacy 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 dedicated nearly five decades to promoting classical music and preserving traditional raag.
He was particularly renowned for his renditions of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai’s poetry, especially Sur Marui and Sur Rano. He regularly performed at shrines and literary and cultural gatherings, visiting the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai every Thursday to perform Sur Rano.
The speakers characterized the maestro as not just 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: Pride of Performance, Shah Latif Award, and Sachal Award.
The legendary vocalist passed away on September 9, 1980, but his musical legacy continues to influence generations of classical singers and remains an important part of Sindh’s cultural heritage.
