Iqbal Bano

Iqbal Bano, born in 1928 in Delhi, British India, was a highly skilled singer renowned for her expertise in ghazal, hailing from Pakistan. She earned the title "Malika-e-Ghazal" (The Queen of Ghazal) in both Pakistan and India. Specializing in semi-classical Urdu ghazal songs and classical thumris, she also showcased her talent in easy-listening numbers in 1950s films. Notably, in 1974, she was honored with the Pride of Performance award.

Early Life: Iqbal Bano's musical journey began in her childhood in Rohtak near Delhi, where her friend's father recognized her exceptional singing talent. Encouraged by this recognition, her father permitted her to pursue music. Under the tutelage of Ustad Sabri Khan and Ustad Chaand Khan of the Delhi Gharana, experts in various vocal music forms, she received training in pure classical and light classical music. Her formal initiation into the musical tradition occurred through the Ganda-bandh ceremony, solidifying her bond with her Ustad.

Career: Ustad Chaand Khan recommended her to All India Radio, Delhi, where she made her radio debut and recorded her initial songs. In 1948, at 21, she migrated to Pakistan and married into a land-owning family in Multan. Despite her move, her husband supported and encouraged her singing career. Collaborating with prominent lyricists and composers, Iqbal Bano became a singing star in the 1950s, contributing to soundtracks for renowned Pakistani Urdu films.

Her public concert debut took place in 1957 at the Lahore Arts Council. Over the years, she gained fame through appearances on Pakistan Television programs and live concerts. By the 1970s, she had established herself as a distinguished ghazal singer, earning critical acclaim from fellow artists.

Ghazal Specialist - The Queen of Ghazal: Iqbal Bano's global recognition as a ghazal singer elevated the sub-continental ghazal tradition to new heights, earning her the title "Queen of Ghazal." Her repertoire included ghazals from various poets, and she was particularly celebrated for her renditions of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry. Besides Urdu, she sang in Saraiki, Punjabi, and Persian, expanding her audience to regions outside the subcontinent.

Known for her versatility, Iqbal Bano excelled in classical, light-classical, film, popular music, and folk songs. Her classical presentations, especially Thumris in different raags, became timeless classics. Some observers noted similarities between her and Begum Akhtar, particularly in their singing styles, with Bano maintaining a classical emphasis on raag purity in her recitals.