Who is Ustad Nathu Khan?
Ustad Nathu Khan is a South Asian classical music artist known for Talvandi, Khayal, Sarangi. Stream 1 recording on Saarey Music.
Ustad Nathu Khan (1920-1971) was one of the legendary sarangi players of Pakistan and a Pakistani classical musician who made was equally respected across South Asia.
He was born in Jindeyala, Amritsar in 1920 and hailded from the Talwandi Gharana. He started his musical education at the very young age under the guidance of his father Maula Baksh and his paternal uncle Baba Ferroze ud din Khan. Later he became a disciple of Ustad Ahmadi Khan, Ustad Zahoori Khan and Ustad Wazir Khan who was among the leading sarangi player of his time. His first public performance was at Kaliyar Sharif where he played Raag Shudh Sarang,
Before the partition of the Pak-Indo subcontinent, Ustad Nathu Khan worked at the All India Radio and after choosing to migrate to Pakistan, he worked with Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television Corporation. He was introduced to Radio Pakistan, Karachi by its then Managing Director Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari. During his career at Radio Pakistan, he also composed music for the films and radio plays. He later worked at the 'Pakistan International Airlines Arts Academy'.
Ustad Nathu Khan accompanied some of the greatest in Pakistani classical music - Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali and Ustad Nazakat Ali, Roshan Ara Begum and more. According to Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, he was the best accompanist he ever sang with he gave him title of "camera" during the show for the ease with which he could 'capture' the lead vocalist's improvisation.
Ustad Nathu Khan was honoured with Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan, regularly and represeted Pakistan internationally. He passed away in Berlin, Germany.
Members of his family continue to work in music, but sadly have not pursued a career in Pakistani classical music.
