Raza Ali Khan

Ustad Raza Ali Khan is an Indian classical vocalist of the Kasur Patiala gharana.Ustad Raza Ali Khan is grandson of the legendary Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Raza Ali Khan belongs to a family of musicians His grandfather is the legendary Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and his father is Ustad Munawar Ali Khan Younger son of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan,So naturally, he began learning the art from a very young age. “Music was the only thing that interested him as a kid. But it is a tough job to carry on a legacy as there is a lot of pressure,” says Raza Ali Khan, who was in Hyderabad for a concert over the weekend. Taking the family’s name ahead has always been crucial for the maestro, but it hasn’t been easy. He says, “It is difficult to carve a niche for yourself when you belong to a legendary family. However, the one advantage is that you are gifted. Khan’s grandfather, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, made sure that his training was interesting. He says, “Every time I learned a particular music piece, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan ji would buy me a new toy or take me out. As I grew up, my father continued the training, but on a more serious note. Khan’s training was going well but he received the surprise of his life when he turned 14. “I had accompanied my father to a concert at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Suddenly, he turned towards me and asked me to perform. I was taken aback. But then he warned me saying that if I didn’t perform well, he would slap me in front of everyone. I was appalled, but I poured my life into the performance and everything went well,” he laughs while reminiscing.