Biography:

Badar uz Zaman (21 April 1940 – 1 December 2023) was a Pakistani classical singer.^[1] He contributed to Pakistani Classical Music by promoting and re-interpreting compositions of the sub-continent’s Muslim composers. Zaman performed with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman, carrying forward the Pakistan’s own “Kasur Gharana“^[2] traditions of the art of Khayal music. Classical singers typically represent Indian Gharanas of Music.^[3]

Early life and education

Zaman comes from a wealthy family of Lahore cloth merchants.^[1] He was educated in Pakistan at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, getting top position earning a bachelor’s degree in music, and M.A. in political science.

Career

Zaman started his music career in 1956. Pervaiz Shami introduced him to debut on Radio Pakistan. He served the Punjab Council of the Arts as Deputy Director Drama and Resident Director Faisalabad, Sargodha and D.G Khan Arts Councils. As of 2012 Zaman was attached as Associate Professor to the Music Department, University of the Punjab Lahore.^[4] He received music training from Ustad Faiz Ali (Gawaliyar), Ustad Iftikhar Ahmed Khan (Delhi), Ustad Chhotay Ghulam Ali Khan (Qasur) and Ustad Bhai Naseera (Punjab). In composing of film songs, he was affiliated with the renowned Pakistani music director Nisar Bazmi for 18 years. He was active in music for about 56 years, singing Khayal, Thumris, Dadra, and Ghazal.

Zaman remained active as a music performer in later life, particularly in partnership with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman.^[5][6] Described as the “more articulate of the two”,^[1] Badar uz Zaman expressed views on topics including India-Pakistan cultural exchange,^[1] and the 2011 arrest of singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.^[7][8][9]

Death

Badar uz Zaman died on 1 December 2023, at the age of 83.^[10]

Credits: