A year or so ago when I met Ustad Ghulam Haider Khan after his contract with Classical Music Research Cell had been discontinued by Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation I had a hunch that it is not a good omen for either Ustad Saheb or for Classical Music at large. Many great classical music connoisseurs when retired from their Radio or Television employments and made to sit home died in a short span of time. Abdul Shakoor Bedil, singer and Radio Producer, Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan the great percussionist, Ustad Nazim Ali Khan, the great Sarangi player, music composer Kale Khan and many other singers, performers and instrumentalists died in a short span of time after their retirement. Reasons are many. Firstly the demand for making both ends meet does not look at the age whether you are 60 or above, secondly the daily routine of getting ready and going for a job or for an assignment keeps you mentally and physical y moving etc. Ustad Ghulam Haider Khan is the latest to join this crowd for the Heavens. — with Altaf Hussain.
