LAHORE: Noted classical singer Ustad Badar-uz-Zaman passed away here on Friday. He was 83.

His funeral was held in Township, which was attended by his relatives, friends and people from the music fraternity, including singers and musicians.

Late Zaman had long been suffering from heart disease. A few days ago he complained of chest pain and was under treatment at home.

The music fraternity has expressed deep sorrow and grief over his demise.

Classical singing exponents such as Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, Ustad Tafu Khan, Ustad Sher Mian Dad, singer Anwar Ali, Arif Lohar and others offered condolences to the late singer’s family. They say the void created by his death couldn’t be filled.

Zaman who stepped into classical singing in the 60s, had a huge contribution towards the promotion of the genre. He wrote some 14 books on classical music.

Before opting for classical singing as a profession, Zaman did many different jobs, including working in a company and selling garments.

He belonged to the old generation of singers who had great interest in cultural sittings. In his childhood he used to attend musical evenings where known singers would perform.

During his singing career spanning over 56 years, Zaman was also awarded the Pride of Performance award.

He started his professional career from the Radio Pakistan Lahore station by participating in a programme, Nawa-e-Shauq.

He not only taught at the Punjab University Musicology Department as a visiting faculty, but also composed songs and ghazals for radio and television programmes.

He used to sing with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman, also aclassical singer, carrying forward the Kasur Gharana’s tradition of Khayal music.

Zaman got his early education from the Sacred Heart School, Lahore and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in music, besides Master’s in Political Science.

In music, his guru was Ustad Haji Faiz Ali. Zaman also served as deputy director (Drama) and resident director of Faisalabad, Sargodha and DG Khan arts councils. He remained affiliated with the renowned Pakistani music director Nisar Bazmi for 18 years.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2023