The torch bearer of the art of Ghazals and renowned musician Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, visited GIIS Queenstown Campus on Friday, 5 May 2017 for the GIIS Leadership Lecture Series.The excitement among the audience at the presence of the maestro himself was immediately evident as the hall burst into a huge applause to welcome the legendary singer. The Ustad was impressed by the musical performance by some school students who sang verses from some of his popular ghazals. 

In the dynamic Q & A session with the students, The Ustad shared about his relationship with his guru, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahab, his early days of training, the master-student relationship and the necessity to pursue one’s passion relentlessly, against all odds. He paid tribute to his father for having supported his passion and his teachers for the secrets they imparted to become a great singer. His inimical style combined with wit and brevity endeared him to the audience. He shared a memory of his school days, recounting how his teacher encouraged his talent instead of rebuking him for singing during a class after he had completed his work.

A question on the difference between ghazals and modern music brought a light-hearted response from Ustad who believed that present day music is fast-paced because everyone, including the artist is in a hurry, typical of the hustle-bustle of the times.
Ustad Ghulam Ali also shared insights about his music journey and his collaboration with Bollywood films. His son, aspiring ghazal singer, Ustad Amir Ali Khan delighted the crowd when he rendered a few lines from his father’s most recent album.

Chairman and Co-Founder of Global Schools Foundation, Mr Atul Temurnikar and Ms Madhu Khanna, Principal of GIIS Queenstown Campus along with parents, students and staff attended this leadership lecture which marked another important chapter in the series that provides a platform for the students to interact with eminent personalities from fields as diverse as music, art, sport, science and politics among others. These leaders inspire creativity, passion and action in our students, encouraging them to be responsible citizens, both now and in the future.

Facts about Ustad Ghulam Khan
His style and variations in singing Ghazals have been noted as unique as he blends Hindustani Classical Music with Ghazals. Many of his hit Ghazals has been used in Bollywood movies. His famous Ghazals are Chupke Chupke Raat Din and Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi, His recent album "Hasaean" was nominated in the Best Ghazal Album category at Gima 2014.