Written by: Muhammad Awais
Posted on: April 05, 2021 | 
| 中文
Shaukat Ali During One of His Last Performances
Pakistan said farewell to the great Shaukat Ali over the weekend, who many have described as a musical giant and prolific folk musician. With a voice as rich and soulful as the fields of Punjab, Ali had stirred many with his tales of love and celebration of his culture. His diversity as an artist and unique approach to traditionally well-known songs, earned him the respect of many in Pakistan and abroad. Unfortunately, like many artists in Pakistan’s history, Ali’s story is that of hardship and a lack of support for those who work for Pakistan’s culture and grassroots art forms.
Ali was born in May 1944 to an artistically inclined family in Malakwal of District Gujrat (now Mandi Bahauddin in Punjab, Pakistan). While not much is known about his family life, his brother was a well known singer and flute player for Radio Pakistan Lahore, who encouraged him to start singing in college in the 1960s. He made his debut in the film Tees Maar Khan (1963), directed by M Ashraf. His mystical command over Punjabi folk songs and his lively style of performance earned him much success, and he became popular for singing ghazals and Punjabi folk songs in film, television and radio.
Shaukat Ali's Brother Inayat Ali Khan
What is notable about his 50-decade career is the range he showed as an artist, while simultaneously staying true to his roots. He lent his voice to many Punjabi language films, including the hit Film Maula Jatt (1979), and sang a bhangra (an upbeat song of celebration) with fellow Punjabi playback singer Mehnaz Begum for the film Angara (1985). Simultaneously, he is also popular for his renditions of Sufi music, giving his soulful voice to the stories of Saiful Maluk and Heer Waris Shah. In particular, Ali completely made Mian Muhammad Baksh’s Saiful Maluk his own, doing away with the conventional orchestra and opting instead for a uniquely vocal rendition that most associate the song with today. Other popular songs include, Kadi Te Hass Bol Ve, Tu Wi Haq Da Wali and his version of Lal Meri Patt.
Shaukat Ali During One of His PTV Performances in the 1970s
Shaukat Ali represented the rich, lively culture of the Punjab in his performances and songs. With his commanding voice and love for his heritage, he sang Punjabi songs all over the world, proudly performing in traditional clothes and singing songs which resonated with the people. His melodies were not only loved by Punjabis in Pakistan, but those in India as well as the international Punjabi diaspora community. He regularly performed at Punjabi festivals in India, and especially collaborated with Indian folk musicians like Harbhajan Mann to celebrate the vivacity of Punjabi culture on both sides of the border.
However, Ali always considered himself a Pakistani and a patriot at heart. He is perhaps best renowned for his songs of patriotism during the wars of 1965 and 1971, such as “Saathion, Mujahidon, Jaag Utha Hai Saara Watan”, “Apna Quaid Aik Hai” and “Main Puttar Pakistan Da” . Many felt greatly inspired by his words, and he would rouse troops with his folk songs on the frontlines as well.
(L to R) Alamgir, Shaukat Ali and Mohammed Ali Shehki
He was dubbed ‘The Voice of Punjab’ in 1976, and received the Pride of Performance award in 1991 for his contributions to folk music. Most recently, the Pakistan Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC) awarded him the Pride of Punjab Award in 2013. However, to his local singing community, he was known as a generous and warm-hearted person who regularly checked on members of his folk music community, and joined them in celebrations and offered support during difficult circumstances.
Shaukat Ali (Extreme Right), Mehboob Alam, Fardoos Jamal During the First PTV Awards in 1980
However, his demise has been the culmination of a hard life and tragic circumstances. After battling diabetes and issues with his liver for years, his sons finally appealed to the public for funds after being denied government funding. The PPP Sindh government offered to pay his medical expenses, but he was eventually shifted to CMH Lahore where he breathed his last on the 2nd of April, at the age of 78.
A Young Shaukat Ali and Fellow Musician Rana Tahir
Pakistan, and particularly the Punjab, has lost an indomitable spirit with the loss of Shaukat Ali. But Ali’s death is also a reminder that artists must be appreciated and taken care of during their lifetime. His death and many other instances of neglect for artists, is a reminder to government bodies to create new and sustainable ways to support the cultural community, in recognition of their contributions to regional and Pakistani art and culture.
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