Ghulam Mustafa Khan was no ordinary musician. He was the architect behind some of Bollywood’s most unforgettable voices, transforming raw talent into legends through the lens of classical precision.
Hailing from Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, Khan inherited music from his father, a direct disciple of the illustrious Ustad Faiyaz Khan. Trained rigorously in the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, he mastered the art of khayal and thumri, skills that later revolutionized film music training.
By the 1980s, Khan had become Bollywood’s secret weapon. He coached legends like Mohammed Rafi, who credited him for perfecting sur and taan in songs like those from Hum Dono. Rising stars such as Alisha Chinai and Kavita Krishnamurthy owe their tonal purity to his sessions, where he emphasized breath control and raag adherence.
Khan’s impact shines in tracks like ‘Yeh Dil Deewana’ from Pardes, where he guided Shankar Mahadevan, or ‘Chand Sifarish’ from Fanaa, influencing its classical undertones. His own playback singing graced films like Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Aap To Aise Na Tha, blending seamlessly with Lataji’s ethereal voice.
What set Khan apart was his humility and innovation. He introduced ‘voice culture’ classes, teaching singers to sustain notes effortlessly, a technique vital for long recording days. Honors like the Maharashtra Bhushan Award and National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer underscored his dual prowess.
Even after his demise in 2021, academies named after him continue his work, training the next wave of artists. Khan proved that Bollywood’s glamour thrives on classical foundations. In voices from Udit Narayan to Shreya Ghoshal, his touch lingers, a testament to a life devoted to musical excellence.