Bilqees Khanum

Bilqees Khanum was a Pakistani classical music singer who specialized in ghazals and geets. Her career spanned over 45 years and included notable performances for Radio Pakistan and PTV. She remains recognized for songs such as "Kuch Din To Baso Meri Ankhon Mein" and "Anokha Laadla Khelan Ko Mangay Chand".

Early life and education

Khanum was born on 25 December 1948, in Garhi Shahu, Lahore. She grew up in a middle-class family as the oldest of 7 children. Her father, Abdul Haq, worked as a furniture builder while her mother served as a housewife. Because her family faced financial hardship, she could not continue her education beyond elementary school.

She spent her early childhood years in Faisalabad, Pakistan. During this period, she performed songs at various school festivals. To develop her musical talent, she studied singing under several instructors including her maternal grandfather, Inayat Ali Khan. She also trained with Ustad Muhammad Sharif and Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan of Karachi.

Music ran in her family. Her brother, Mohsin Raza, is also a musician.

Career

Khanum began her professional singing career in 1964 at Radio Pakistan. When PTV launched its initial test transmission in 1965, she was among the artists who applied. During the 1965 India-Pakistan War, she sang several patriotic songs to support the nation. One specific vocalization of poet Habib Jalib's work served as a memorial tribute to the war heroes of that conflict.

According to a major Pakistani newspaper, her main contribution involved singing voluntarily for the Pakistan Army on the front lines during the 1965 War. She also worked as a playback singer for various Lollywood movies. Throughout her career, she collaborated with music directors such as Khalil Ahmad, Nashad, and G.A. Chishti. She also worked with Nisar Bazmi, Sohail Rana, Bakhshi Wazir, Rehman Verma, and Safdar Hussain.

Personal life

In 1978, Khanum met the Indian sitar player Ustad Rais Khan in Karachi. He was visiting Pakistan for a concert at the time of their meeting. Their relationship blossomed into love after several meetings. They married in 1980.

Ustad Rais Khan later obtained Pakistani nationality and moved to Karachi in 1986 with his fourth wife, Khanum. The couple had 2 sons, Farhan Rais Khan and Hazoor Hasnain Rais Khan. Both sons are sitar players who live in Pakistan.

Khanum died in Karachi on 21 December 2022, following a prolonged illness. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered his condolences and acknowledged her services to the music world.