Shaukat Ali

Shaukat Ali, also known as Shaukat Ali Khan, was a prominent Pakistani folk singer. He achieved widespread popularity through his performances of Punjabi folk songs and Sufi poetry.

Early life and education

He was born on 3 May 1944 in Malakwal. This town was located in the Gujrat District, although it is now part of the Mandi Bahauddin District. He grew up in a family of artists. Shaukat Ali began his singing journey while he was attending college during the 1960s. His elder brother, Inayat Ali Khan, provided him with necessary assistance during these early years.

Career

The music director M. Ashraf introduced him to the Pakistani film industry. He served as a playback singer in the Punjabi film Tees Maar Khan in 1963. From the late 1960s, he performed various ghazals and Punjabi folk songs. His popularity extended across Pakistani Punjab and into the Indian part of the Punjab region.

Shaukat Ali toured internationally to reach Punjabi immigrant populations. He performed in the UK, Canada and the US. He was recognized for his wide vocal range—a talent he used to sing Sufi poetry such as Saif ul Maluk and Heer Waris Shah. His discography includes several notable tracks like "Jagga" and "Kadi Te Hass Bol Vey." The latter song appeared in the 2009 Indian movie Love Aaj Kal.

He participated in many All Pakistan Music Conference events. He also appeared on Pakistani television shows with frequency. His film contributions include songs such as "Nabi Dey Ghulam Asseen" from the 1980 film Behram Daku and "Mein Walait Kahnu Aa Gaya" from the 1978 film Playboy. In 1975, he released devotional Sufi songs including "Tu Wi Haq Da Wali" and "Har Dam Yahi Mere Lab Pe Sada Hai, Murshid Mera Nadir Ali Shah Hai."

A Canadian company produced a one-hour documentary about his life in 2017. His son, Mohsin Shaukat Ali, helped with this production. The film features interviews with contemporary singers like Lata Mangeshkar. It documents his transition from an aspiring singer to a famous folk artist.

He gave a live performance at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. His musical legacy continues through his various recorded hits, including "Chhalla" and "Kyun Door Door Reindey Au."

Personal life

Shaukat Ali was the father of three singers. These include Imran Shaukat Ali, Ameer Shaukat Ali and Mohsin Shaukat Ali. He passed away on 2 April 2021 at CMH Lahore. He was receiving treatment for liver failure at the time of his death. Funeral prayers took place in Johar Town, Lahore, between Maghrib and Isha.

Awards and recognition

He won the Voice of Punjab award in 1976. In July 2013, the Pakistan Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC) honored him with the Pride of Punjab award. He received the Pride of Performance in 1990. This is the highest civilian Presidential award in Pakistan.