Manzar Naqvi
Pakistan’s rich musical heritage is deeply rooted in the centuries-old traditions of the Delhi Gharana. Among its finest custodians today stands Ustad Mazhar Umrao Bundu Khan, a master vocalist and accomplished sarangi player who has devoted his life to preserving the purity and discipline of classical music.
A Maestro of Many Forms
Trained from childhood in the rigorous traditions of his family, Ustad Mazhar excels in the full range of classical vocal forms, including khayal, thumri, dadra, ghazal, chhota khayal and bada khayal. His distinctive voice and command over ragas reflect years of practice, while his sarangi performances demonstrate rare technical mastery.
For him, music is more than performance. “It is a responsibility to uphold an art form that defines our culture,” he says.
Service to Radio and Television
Recognized as an Outstanding Classical Artist of Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television, Ustad Mazhar has also served as a music composer at Radio Pakistan Karachi. His work has introduced generations of listeners to the elegance and depth of classical music.
He has proudly represented Pakistan’s musical heritage in cultural collaborations, including performances with visiting French musicians at programs in Karachi.
A Heritage of Greatness
The musical legacy of Ustad Mazhar Umrao Bundu Khan is inseparable from that of his illustrious family. His grandfather, Ustad Bundu Khan, revered as Baba-e-Mausiqi (Father of Music), was one of the greatest sarangi players the world has known. In recognition of his contributions, the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Tamgha-i-Husn-e-Karkardagi in 1958 and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 1964.
Ustad Mazhar has also received numerous awards and certificates from local, provincial, and federal government institutions on various occasions in recognition of his contributions to classical music
His father, Ustad Umrao Bundu Khan, followed in his footsteps as a classical vocalist, sarangi maestro, and composer at Radio Pakistan. His services earned him the Tamgha-i-Husn-e-Karkardagi in 1981, and in 1982 Pakistan Television presented him with a Gold Medal.
The Delhi Gharana Tradition
Pakistan’s branch of the Delhi Gharana has produced many luminaries, including:
o Ustad Ramzan Khan – classical vocalist
o Ustad Buland Iqbal – music director of the famed duo Lal Muhammad Iqbal and sarangi maestro
o Ustad Nizamuddin Khan – classical vocalist
o Ustad Ameer Ahmed Khan – classical vocalist and Deputy Controller, Radio Pakistan Karachi
o Ustad Ameer Sultan – tabla maestro
o Ustad Sharif Khan – violinist
o Ustad Wazir Sultan and Ustad Raees Sultan – harmonium players
o Ustad Wazir Ahmed Khan – violinist
o Ustad Naseem Khan – harmonium
o Naeem Ahmed Khan – guitarist
In 2025, the new generation continues to carry the torch with Arshad Guloo (guitar), Raft Sultan (organizer), Shehzada Nawab (singer), Salman Wazir (keyboard), Rizwan Wazir (tabla), Saleem Sharif (violin), Rahil Raees (keyboardist) and Athar Umrao Bundu Khan (music teacher).
Carrying the Torch Forward
Through tireless performing, teaching, and composing, Ustad Mazhar Umrao Bundu Khan has ensured that the spirit of the Delhi Gharana remains alive in Pakistan. In an age when fast-paced entertainment often overshadows tradition, his work reminds us of the discipline, beauty and spiritual depth that classical music offers.
Profile: Ustad Mazhar Umrao Bundu Khan
o Specialization: Classical vocalist and sarangi maestro
o Affiliation: Outstanding Classical Artist at Radio Pakistan and PTV; former music composer, Radio Pakistan Karachi
o Family Legacy: Grandson of Ustad Bundu Khan; son of Ustad Umrao Bundu Khan
o Awards (Family):
o Ustad Bundu Khan: Tamgha-i-Husn-e-Karkardagi (1958), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (1964)
o Ustad Umrao Bundu Khan: Tamgha-i-Husn-e-Karkardagi (1981), PTV Gold Medal (1982)
o Notable Performances: Collaborated with French artists at cultural events in Karachi
In honoring Ustad Mazhar Umrao Bundu Khan, we celebrate not only a distinguished artist but also a timeless heritage that continues to enrich Pakistan’s cultural identity.
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