Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Hindustani Vocalist
Hindustani Vocalist

Ghulam Mustafa Khan

Born 3 March 1931 · Uttar Pradesh — Died 17 January 2021

Trained numerous prominent classical singers including Asha Bhosle and Manna Dey in Hindustani vocal music.

Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan was an Indian classical musician in the Hindustani classical music tradition, belonging to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan received the Padma Vibhushan in 2018, nearly 66 years after beginning his public singing career in 1952.

The Story

1
🎶 In 1952, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan started his professional singing career rooted deeply in the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana tradition, a lineage known for its intricate vocal techniques.
2
🌟 In 1991, he was honored with the Padma Shri, marking his recognition by the Indian government for his expertise in Hindustani classical music.
3🏆 By 2003, the Sangeet Natak Akademi awarded him their highest honor, spotlighting his sustained artistic excellence and contribution to Indian music culture.
4In 2006, his work earned the Padma Bhushan, further cementing his status among India’s classical music stalwarts.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Despite his classical music background, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan actively mentored many Bollywood playback singers, influencing popular Indian film music from the 1950s until his death in 2021.

🖼️

Through the Years

6 photographs from the archives
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan at the first music conference after India's independence (1948).
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan at the first music conference after India's independence (1948).
1948
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2004).
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2006).
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan receiving the Padma Vibhushan Award from President Ram Nath Kovind (2018).
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan with Namrata Gupta Khan in 2019.

🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Badayun, UP
Born on 3 March 1931 in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, then part of British India, within the cultural milieu of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana.
1931
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Career
Start of singing career
Began his professional career as a Hindustani classical vocalist, representing the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana.
1952
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
Received the Padma Shri award from the Government of India in recognition of his contributions to Indian classical music.
1991
🏅
Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest award for practicing performing artists.
2003
🏅
Award
Received Padma Bhushan
Awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, for his contributions to the arts.
2006
🏅
Award
Received Padma Vibhushan
Received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, recognizing his lifetime achievements.
2018
🕊️
Death
Death in Mumbai
Passed away on 17 January 2021 in Mumbai at the age of 89, ending nearly seven decades of musical contributions.
2021
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

He was born in 1931 in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, during British India, a region linked with the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, one of Hindustani classical music's distinctive schools.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2003, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan was honored by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama, the highest recognition for practicing artists in India.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

His musical legacy is preserved across multiple major Indian music labels including Saregama, T-Series, and Sony Music India, ensuring his classical renditions remain accessible.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Shakhsiyat with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
·YouTube
More from this archive
Shakhsiyat with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
01
Shakhsiyat with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
YouTube
Interview with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
02
Interview with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
YouTube
Story of Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Classical Singer & Music Director - Padma Awardee 2018
03
Story of Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Classical Singer & Music Director - Padma Awardee 2018
YouTube
Padma Bhushan Shri Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Interview About Film 31st October Promotional Song Part
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Padma Bhushan Shri Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Interview About Film 31st October Promotional Song Part
YouTube
Rare Interview with late Padma vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan saheb, Life,Singing
05
Rare Interview with late Padma vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan saheb, Life,Singing
YouTube
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Short Documentary
06
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Short Documentary
YouTube
Interview with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan - Part 2
07
Interview with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan - Part 2
YouTube
Padma Bhushan Shri Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Interview About Film ''31st October'' Promotional Song
08
Padma Bhushan Shri Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Interview About Film ''31st October'' Promotional Song
YouTube
Classical Indian musician & Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan died in Mumbai 89 year
09
Classical Indian musician & Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan died in Mumbai 89 year
YouTube
Zakir Hussain Remembers Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
10
Zakir Hussain Remembers Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan shaped the training of numerous prominent Bollywood playback singers, blending strict classical rigor with mainstream music styles, thereby expanding the influence of Hindustani classical music. His association with major Indian music labels helped archive and popularize Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana traditions. The Padma awards he received highlighted government recognition of classical arts, inspiring institutions to invest more in classical music education.

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