Sharafat Hussain Khan

Sharafat Hussain Khan (born July 1930) is an Indian classical vocalist, and was amongst the most brilliant Khayal vocalists of the post - independence era. He represented the Agra Gharana (stylistic lineage) ^[1] and was unanimously regarded as the most illustrious heir to the legacy of his principal mentor, the legendary Ustad Faiyyaz Khan (1886 - 1950).^[2]

Early life and background

Sharafat Hussain Khan was born at a small village called Atrauli in Uttar Pradesh in July 1930, to Ustad Liaquat Hussain Khan, a court musician in the erstwhile Jaipur State, and Alla Rakhi Beghum. From his father`s side, Sharafat was a descendant of Inayet Hussain Khan (1845–1936), founder of Atrauli Gharana, and from his mother`s side, of his maternal grandfather Mehboob Khan (Daras Piya). Mehboob Khan was also of the Atrauli Gharana, but his music was greatly influenced by the Rangile Gharana of his mother`s family, founded by Ramzan Khan (1759–1806). Many maestros from Atrauli have made their mark in the world of music. To name a few, Ustad Mehboob Khan of the Atrauli Gharana who have composed numarous Bandishes under the name ‘Daras Piya’, Ustad Alladiya Khan of Jaipur-Atrauli gharana and Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan of Agra Gharana who has also composed music under the name ‘Pran Piya’. These and many other notable musicians had settled down in a locality in Atrauli called Mousiki Mohalla (Music Street). In early childhood, Sharafat was trained by his father. When Sharafat was only eight years old, his prodigious talent impressed the legendary Faiyaz Khan, who happened to be his maternal uncle,^[3] during one of his visits to Atrauli. The maestro, who had no sons, adopted Sharafat, and took him away forthwith to Baroda to groom him as his heir.

Childhood Prodigy

Sharafat was a child prodigy, who rose meteorically after his adoption by Faiyyaz Khan. As a result of incessant riyaz, Sharafat Hussain gained a deep insight into music and his voice gained a rich timber. During this time he used to accompany Ustad Faiyaz Khan on the Tanpura in many concerts and gained valuable experience in gauging the pulse of the listeners and creating the right atmosphere towards the commencement of a Mehfil. At the age of eight, he made a stunning debut at the influential Matunga Music Circle in Mumbai. This triggered off invitations to perform at the All India Music Conference at Allahabad and the All Bengal Conference in Kolkata. When he was eleven, he was hailed as the `Rising Sun` of vocalism at the Gaya Conference. By the time he was twelve, he had made his first disc with HMV/ EMI, and topped the prestigious Baroda State Music Competition.

Adulthood and Success

Sharafat was only 20, when Faiyyaz Khan died. Thereafter, he started studying with his maternal uncle, Ustad Ata Hussain Khan of the allied Atrauli - Rangile lineage. Soon thereafter, he acquired a third guide - his scholarly father - in - law, Vilayat Hussain Khan of the Agra Lineage. Thus, like his foster - father, Sharafat Hussain came to represent a magnificent confluence of three intimately connected lineages - Agra, Atrauli, and Rangile.

While still in his 30s, Sharafat became amongst the busiest vocalists in India, and enjoyed a continuous run of success for two decades (1965–1985). Along with popularity came the honours. He was made an Honorary Fellow of the Performing Arts Academy of Uttar Pradesh (Northern Provinces) and decorated with the Padma Shri by the President of India. He also got a Tansen Award.

Later Life and Death

During the latter years of his life, Sharafat Hussain settled down in Atrauli. He preferred its quiet atmosphere and the surrounding countryside to the glamour of the big cities. There are some artists who receive appreciation and monetary gain in abundance and there are others whose merits have never been fully recognized. Sharafat Hussain belonged to the latter category.

In 1985, Sangeet Natak Akademi held a special ceremony to honour him shortly before he succumbed to lung cancer on July 7, 1985, at the age of 55.

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