Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: August 04, 2020 | 
| 中文
Alamgir
In Pakistan, the name “Alamgir” has become synonymous with pop music itself. Alamgir’s star rose in Karachi’s pop scene in the 1970’s, and solidified his reputation as a national pop music icon after a hard earned journey. During his career, he helped build the distinctly Pakistani pop music sound that would go on to inspire countless other Pakistani musicians, and capture the hearts of many people.
Alamgir in 1973
Born in August 1955 in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Alamgir Haq was born to a Bengali All India Muslim League politician, Farmuzal Haq. Growing up, he was inspired by the likes of Western singers like Elvis Presley, Indian singers like Muhammad Rafi, and Bengali folk singers like Abbasudin Ahmed. At the age of 15, he moved to Karachi, performing in a small Café called “Café D’Khan” for one meal in a day. As a 21-year-old loitering about in Karachi’s Hill Park, Alamgir would often play his acoustic guitar for tea, food or cigarettes.
He auditioned for the television program, “Ferozan”, with host Khushbakht Aliya. While Aliya could not hire him, famed Pakistan Television (PTV) producer Sohail Rana offered him a job as a guitarist on a children’s television show. From there, his career skyrocketed as he performed over 400 songs for television and film. As mania culminated around him, fans would follow him around the city, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
Alamgir’s rise coincided with a shift in the way mass music was being consumed in Pakistan. While many compared his performance to the light-hearted to the bubblegum pop of playback singer Ahmed Rushdie, Alamgir had a distinctly unique pop sound. As someone not classically trained in Eastern music but inspired by the likes of pop groups like ABBA and The Bee Gees, Alamgir reflected the voice of urban youth who were more interested in new kinds of West-inspired pop music. But, he was also allowing pop music to be more accessible to people in Pakistan, by singing in Urdu and appearing on PTV. His songs were easy to listen, to dance with, and to sing along. Moreover, his vitality on stage, coupled with his energetic dance moves captured the imagination of a generation.
Alamgir at Peshawar PTV (photo credits to Alamgir)
In 1973, inspired by the Spanish Cuban hit, “Guantanamera”, Alamgir wrote “Albela Rahi”, which went on to become one of his greatest hits. He needed a guitarist for his tour, which led him to find a young musician in 1978 by the name of Amir Zaki. Often, Zaki could be seen in the background, jamming along to Alamgir with a brightly colored electric guitar. In 1978, he penned the soundtrack for the film “Bobby and Julie”, which featured the hit song “Dekha na tha”. While the movie was panned by critics, the soundtrack was an instant hit with the public.
Alamgir and Amir Zaki (photo credits to Mobeen Ansari)
Under the Zia-ul-Haq dictatorship, the culture industry had significantly deteriorated, following the strict censorship rules. Alamgir was still allowed to perform on television, but with minimal movement and modest attire. He depended heavily on television to attract new followers and receive payment, however little. After the end of the Zia dictatorship, when new singers and particularly rock bands emerged onto the scene, Alamgir disappeared from the music scene.
Alamgir and Moin Akhtar (photo credits to Alamgir)
The singer was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2004, and appealed to the public for help with his surgery. The news brought a considerable amount of attention from both from his life long admirers and a new generation of performers, who wanted to pay tribute to one of the most important musical legends of Pakistan. He was rewarded with a Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2013.
Currently, Alamgir resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his family, and has often returned to Pakistan to perform his medleys for throngs of adoring fans, even trying his hand at traditional ghazals. In 2016, it was announced that a biopic called ‘Albela Rahi’, based on Alamgir’s life, was set to release with actor Fawad Khan as the titular star. Presently, there seems to be no update on the film due to conflicting schedules, which began before the pandemic.
(L to R) Alamgir, Mehdi Hassan and Madame Noor Jehan (photo credits to Alamgir)
During his career, Alamgir released over 30 albums in Urdu and Bengali. He reflected a time in Pakistan’s history when popular culture was fresh, experimental and youthful. However, his timeless and vibrant pop songs are still as easy to listen and dance with today as they were in the 1970s. Both young and old admirers of his music eagerly anticipate his bio-pic, to watch his fascinating journey and sing out loud the songs that they have loved for so long.
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