Badar uz Zaman

Early life and education

Zaman comes from a wealthy family of Lahore cloth merchants. He was educated in Pakistan at the University of the Punjab Lahore (UPL), getting top position earning a Bachelor's in Music, and M.A. Political Science.

Career

Zaman started his music career in 1956. He served the Punjab Council of the Arts as Deputy Director Drama and Resident Director Faisalabad, Sargodha and D.G Khan Arts Councils. As of 2012 Zaman was attached as Associate Professor to the Music Department, University of the Punjab Lahore. He received music training from Ustad Faiz Ali (Gawaliyar), Ustad Iftikhar Ahmed Khan (Dehli), Ustad Chhotay Ghulam Ali Khan (Qasur) and Ustad Bhai Naseera (Punjab). In film composition, he has been affiliated to the renowned Music Director Nisar Bazmi for 18 years. He has been in music for about 56 years,. singing Khayal, Thumris, Dadra, and Ghazal. He also works on new music and a new album.

Zaman remains active as a music performer , particularly in partnership with his brother, Ustad Qamar-uz-Zaman. Described as the "more articulate of the two", Badar uz Zaman expressed views on topics including India-Pakistan cultural exchange, and the 2011 arrest of singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Books

Zaman has authored, translated, researched and edited several books on music, such as:

His books Nawa-e-Mosiqi, Taal Sagar and Sada Rang have been translated into Hindi, English and Gurmukhi and are being taught in Indian universities.

Awards

Zaman was awarded a number of honours / awards including:

Dabistan-e-Khusru Badar uz Zaman Music School

A unique award for ustad Badar uz Zaman is that the Pakistan's First ever Music Academy has been named after him. Describing him as 'Legendary Musician' of the country, the NGO Jadeed Foundation named their Music School after him as a living legend

Zaman's contributions toward the preservation and promotion of classical music in Pakistan and sole entity representing Kasur Gharana are recognised all over Indo-Pak subcontinent.