LAHORE: Noted classical music maestro Ustad Hussain Baksh Gullu passed away here on Tuesday at the age of 75.

The late classical singer is survived by two sons, Suraj Khan and Chand Khan.

Belonging to Patiala and Sham Chaurasi Gharana of classical music, he was the son of Ustad Nathu Ali Khan.

The Pride of Performance sineer was best known for his thumriand kafi. He performed all over the world and was considered one of the most magnificent classical singers both in India and Pakistan.

Knowing classical music in depth, he could proficiently perform every shade of the genre, but kafi singing earned him laurels.

Gullu was a brother-in-law of Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, while Shafgat Amanat is his nephew. Through out his life he struggled for the promo-tion of classical music and had been teaching at Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts as well for the last many years.

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Amir Mir has expressed his condolence on the demise of the renowned classical singer. Paying tribute to Gullu, he said that his services in the field of classical music will be remembered forever. Allah Almighty may grant Hussain Baksh high place in heaven and help the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude, the minister said in his message.

Lahore Arts Council (LAC), a place where Gullu not only performed many times but taught for years will hold a condolence reference in his memory in which many leading classical singers and music industry people would participate.

His gul will be held at his residence in Rustam Park near Gulshan-i-Ravi on Thursday after Zuhar prayers.-Staff Reporter