In the history of Hindustani Classical Music, Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan’s family lineage is one of greatness. Ustad Mashkoor Ji is a direct descendent of the legendary founders of the famous ‘Kirana Gharana’ – the eminent Ustad Abdul Karim Khan & ‘Sartaj-E-Mausiqi’ Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan. Ustad Mashkoor Ji carries this great legacy from the dignified elders who had a commendable influence on classical music in India. Ustad Mashkoor Ji has inherited a treasure trove of knowledge consisting of centuries-old compositions and bandishes in rare Ragas, which only a handful of the musicians can know of in today’s era.

Ustad Mashkoor Ji’s vocal recitals are known for their intricate sprightliness. Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan mesmerises the audience with his deep understanding of different dimensions of the raga, his scholarly appeal in the rendition of diverse ‘ang’ of Kirana Gharana style, and the innumerable improvisations during his concert.

Ustad Mashkoor Ji has performed all over the world and is bestowed with coveted awards such as the Surmani (1977), Abhinav Kala Samman (1993), Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Award (1994), Swaranjali Award (1997), to name but a few. Salt Lake Cultural Association felicitated Ustad Ji with the ‘Bandish Nawaz’ title (1998) and the Sangeet Ratan Award (2002). Ustad Ji was the recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2015.

At the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata, Ustad Ji trains scholars and shares a vast pool of knowledge with the budding talented artists.