A multi–faceted personality, Abbas Ali Khan is most prominently known as a master of music and an icon for the Pakistani music industry.
A critically acclaimed music producer and singer, Khan is a sought–after music influencer also known for his contributions in film, television, and theatre. Trained in classical music by the late Ustad Fateh Ali Khan from the Patiala Gharana, Khan started his career in music with singing and later ventured into music production.
Production and singing go hand in hand for Khan. His portfolio showcases a diversity of melodies and sounds comprising of soundscapes, jingles, digital advertisements, documentaries, background scores, OSTs for film and television.
Eager to collaborate with other talented musicians, Abbas Ali Khan especially thrives in exploring new ideas and sound through his works. With education close to his heart, Khan also contributes to promoting education in Pakistan via his work.
MUSIC STYLE & INFLUENCES
Described as the world’s most prominent and prolific film composer by Time, his works are notable for integSymphonic orchestral themes have accompanied his scores, occasionally employing leitmotif. In the 1980s, Rahman recorded and played arrangements on monophonic sound, synonymous with the era of his musical predecessors K. V. Mahadevan and Vishwanathan–Ramamoorthy. In later years his methodology changed as he experimented with the fusion of traditional instruments with new electronic sounds and technology.
Rahman’s musical interests and outlook stem from his love of experimentation. Rahman’s compositions, in the vein of past and contemporary Chennai film composers, bring out auteuristic uses of counterpoint, orchestration and the human voice, melding Indian pop music with unique timbre, forms and instrumentation. By virtue of these qualities, broad ranging lyrics and his syncretic style, the appeal of his music cuts across the spectrum of classes and cultures within Indian society.
FILM SCORING & MUSIC PRODUCTION
“Vellithen Kinnam Pol”, for the Malayalam film Penpada. This track credited to his father, was sung by Jayachandran and penned by Bharanikkavu Sivakumar. His film career began in 1992, when he started Panchathan Record Inn, a music recording and mixing studio attached to the backyard of his house. Over time it would become the most advanced recording studio in India, and arguably one of Asia’s most sophisticated and high-tech studios. He initially composed scores for documentaries, jingles for advertisements and Indian Television channels and other projects.
In 1987 Rahman, then still known as Dileep got his first opportunity to compose jingles for new range of watches being launched by Allwyn. In 1992, he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and soundtrack for Ratnam’s Tamil film Roja. During the filming, it’s Cinematographer Santosh Sivan signed A. R. Rahman up for the Malayalam movie Yodha, directed by his brother Sangeeth Sivan released later in September 1992.
LIVE PERFORMACE
Vellithen Kinnam Pol”, for the Malayalam film Penpada. This track credited to his father, was sung by Jayachandran and penned by Bharanikkavu Sivakumar. His film career began in 1992, when he started Panchathan Record Inn, a music recording and mixing studio attached to the backyard of his house. Over time it would become the most advanced recording studio in India, and arguably one of Asia’s most sophisticated and high-tech studios. He initially composed scores for documentaries, jingles for advertisements and Indian Television channels and other projects.
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
1 – ‘Teri Yaad’ won ‘Best Alternative Song’
(Indus Music Awards)
2 – ‘Sun Re’ nominated for ‘Best Album’
(Lux Style Awards)
3 – ‘Malal’ won 6 awards out of 8 nominations.
(MTV Video Music Awards)