Golden era of music ended with Mehdi Hassan and Noor Jahan: Malkoo

Renowned folk singer Malkoo has expressed his concerns over the decline of Pakistan’s music industry, attributing it to the fading appreciation for classical music.

Speaking on 24 Plus, Malkoo heaped praise on legendary singers Mehdi Hassan, Madam Noor Jahan, Ghulam Ali, and Allah Ditta Lonay Wala along with his son Nadeem Abbas, for their invaluable contributions to music.

After the golden era of Mehdi Hassan and Noor Jahan, the essence of music ends and the industry saw a significant decline, he rued.

He said: “After Mehdi Hassan and Madam Noor Jahan, music in Pakistan finished.

“They were great singers. We are entertainers. We are just breadwinners.”

“To earn, you have to be an entertainer,” he insisted, adding that the masses no longer have the time to appreciate classical music.

See Also: How PTI songs boosted folk singer Malkoo’s popularity and earnings

Recalling an event in Multan, he shared an instance where Mehdi Hassan and Attaullah Esakhelvi were scheduled to perform.

However, he added the audience struggled to engage with Mehdi Hassan’s music.

 “People were not listening to him. They couldn’t understand what was happening,” Malkoo maintained.

He also mentioned his admiration for folk and classical artists, citing Mansoor Malangi as his childhood inspiration.

“I used to listen to Mansoor Malangi’s music as a child. He is my inspiration,” he said. For Ghazal, he expressed his deep appreciation for Ghulam Ali.

Malkoo also opened up about his struggles growing up in poverty and his journey from poverty to prominence.

He recalled how he lacked basic necessities during his school days. “I did not have a bicycle and had to walk miles to school and college,” he shared. Instead of a lunchbox, he carried parathas wrapped in paper.

Despite these challenges, he said he stood firm.  “I spent tough times, but I am grateful to the Almighty who blessed me abundantly,” he said. Today, he proudly owns multiple vehicles, including a Toyota Prado, a stark contrast to his difficult past.

Malkoo also spoke about his first-ever concert payment, recalling that two decades ago, he earned Rs 5,000 for his first show. The Master’s in English said financial constraints forced him to pause his studies during his . However, he never gave up.

Reflecting on his early struggles, Malkoo shared how people doubted his potential as a singer. “I was told I wouldn’t make it, but I refused to give up,” he said.