Punjab government is planning on removing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Sargam Studio for their route of Orange Line Metro Train project.
The studio is located in Allama Iqbal Town and looks like it is becoming a hurdle for the government. Decisions have been made that the walls of the place will be demolished where the great classical icon of Pakistan used to make magical music.
Raza Shah, the current caretaker was offered Rs 2 million. Irony happens when you recognize the fact that Sargam studio created the anthem for this train project. The owner refused to accept that he is selling it for his own will.
Shah said, “I have myself seen Nusrat produce classics like Ali Da Malang and Jogi De Naal here.”
Sargam Studio was established in 1983 and some of Nusrat’s most popular songs and Qawwalis were recorded there. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the great icon, sometimes used it as his home. Even his body was brought to Sargam before burial. It was not only a studio, it was Nusrat’s office too. Famous people like Imran Khan used to come here to spend some time and enjoy Nusrat’s company.
When the sites like Shalimar Bagh and Chaburji were targeted for this route, Lahore High Court made a decision asking government to relocate the route but this time Sargam is at stake.
“People from around the world approached me to purchase Sargam and many of the instruments kept here. I always told them it is out of the question.” said Shah.
However, the in-charge of the project Khawaja Ahmad Hasan says that the project is very beneficial for the people and when it comes to the studio he says that they will renovate it.
