Holding the record for the longest Qawwali running for a solid time of 115 minutes named “Hashr kay Roz yeh Puchunga”, Aziz Mian’s fame runs across the world with no boundary of time or place. Born on 17 April 1942, Aziz Mian was called “Fauji Qawwal” as his qawwalis were loved especially by armed forces. From romance to mysticism, his Qawwalis were an indulgence for men of all tastes. Known to write his own lyrics, he often gave life to the words of Iqbal, Qateel Shifai and Sadiq.
Born as Abdul Aziz, he changed his name to Aziz Mian Meeruthi as homage to his native city, Meerut in India, but later “Aziz Mian” became his ribbon of recognition. Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan started to nourish him from the age of 10 which went on to 16 years. He studies from many places in Lahore, acing Arabic, Persian and Urdu literature, hence his command over his lyrics.
Though the world will remember him forever as the one who made him name while The Sabri Brothers were on the rise, his performance for Shah of Iran in 1966 is what defined his future, earning him gold medal for creating magic on stage. Pakistan recognized his brilliance in 1989 awarding him with the prestigious Pride of performance Medal. He left us on 6 December 2000 but his Qawwalis will stay with us till the end.