Karam Abbas Khan

This week meet Karam Abbas, a classical singer. Khan's subtle, sophisticated and seemingly uncomplicated classic melodies trace back to the 'Gwalior gharana', famous for its repertoire of 'khayal singing'. Trained by the late Ustad Ahmed Ali Khan, his father and mentor, a mighty force reverberates through his voice that started getting coached at the young age of ten. Karam Abbas has released few albums in his music career. He has done one album with a band and two albums with the Mehnaz Begum. This season in Coke Studio Season 8 Karam Abbas has sung a song with Mai Dhai - a fusion of folk and classical. These days Abbas is busy trying to revive the tradition of singing gazals. According to Abbas, "People have forgotten legends like Mehdi Hassan, Farida Khanum, and Ghulam Ali. I want to revive this tradition." This week let's see what are his likes and dislikes...

What is your specialized field of singing? prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

I specialize in thumri and ghazal

What is your most memorable concert to-date?

My most memorable concert to-date was when I performed in Royal Albert Hall UK back in 2005. The video still exists on YouTube and it was quite an amazing experience

Who was your favourite rock/jazz star when you were growing up or in your teens?

I never followed popular musicians. I was inclined more towards classical and used to listen to classical music and ghazals

In your childhood were you a bright student?

No

How was your Coke Studio experience?

It was a great learning experience

What do you usually wear in daily life?

These days I find jeans comfortable but the ultimate dress for musicians like us is chooridar pajama with kurta

Your favourite international music celebrity...

Michael Jackson

Your favourite music composer...

My favourite composers are Pritam, late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and A R Rehman

Who is your icon in the music industry?

I usually refer to legends like Mehdi Hassan and Amanat Ali Khan

How do you deal with your female fans?

I always interact with them in a very respectful and dignified way

One thing you like best about yourself...

I am very hard working

You don't like people who...

Those who spread rumours

You always feel happy in the company of...

People who read poetry, listen to classical music and who love art and culture

You are afraid of...

I am afraid of bad times. I always pray to God that I don't get to see any bad times during my life

Your most valuable possession...

My family

Your all time favourite movie...

PK

Are you shopaholic?

Not at all

What bores you the most?

People who are not interesting to talk to

When feeling low you prefer:

Praying

You are crazy about...

Music

Among your friends you are known as a...

Serious person

Are you a social person or a loner?

Loner

How do you like to spend your Sundays?

With family

Your favourite hang out...

If I go for international tours I like UK

Something very few people know about you as a person...

I am very sensitive

Your ultimate desire...

I want to do something that I become an inspiration for my future generations.