Azam Khan (singer)

Mahbubul Haque Khan (28 February 1950 - 5 June 2011), known as Azam Khan, was a Bangladeshi pop singer. He was the lead singer of the rock band Uchcharan, founded in 1972. He was often referred to by the honorific nickname "Pop Guru of Bangladesh".

Career
Khan was a freedom fighter in Sector 2 under Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf and fought against the Pakistani army in the Liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. After the war, he entered the music arena. He founded a musical band Uchcharon in 1972. His first concert in television was broadcast in 1972 in Bangladesh Television. His notable tunes included "Ore Saleka, Ore Maleka", "Jibone Kichhu Pabona Re", "Ami Jare Chaire", "Ashi Ashi Bole Tumi", "Obhimani", "Rail liner bostite", "Hei Allah Hei Allah Re", "Alal O Dulal" etc.

Khan, together with pop music contemporaries Fakir Alamgir, Ferdous Wahid, Firoz Shai, Najma Zaman, and Pilu Momtaz is credited with pioneering and popularizing Bangla pop music. About his career, singer-musician-composer Habib Wahid said, "The history of Bangladeshi pop began with Azam Khan. His songs were very popular in the post-independence Bangladesh, and they haven't lost their appeal at all." Pop star Mila said, "Azam Khan introduced this genre [pop] to Bangladeshis." Another pop singer Kona said: "Azam Khan's songs have an enduring value. He has inspired generations with his songs." Singer Biplob said that Bangla pop music is synonymous to Azam Khan. "He is our guru." Indie singer-musician-composer Arnob said, "He is not among us anymore but his songs will keep his spirit alive. He'll live forever through his music." Singer Nancy said, "His songs will no doubt inspire us for years to come."

Personal life
Khan has a daughter - Ima Khan.

Death and legacy
Khan died on 5 June 2011 at Dhaka CMH hospital at the age of 61. He was suffering from oral cancer which had spread to his lungs. In 2013 Khan's family members established Azam Khan Foundation aiming to help destitute artists.

Discography

 * Didi Maa
 * Bangladesh
 * Keu Nai Amar
 * Mixed Album
 * Neel Noyona