Asad Qizilbash

Asad Qizilbash (born 5 October 1963) is a Pakistani sarod player.

Biography

Asad was born in 1963 to the famous violinist K.H. Qizilbash, who introduced many talented Pakistani musicians to the world, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan among others.

After attending a concert performed by India’s most legendary Sarod player, Amjad Ali Khan, Asad decided to devote himself to the instrument. As a result Asad listened to many recordings by Amjad Ali Khan, practising the Sarod and putting his mind and soul into it. The discovery of his master’s live performance became the paradigm for his music. In 1992 Asad became the only recognised Sarod player in the country and five years later he received Ganda Band Shagerd of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in New Delhi.

1973

Asad Qizilbash started learning violin when he was around 8 years old. At 10 years age, he was asked to perform in a function patronized by UNICEF: "The Universal Children Day", Islamabad. It was his first public performance.

1975

Asad Qizilbash became a performing member of the Children's Art Workshop" at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). He was playing violin and the guitar. He remained member of this workshop till 1982, when he left for the Middle East. During those days he used to play daily at the workshop. At that same period, he signed a contract with the Pakistan Television PTV.