The 26th death anniversary of Allan Fakir, a respected personality of Sindh’s cultural landscape, was observed today, who was famous for his unique Ajrak and ecstatic Dhamaal. Allan Fakir, whose real name was Ali Bakhsh, played a significant role in bringing Sindh’s folk and Sufi music to national and international fame.
Born around 1932 in the village of Amri in Jamshoro district, Allan Fakir belonged to the Mangrani tribe. His father, affectionately called “Dhamali Fakir,” was an expert in Shehnai, and it was from here that Allan Fakir developed a deep love for music, Sufi traditions, and Dhamaal.
Allan Fakir was particularly skilled in presenting the Sindhi poetic form “Wai,” adapting each Sufi composition in his unique style. His performances were characterized by traditional Sindhi Dhamaal with ecstatic engagement, which was a key aspect of his artistic identity.
A significant milestone in Allan Fakir’s career was his participation in Radio Pakistan Hyderabad. His Sufi renditions at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai were recorded and broadcast, greatly expanding his audience. He continued to captivate audiences with his enchanting voice on Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television, especially during live performances on national occasions.
Apart from his native Sindhi language, Allan Fakir also sang in Urdu and Seraiki. His duet with the famous singer Muhammad Ali Shehki, “Tere Ishq Mein Jo Bhi Doob Gaya,” is a highlight of his illustrious career and is still known as a beloved classic.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the arts, Allan Fakir was awarded the Presidential Pride of Performance in 1987. In 1999, Pakistan Television honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received numerous other honors, including the Shah Latif Award, Shahbaz Award, and Kandhkot Award.
Allan Fakir passed away on July 4, 2000, in Karachi, and was buried in the courtyard of his home in Sindh University Colony, Jamshoro.
Although he departed the world 26 years ago, Allan Fakir’s legacy lives on today; his voice, ascetic style, and commitment to Sindh’s cultural heritage still resonate among music circles and traditional music enthusiasts.