Pakistani child vocalist Faraz Ali Khan mesmerised an audience of music lovers with a number of classical numbers at a recent concert, organized by Punjab Music Group (PMG). A native of Lahore, Faraz has the honour of being the first student of Pakistan’s famous vocalist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The singer recently participated in India’s Zee TV show ‘Chhote Ustaad’, judged by Sonu Nigam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. At the concert in Doha, Faraz rendered an array of melodious songs popularised by Lata Mangeshkar and Anup Ghosal. Among those numbers rendered were “Lag Ja Gale” of Mangeshkar and “Tujh Se Naaraz nahi” by Anup Ghoshal.Faraz’s rendition of his mentor Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s hit numbers “Tere Mast Mast Do Nain” ‘‘Main Tenu Samjhawan Ke” and “Sureeli Akhiyon Wale” particularly won applause from audience. Faraz learned the rudiments of singing from his father Amjad Ali Khan and uncle Salamat Ali Khan. The concert opened with a classical performance by Indian music professor Aruna Arandev, who retired some years ago. Aruna’s years of unrelenting practice, coupled with her mellifluous and tuneful voice, instantly captured the hearts of the listeners. Aruna, who taught music at Punjabi University, Patiala, for over three decades, holds two masters degrees in music and an M Phil in music vocals. She has an equal mastery over the tabla. Local connoisseur Jaideep Pandey, who hosted the concert, said that he would make efforts to host similar concerts in coming months for the benefit of music lovers among the expatriates. At such concerts gifted singers as Faraz would be given opportunities to demonstrate their talents.PMG chief organiser Nazakat Ali Khan, Tanweer Khan and Anjan Das played the instruments supporting the singer.