Ustad Hameed Khan Character Analysis in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

The singing teacher who teaches Aftab to sing beautifully, but in such a tone that he is teased by his peers for sounding like a girl. Later, Ustad Hameed Khan gives singing lessons to Zainab, Anjum’s first daughter, although the girl has no talent for singing. When Jannat Guest House and Funeral Services becomes a blossoming, full community, Ustad Hameed Khan is a frequent guest, and gives singing lessons there as well.

Ustad Hameed Khan Character Timeline in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

The timeline below shows where the character Ustad Hameed Khan appears in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Gender Identity, Social Division, and Coexistence Theme Icon

Social Hierarchy vs. Social Inclusivity Theme Icon

...particularly enjoys singing lessons. His voice is high and sweet, and Jahanara sends him to Ustad Hameed Khan , a renowned young musician. Aftab excels at singing, and his high voice allows him... (full context)

When Zainab turns five, Anjum takes her to have singing lessons with Ustad Hameed , her old music teacher. Sadly, the little girl has no talent for music, but... (full context)

...and gives Anjum an allowance from the Khwabgah, and even Saqib comes once a week. Ustad Hameed comes and sings for Anjum, which he knows to be possibly one of her only... (full context)

Corruption, Political Violence, and Capitalism Theme Icon

This is the sight that Anjum, Saddam Hussain, Ustad Hameed , Nimmo and their companion Ishrat, a visiting Hijra from Indore, see when they join... (full context)

...her, and a fight breaks out. The police arrive on the scene, and Anjum and Ustad Hameed are arrested. The next morning, they are released on no charges, but the baby is... (full context)

...up a party to welcome Tilo and the baby, and Zainab, Nimmo, Imam Ziauddin, and Ustad Hameed are all awaiting the arrival of the baby and her adoptive mother. Anjum has already... (full context)

Since Tilo’s arrival, the Jannat Guest House community has grown more family-like. Ustad Hameed begins giving singing lessons to promising students there, which Anjum attends (although she refuses to... (full context)