Ghazal Singers’ Struggle

Although musicians struggle throughout their lives, ghazal singers struggle harder, especially in the Indian context. As India enters into the next millenium, we see a concious effort to promote pop music more than any form of music. Indian Classical Music has suffered a major setback as a result. State is largely responsible for that in my opinion. There is consumerism everywhere. There is compeition. No sense prevails. Ghazal Singers in the present context must address their first and foremost responisbility. They must attempt to find means to sustain their livelihoods other than music. Only then they can turn their dreams into reality. Otherwise the future seems bleak.

Family and the Artiste

There is no relation between an aritiste and a family untill he/she been assisted by them to pursue his artistic dreams. Family is the most dangerous part of his being, which can make him live like a star or make him die in case if they disapprove his pursuits.  A true artiste always lives a vulnerable life. Believe it or not, but it’s true.

Relaxation Music

Although, I am a singer, I don’t believe in relaxation music. This might look strange for a moment, but the fact is that relaxation music does not relaxes you. It is your psychological preparation that makes you believe in that feeling of relaxation. In fact, deeper meaning of relaxation alwyas lies in your thought system. Even deeper relaxation goes beyond than that. It is a state where you are in complete understanding of the reality around you. That is where you feel completely relaxed as you encounter your social situations with complete control over them. Music may give you a temporary escape route to reach that higher state of mind where there is a possibility to be actually liberated. However, it requires constant questioning of your surroundings. ‘Read, Write, and Observe’ is the mantra!

Ghazal Singer – Ghulam Ali

The moment we hear Ghulam Ali, we know that we are talking about one of the best ghazal singers in the world. Indeed, Ghulam Ali is is synonymous to ghazals. This is what people say as far this singer from Pakistan is concerned. Born in the year 1940, Ghlulam Ali owes his origin to ‘Patiala Gharana’. Ghulam Ali’s birth village is Kaleke situated in the Sialkot district of Punjab. Here we are talking about the Indian geographical scenario prior to 1947, i.e. pre-partition India. Ghulam Ali was lucky to be born in a musical family. His father was a vocalist and a sarangi player. He was the source of inspiration for the singer who won the world with his ghazal singing. Since childhood, Ghulam Ali started getting Indian classical training from his father. Ghulam Ali was fortunate to be in the company of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan when he was only 15 years of age as a student. He also learnt from his three brother who were also adept in Hindustani Classical Music. Their names were Barqat Ali Khan, Mubarak Ali Khan, and Amanat Ali Khan. The training took in Lahore. This is where he learned the finer nuances of ghazal singing. He also recieved training in semi-classical which comprised of Thumri along with other ragas. Ghulam Ali’s Career His first step towads professional singing began when he started singing for Radio Lahore in the year 1960. Since, by that time he became an expert in ghazal singing, he started composing ghazals too. The beauty of his ghazals lie in the compositions which are raga-based. His understanding pertaining to ragas is based on scientific temper. As there exists no boundaries for an artiste, same is with Ghulam Ali. Ghulam Ali’s origin is from Pakistan but his popularity is througout the whole world. India and Pakistan clap together for this magical ghazal artiste. His first appearance on Indian hearts can be traced to a Hindi film song “Chupke Chupke Raat Din” in B. R. Chopra’s movie, Nikaah. Other popular ghazals include “Hungama hai kyon barpaa” and “Awaargi, yeh dil yeh paagal Dil mera”, and many more. He is concerned with contemporary pop style of singing as to him music at its lowest ebb. He says “Frankly, I am really bewildered at their style of singing. How can you sing a song by running and jumping around the stage? The stage is meant for performing not for acrobatics.”

Ghazal Singer – Mehdi Hassan

Mehdi Hassan

Mehdi Hassan: a name to reckon with in the field of ghazals, is a ghazal singer who took ghazal singing to new heights. His unsurpassable vocal range and his firm hold on ragas make him the king of ghazals. The best part of his voice is its range. The swiftness which his voice displays while singing ghazals is simply amazing. He is a singer who has been equally appreciated by the connoisseurs and the masses. Reigning for five decades in the field of ghazals is a daunting task. But Mehdi Hassan’s dedication proved it possible. I used to listen to his ghazals when I was around 10 years. My father is a die hard fan of him. That is what made me attracted towards him. And when I actually heard him singing ghazals with elan, I could not resist myself to be captivated by his mellifelous voice.

Medhi Hassan – Life Journey

Born is Luna, Rajasthan in India in 1927 into a family of musicians, he claims to be the 16th generation of hereditary musicians hailing from Kalawant. He was groomed under his father, Ustad Azeem Khan and his uncle Ustad Ismail Khan. Both of them were adept in Classical Music. After the partition of India, Medhi Hassan who was 20 at the time migrated to Pakistan. To utter surprise, he used to work in a bicycle shop and later became a car and tractor mechanic. But his love for music did not deter him from his daily practice in Classical Music. Finally this car and tractor mechanic was known as the greatest ghazal singer and the whole world salutes him. It submits before him and his art.

His Contribution

In his lifetime, he had come up with various recordings which are considered gems in the field of ghazals.