aansoo bahana yaad hai,
Humko ab tak aashiqui ka
woh zamana yaad hai
The touching composition rocked the nation and transcended borders by portraying the feelings of a broken heart, and in the process made the already famous Ustad Gulam Ali an icon among the ‘aashiqs’.
When asked about the popularity of ghazals in this era of electronic music, he says, "Ghazals, being the most romantic and delicate genre of music, are liked by romantic people from all age groups. We have loyal listeners, and since love cannot go out of date and ghazals will not either."
The maestro will perform live in Pune on Saturday during the programme ‘Tere Sherhar Mein’, the event is being organised by Banyan Tree, an event management firm.
A disciple of Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Gulam Ali belongs to Patiala Gharana and is equally good at classical but he is head over heels in love with the delicate form of music. Elaborating, he says, "I have lived ghazals for past 52 years. To me it's the most live and beautiful form of expression, where each word carries deep meaning. Ghazals can be rightly called feelings of ‘sur’, where pain is also presented in a touching and melodious way."
Talking about his most memorable performance, he says that once in London, the audience comprised people from Punjab, Bengal, Pakistan and England, but everyone, despite the language difference, not only enjoyed the performance but also requested for an encore. "I felt the boundaries melting in the tunes and people sharing a common view despite vast cultural and linguistic differences," he says.
The maestro was positive about reality shows and says that they not only provide a platform for young talent but also add to the harmony across borders. "Judges are invited from across the borders. Music is worshipped and not people's origins. Music has the power to melt boundaries and touch our soul," he says.
Over the years, like all other genres, ghazals have also undergone change. However, Gulam Ali's signature style continues to rule the heart of connoisseurs and commoners alike. Be it the blissful emotion like love or a painful feeling of loneliness, ghazals gives a melodious touch to every emotion.
Anand Lalwani, senior manager, Banyan Tree Events says the number of youngsters coming for the show proves that the magic of ghazals still lingers. This time, the firm is joining hands with Tata Indicom to organise the event.
On an emotional note, the maestro explains that doing justice to any art is the sole responsibility of the artiste and this would happen only when one puts in heart and soul into it. Putting the message in a poetic form, "Lagta hai kai raaton ka jaga hai mussawir; tasweer ki aankhon se thakan jhank rahi hai," he signs off.
Source: Screenindia.com
