Soul stirrer

In the city for a live performance,Singh feels that the city still reminds him of the good old days when Ghazals were gaining popularity across the nation. “Pune and Kolkata are two of the cities,which I feel have deep roots in classical music. Moreover the amount of appreciation that crowds in these cities have for music of these genres is phenomenal and that’s why it is always a joy to perform here,” says Singh about performing in Pune.

When the entire nation was swinging to Bollywood music during the formative years of the Indian music scenario,Singh feels that Ghazal maestros of the olden days were quietly performing their own research and laying the foundation for the music form to reach its current status of popularity. “Ghazals incidentally have become a lot more simpler and easier to understand as the language has changed significantly from the heavy Urdu of the past till the light and comprehendible mixture of Urdu and Hindi of the present. What have not changed however are the emotions,which still remain true to their predecessors,” he adds.

While Singh enjoys singing both,filmy and non-filmy Ghazals,he feels that while singing non-filmy Ghazals the singer is free to interpret emotions the way he or she wishes to do and can sing freely without any restrictions as opposed to film music. He however does feel that live concerts are a sure fire way to connect with audiences. Speaking about it he says,“In the earlier days when Ghazals were still gaining popularity amongst the masses,singing in front of them,for them and with them was the way how Ghazal singers found wings to connect with people.”

As far as the changing music scenario is concerned Singh feels that fusion music is fast gaining popularity. His take on fusion music however is a little different. “ I feel that fusion music should involve using western classical music instruments like the violin,cello etc,to perform Indian ragas and songs. That according to me is the true amalgamation of cultures,” he says on a parting note.

The sold out concert held at the ILS Grounds at Law College Road featured some classic renditions from the Ghazal maestro,which included Meri aankhon ne chuna hai tujhko duniya dekh kar,Tumne Badle Gin Gin ke liye,Jhuki Jhuki si Nazar amongst others.

The concert also saw him dish out timeless favourites Woh Kaghaz ki Kashti,Woh barish ka paani,Apko dekh kar dekhta reh gaya,Main nashe mein hoon and Hosh walon ko khabar kya. This was in addition to the Jugalbandi between the Sitar and the Flute,and the Flute and the Tabla.

Dhananjay Meghnani,student,who attended the concert says,“I missed the concert in Mumbai because of my conflicting schedules but this time I made it a point to be present at the venue almost an hour before it,even if it meant missing my classes. While it was not unusual for him to create his usual magic,the cold weather,and the soul stirring songs provided an idyllic ambience,that left me moved.”