Skip to main content

Replies sorted oldest to newest

GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:


Birth: 1940

Birthplace: Kaleke, Pakistan

Profession: Ghazal Singer

Ghulam Ali, the singing sensation has enthralled audiences all over the world for almost four decades now. His "Chupke Chupke Raat Din Aasoon Bahana Yaad Hai...." whose words still haunt. And the man behind that voice still stays as elusive as he ever was. His background as a Thumri singer makes him an exceptional ghazal singer. Ghulam Ali can easily be termed as the most versatile ghazal singer ever.

He was born in 1940, at village Kaleke, district Sialkot, which is now a part of Pakistan in 1940. He belongs to a musical family, his father was vocalist and sarangi player Ghulam Ali got his initial musical training from his father. His father would teach him by keeping small green leaves over the harmonium keys and marking them with a ballpoint pen.

Continues.......

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Ghulam Ali encountered Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, an unparalleled legend of classical music from the first time, when he was a 15-year-old boy. Ustad Khan had come to Kabul. Ghulam Ali's father requested the Ustad to take his son as a disciple. But the maestro insisted that since he was hardly in town, regular training wouldn't be possible. But after repeated requests from Ghulam Ali's father, Khan Saheb asked the young Ghulam Ali to sing something. It wasn't easy to sing before him. He mustered the courage to sing the thumri, Saiyyan Bolo Tanik Mose Rahiyo Na Jaye. After he finished, Ustad Saheb hugged him and made him his disciple.

Continues.....

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Bade Ghulam Ali Khan had three brothers, Barqat Ali Khan, Mubarak Ali Khan and Amanat Ali Khan, all of whom were renowned classical musicians. The young Ghulam Ali was placed under their supervision as they lived in Lahore. It was under Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan that he learnt to recognise ragas and other basics. With time,his inclination towards ghazal, thumri, dadra grew, and he decided to take them up professionally. All these great teachers of classical music taught him finer details of classical music, making him one of the best classical singers of all times. And his solid foundation in pure classical music, raagas, thumaris is very apparent in all his singing, making is style unique and inimitable.

Continues....

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

For the singer, 1960 was a turning point in his career. That year, he attended the biggest-ever musical event in Pakistan called Kul Pakistan Music Conference, in which maestros from across the world participated. Personalities such as Gopi Krishna and Girija Devi had come from India. He got to sing for 12 minutes, a rare chance for someone who was relatively unknown. He was the youngest there. As he sang, the demand for more poured in. The next day, he hit the headlines of the most prestigious newspaper of Lahore called Imroz. The rest, as they say, is history.

Also he came under the association of a master poet whom he has called Sufi Sahab. He guided Ghulam Ali to enter into the realm of the heart and aesthetics of ghazals. Sufi Sahab taught him how to recite the shers effectively without distorting the beauty of the poetry. He told him where to stop and where to stress so that the words remained crystal clear.

Continues........

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

The hallmark of Ghulam Ali's style is his mastery over Classical Music and perfect understanding of the ghazal. He fuses them perfectly to bring this complex amalgam within the easy reach of all. The result -- timeless compositions like

Hungama kyon hai barpa,
Dil mein ek lahar si uthi hai abhi,
Mehfil mein baar baar usi par nazar gayeen,
Kal Chaudavin ki raat thi,
to name only a few.

His incomparable rendition of the ghazals through his pioneering style, coupled with his impeccable voice, carries even the most disinterested listener to a height where sheer ecstasy reigns supreme.

Ghulam Ali has a heavy, baritone voice, and while rendering ghazals he creates very subtle vibrations in his voice which he uses very beautifully, to convey a whole range of emotions through it. He could make it sound hopelessly romantic, he can make it sound melancholy, he can make it sound anything that he wants almost effortlessly.

Continues.........

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

It's his classical style of singing combined with soul and emotion of the ghazal without compromising clarity of reciting the words makes Ghulam Ali so unique. Many music critics and experts unanimously agree that Ghulam Ali's compositions are very tough, and it's next to impossible to imitate them.

Ghulam Ali is equally sensitive about the rhythm and technical virtuosity of the ghazals. He recites each word very clearly, making sure that the meaning of the ghazal is conveyed effectively. He can make 15 plus minute long ghazal sound equally beautiful as Mehdi Hassan. Along with Mehdi Hassan, he has played a pioneering role in reviving the Ghazal in the 1970's. He can deservedly be called one of the most influential amabassadors from across the border, who, when he sang Faasle aise bhi honge, yeh kabhi socha na tha brought ghazal from both the countries closer to one another. Listeners are always left breathtaken and spellbound as Ghulam Ali unlocks the eternity of emotions that run through his exquisite rendering of the ghazal.

Continues.......

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

His Inimitable Style

Ghulam Ali has a heavy baritone voice, and while rendering ghazals he creates an effect which is simply out of this world. He has a very subtle vibrations in his voice which he uses very beautifully, to convey a whole range of emotions through it. He could make it sound hopelessly romantic, he can make it sound melancholy, he can make it sound anything that he wants almost effortlessly owing to his relentless riyaaz (practice).

Ghulam Ali is equally sensitive about the rhythm and technical virtuosity of the ghazals. He recites each word very clearly, making sure that the meaning of the ghazal is conveyed effectively. He could recite same sher (couplet) five times making it sound different each time and conveying a new meaning each time with his amazing flair. It's sheer bliss to listen to his ghazal which has only a few shers but goes on for about 15-20 minutes enjoying his voice modulations. Recall his rendering of "Tez hawaaaaaaa ne muzse puchha, ret pe kya likhate rahete ho..." from "Itni muddat baad mile ho" ghazal, you'll know what I mean. IMHO, the only other person who can make 15 plus minute long ghazal sound equally beautiful is Mehdi Hassan.

It's his classical style of singing combined with soul & emotion of the ghazal without compromising clarity of reciting the words makes Ghulam Ali so unique. Many music critics and experts unanimously agree that Ghulam Ali's compositions are very tough, and it's next to impossible to imitate them.

For his live concerts, usually the accompanying musical instruments are harmonium and tabla. He himself plays these instruments quite well. The musical instruments such as sarod, sitar, santoor often complement him, but it is his voice which rules, and not the instruments.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Popularity, Inspirations

Despite of his classical based ghazals, he is very popular among critics as well as music lovers giving him rare adulation in various countries besides his own. Due to this very reason many music labels such as HMV Saregama, Music India, Polydor, Venus, Tips, T-Series, Navras Sony across the globe have produced numerous compilations of his ghazals. That is the reason why I have not mentioned any particular album for most of his ghazals in the site database, instead it mentions "Various" in the album column.

Again, owing to his immense popularity, some of his ghazals have been used in the Indian hindi movies. His popular ghazal "Chupke chupke raat din.." has been used in the movie Nikaah featuring Raj Babbar and Salma Aghaa. Moreover, many of the hindi film songs have been "inspired" from some of his ghazals. "Thodi si jo pi li hain, chori to nahi ki hain" from Namak Halal (Ghazal - Hungama hain kyon barpa) as you would recognize, is one them.

It is indeed surprising why there's not much information available about him and his songs on the internet. As far as I know, he doesn't have a fan site yet like jagjitsingh.com, the search on google for his name usually gives links of sites like teenstation.com or musicindiaonline.com which features some of his songs in ra and mp3 format. Anyway, I hope this micro-site grows into a decent information site about Ghulam Ali.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Releases

(June 2007) Times Music has released an album of new ghazals (as of June 2007) called Zikr sung by Ghulam Ali. I rushed to Planet M to get my copy, and was eager to listen to the maestro himself with all new ghazals!!! Though it hurts like hell to say this - this album is rather mediocre. The music by Nayab Raja is too ordinary & lyrics are just about average! Worse still, Ghulam Ali's voice doesn't sound too good either!!! Nothing hurts more...I hope we'd get a chance to hear something better by him soon!

Earlier, in Sept 2001, he had released an album Visaal with famous Indian poet Gulzar. This indeed is a great news because some of his latest albums did lack good poetry to match his earlier classics, I hope he makes more albums with great poets like Gulzar. Unfortunately this album is not available in India these days (June 2007) and I hope SaReGama will do something about it.

Also, he sang live at Swar Utsav, which was conducted during 23 - 25 November 2001 at India Gate, New Delhi. A recording of this live concert has been made available on cassettes and CDs by Music Today.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

ALBUMS OF GHULAM ALI:

Narayan Gopal, Ghulam Ali Ra Ma (Nepali Ghazals)
Suraag - In Concert
With Love
Mast Nazren -Ecstatic Glances Live in London, 1984
Ghazalain - Live at Islamabad
Passions
Hungama Live In Concert Vol.1
Poems of Love
Tere Shahar Mein
Saadgee
Haseen Lamhen
Ghazals
Anjuman Behtareen Ghazlen
Soulful
Once More
The Golden Moments - Patta Patta Boota Boota
Live in USA Vol 2 - Private Mehfil Series
Suno
Live in USA Vol 1 - Private Mehfil Series
Saugaat
Khwahish
At His Very Best
Aawargee
The Finest Recordings Of Ghulam Ali
Great Ghazals
The Golden Collection
Geet Aur Ghazals
Dillagee
Kalaam-E-Mohabbat
Chupke Chupke - Live In Concert, England
Rang Tarang vol 1,2
Janay Walay
Heer
Khushboo
Ghulam Ali - The Very Best
Ghulam Ali - Mehfil - Collection From Live Concerts
The Best Of Ghulam Ali
Lag Gaya Nain
Awargi—Ghulam Ali - Vol.3 & 4.
Aitbaar
Aadaab Ustad (Ghazals)
Mahtab
Ghulam Ali Vol.1 and 2
A Ghazal Treat - Ghulam Ali In Concert
Ghulam Ali In Concert
Khushboo
Awargi (Live) Vol 1 and 2
Moods and Emotions
Ek Ehsaas - A Confluence Of The Finest Ghazal Voices
Best Of Ghulam Ali
Greatest Hits Of
The Golden Moments Ghulam Ali Vol.1
A Live Concert
The Best of Ghulam Ali
Aabshaar
Lamha Lamha
Once More
Parchhaiyan
Mehraab
Ghulam Ali Live At India Gate - Swar Utsav 2001 - Songs Of The Wandering Soul
Ghalib - Ghazals - Ghulam Ali - Mehdi Hassan
The Latest,the best
Miraz-E-Ghazal, Ghulam Ali & Asha Bhosale
Moods and Emotions


.
FM
GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Ghulam Ali In An Exclusive Interview: By
Sanjeeb Mukherjee

In Delhi for the release of his album Visaal (Coming Together) penned by another maestro Gulzar, the singer spoke at length about his love for Urdu poetry, the cultural bonding that artists like him have managed to create between two estranged nations and also on his latest album and how he roped in one the most sensitive poets India has ever produced....

Ghulam Ali, the singing sensation has enthralled audiences all over the world for almost four decades now.

His "Chupke Chupke Raat Din Aasoon Bahana Yaad Hai...." The words still haunt. And the man behind that voice still stays as elusive as he ever was.

How does it feel to have an appreciative audience like you had today?

GA: Everywhere in the world I am heard with love and affection. But I personally enjoy singing in India. Though some people may not understand some of the chaste Urdu words but they know most of my popular ghazals verbatim. It's a great feeling. Singing for an Indian audience is a unique experience. They are true connoisseurs. As far as audience in England, America and Canada go, they have to be explained the meanings of certain words.

What about your fans in Pakistan?

GA: As you know Urdu is our zabaan. So in Pakistan things are entirely different. No one has to make an effort to understand the words of my ghazals. There I believe people say that if you haven't heard Ghulam Ali you've heard nothing. I may sound pompous but the fact is that in Pakistan they only listen to me when they want to enjoy a good ghazal.

In these strained times how do you think an artiste like you can help better relationships between India and Pakistan?

GA. Music transcends all geographical boundaries. I have admirers on both sides of the borders, for whom I am neither Hindustani nor Pakistani, but simply a singer. For me personally it is a great honour that through my songs I have managed to bring the people of both countries closer and I will continue to do so.

Just like you there are many pop groups from Pakistan who have tremendous fan following on both sides of the border. Tell us something about the role that they are playing and also about there singing?

GA. As far as fan following is considered it is good that pop groups too have been trying to cement ties between the two countries. But, 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.

Do you feel ghazal is more superior to other forms of singing?

GA. Ghazal requires lot of riyaz and training and a thorough knowledge of classical music. Nobody, wants to spend so much time nowadays, every one is after quick bucks.

Which is your favourite forum?

GA: There's no question about it. Singing on stage is a sublime experience because you get an instant reaction. When the audience appreciates you they reward you right there with their applause. Can there be anything more satisfying for a creative person?

You've been singing for almost 40 years. Has there been any change in your style since then?

GA: Yes it's been 40 years or say all the years of my adulthood. The difference is that my voice has matured and I have learnt a lot. I've sung in front of different audiences around the world and feel far more confident than I did in my early days. In short I feel that I have matured considerably. I've become more God-fearing and feel that my talent is God's grace. Now when I sing well I feel I am communing with God.

As a great ghazal singer you follow the conventional style - you don't like to experiment much?

GA: You see, experimenting with ghazal means experimenting with words and music. If you have been following my style, I keep innovating. For me ghazal is very serious matter, singing each ghazal is a new experiment.

Tell us something about your latest album Visaal and why did you choose the poetry of Gulzar?

GA. Visaal, means coming together. We chose this name because it signifies not only the coming together of two personalities, but is the union of two minds, two souls, two cultures and more importantly of two great nations.

We had conceptualized this album for quite sometime, but due to our respective prior engagements we could not give it a final shape. Now with the grace of the Almighty it has finally materialized.

What is the underlying mood in the album?

GA. We have focused on the ghazal form of singing and selected those shers (couplets) that suit the ghazal style of singing. As far as the underlying mood is concerned it is a combination of all human emotions like joy, sorrow and romance. All the music that I've composed for this album has a classical base.

Back in the eighties you had some big hits in Hindi films. Haven't any Indian producers approached you for giving music in Hindi films?

GA: Insha Allah, I have been approached and I am considering a few proposals. It is God's grace that I compose my own music. I've hundreds of books, I select a ghazal then I sit down for the composition. At times it takes two days, at times eight days and at times even fifteen days, but I don't compromise on that.

Would you like to sing along with any Indian singer?

GA: I want to provided someone accepts the offer. I like most Indian singers and I hope they like me.

Do you have any favourites among Indian singers?

GA: Maasha Allah, whom shall I name, all of them are so good. I can say without any doubt that there is no match to Lataji, Ashaji and Jagjit Singhji. Hariharan is also singing well. Anoop Jalota has his own style. Indian singers are dear to me.

You have been performing in India since 1980. Has it been a pleasant experience?

GA: As I said, in India I've had some of the most appreciative audiences. I keep coming to India because of the affection I get from the people here.

You are now promoting your son Nazar Abbas Ali. Can you tell us a bit about him?

GA: Insha Allah, let us pray the love and affection I've got from you will be showered on him as well. But so far he is still under my tutelage. Let him mature as a singer then we'll plan things out.

Does he sing on stage?

GA: Yes. he sometimes accompanies me. He has sung in America, England and Canada. In fact he had also come to India some time back as well. I pray to God he does well for himself.

Do you have other disciples apart from your son?

GA: There are lot many and in different countries. Some of them are in India too. Here I've Naeem Ali, Javed Ali. I think many of my disciples have a lot of promise in them. Mohan Jutle in America and Ameen Mukhtar in Canada are doing very well and are getting recognition.

You've been the disciple of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saheb. Did your father name you after him?

GA: What can a humble singer like me say about Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saheb. I had been, I have been and I will be his disciple. I am proud I have been named after him. Whosoever keeps a bit of his remembrance will always remain alive to melody. Whatever little remembrance of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saheb I have, I revere that.

Any message for you fans?

GA: Yes. I love you all and always want your love and affection

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Ghulam Ali recites each word clearly, making sure that the meaning of the ghazal is conveyed effectively. He has the ability to recite the same sher five times making it sound different each time.
Some of his ghazals have been used in the Bollywood movies. His popular ghazal, Chupke chupke raat din, has been used in the movie, Nikaah. Many of the Hindi film songs have been inspired from some of his ghazals like, Thodi si jo pi li hain, chori to nahi ki hain from Namak Halal which was inspired by his ghazal, Hungama hain kyon barpa. As Ghulam Ali believes in quality than quantity he produces just one or two albums a year and rest of the time concentrates more on live concerts. In September 2001, he released an album, Visaal, with famous Indian poet Gulzar.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

Listeners and lovers of ghazals sometimes are left breathtaken and spellbound as Ghulam Ali unlocks the eternity of emotions that run through his exquisite rendering of the ghazal. One such ghazal that captures world wide attention is/was Mirza Ghalib's Aah ko Chaahiye ek umr asar hone tak:
With that voice, he creates an effect which is simply out of this world. He has a very subtle vibrations in his voice which he uses very beautifully, to convey a whole range of emotions through it. He could make it sound hopelessly romantic, he can make it sound melancholy, he can make it sound anything that he wants almost effortlessly owing to his relentless riyaaz (practice).


POET : MIRZA GHALIB
SINGER : GHULAM ALI


AAH KO CHAAHIYE EK UMR ASAR HONE TAK:

(Aah ko chaahiye ik umr asar hone tak)2
It will take a lifetime for my sadness to have an effect on you
Kaun jiitaa hai terii zulf ke sar hone tak
Who is going to live long enough (for you) to understand my sad condition

(Aashiqii sabrtalab aur tamannaa betaab)2
Love asks for patience, but the desires are impatient
(Dil kaa kyaa rang karuun Khuune jigar hone tak)2
Tell me which color should I color this heart, while
waiting for you to break it


(Aah ko chaahiye ik umr asar hone tak)2
It will take a lifetime for my sadness to have an effect on you

(Ham ne maanaa ke tagaaful na karoge lekin)2
I understand that you are not indifferent to my feelings of love
Khaak ho jaayenge ham tumako Khabar hone tak
But I will turn into ashes (die) by the time you get a wind of my feelings

(Aah ko chaahiye ik umr asar hone tak)2
It will take a lifetime for my sadness to have an effect on you

(Partav-e-Khuur se hai shabanam ko fanaa kii taaliim)
The dew drop is finished or destroyed by the sunlight
(Main bhii huun ek inaayat kii nazar hone tak)2
I'm living until you look at me just like the dew is until the sunrays falls on it.

(Gamehastii kaa 'Asad' kis se ho juz marg ilaaj)2
Asad, the sorrows of my life, can be cured by none other than death
(Shamm'a har rang men jalatii hai sahar hone tak)2
After all the candles burns under all circumstances till the dawn

Aah ko chaahiye ik umr asar hone tak
It will take a lifetime for my sadness to have an effect on you
Kaun jiitaa hai terii zulf ke sar hone tak
Who is going to live long enough (for you) to understand my sad condition

Trans:Ranjana

Our sincere "thanks" goes out to Ranjana: NOT AN EASY TASK TO TRANSLATE MIRZA GHALIB:
Raji if you ever happened to listen to this one.....it is specially for you from all of us from GNI Forums. wavey

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

Ghulam Ali on the passing of Jagjit Singh


Jagjit was the most fun-loving person: Ghulam Ali
Vinita Chaturvedi, TNN Oct 11, 2011

In a tete-a-tete with us, Ghulam Ali mourns the loss of Jagjit Singh

Ours was a friendship, which transcended the barriers of geography, hostile governments and hurdles of red-tape. My friend Jagjit Singh has left for heavenly abode, and I am simply inconsolable. I feel he will walk up to me and sing the mukhda of a ghazal for me.

We were going to sing together

I just can't believe that my friend is gone forever! We were going to sing together in Shanmukhananda Hall, but he fell ill just a couple of days before the concert, and I finally did the show along with Hariharan. That day, I was weeping inside, but the show went on. I was hoping that he will be alright, and will sing once again with me. After all, we have done more than 30 concerts all over the world together. Par mera dildaar yaar chala gaya, janaab! I am currently in Delhi to attend a wedding of a family friend, but this visit of mine has now become a tragic one.

Era of ghazals over in India

I met Jagjit for the first time in 1976 in London, where both of us had our respective concerts. And we hit it off from the word 'go'. Whenever we found time, we would attend each other's concerts in London. Since then, we were inseparable! With his demise, the era of ghazals has ended in India. If Allah wills, some new singer will later carve a niche in this genre, but Jagjit was number one and had his own unique style, which can only be copied.

Missing the magic moments

We have quite a few ""together"" ghazal albums to our credit. But today, I remember a lot more about him than merely our musical journey. Despite his stern looks, Jagjit was the most fun-loving person, who didn't allow tragedies of life to get the better of him. Whenever we had meals together, he would regale me with his hilarious jokes, and we would end up giggling like schoolboys. Deep inside, he was still a child, even though his tragic life added extra soz to his voice. I went to see him at Leelavati Hospital twice, and it hurt me to see him in that pathetic condition.

Can't stop water and air

I and Jagjit were both very disturbed whenever we heard about the bans being proposed on artistes, stopping them from crossing the border, because you can't stop art from reaching beyond barriers. Like water and air - they create their own path!

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

Ali started singing for Radio Lahore in 1960. Along with singing ghazals, Ghulam Ali composes music for his bhajan. His compositions are raga-based and sometimes include a scientific mixture of ragas. He is known for blending gharana-gaayaki into ghazal and this gives his singing the capability to touch hearts. He beautifully sings Punjabi songs too. Most of his Punjabi songs have been extremely popular. Though from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali remains as popular in India as in Pakistan.

He entered Hindi Cinema with a Hindi film song Chupke Chupke Raat Din in B. R. Chopra's film, Nikaah. Other popular ghazals include Hungama hai kyon barpaa and Awaargi.

On being questioned about Pakistani pop groups, Ghulam Ali replied, "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."

Ali has also sung some beautiful ghazals like Kina kina timro tasveer, Gajalu tee thula thula aankha, Lolaaeka tee thula and Ke chha ra diun in Nepali language with Narayan Gopal, a well known Nepali singer, and composer Deepak Jangam.Those songs were written by King Mahendra of Nepal These songs were compiled in an album entitled Narayan Gopal, Ghulam Ali Ra Ma, and are popular among Nepali music lovers to this day.

One of his memorable concerts was at the Taj Mahal.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

Ghulam Ali sings in praise of the Taj

Nimisha TiwariNimisha Tiwari,

Pakistani ghazal maestro is delighted that Taj Mahal makes to the new list of Seven Wonders.
Euphoria over the Taj Mahal making to the list of the new Seven Wonders of the World on Saturday, was not just restricted to Indians. Pakistani ghazal maestro Ustad Ghulam Ali, whose concert Tere Shahar Mein was held at the Shanmukhananda Hall on Sunday, joined in the chorus of proud congratulatory messages to the Indian monument of Emperor Shah Jehan's love for his bride Mumtaz.

The ustad, who last week was reluctant to react to BT's request for a comment on the Taj (his spokesperson said he can speak about music, but not the Taj, as it would become a political statement), dedicated one of his famous ghazals to the eternity of the monument.

Beaming at his audience, which included singers Hariharan and Ila Arun along with Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Ghulam Ali said, "Aap sab mere mohsin (dear ones) hein. Aur aaj jab Taj Mahal ka naam phir se roshan ho gaya hein, mein apni ghazal khushi se apko pesh kar raha hoon." And he sang Dil Mein Ek Leher with much fervour, to the audiences' delight.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

What makes Ghulam Ali's compositions special is his perfect understanding of the poetry, the soul of a ghazal. Fusing this with his mastery of classical music he has been able to bring this complex amalgam to the easy reach of all. He says "I have sung poems of so many great poets right from Mirza Ghalib, to Aamir Khusro, Ahmad Fayaz, Qateel Shifai, Fahat Shahzad, Gulzar, Akbar Allahabadi... There are so many others whose names don't come to mind. I have always remained faithful to the poems, never trying to change them. I was taught to enter the heart and aesthetics of ghazals. To recite the shers effectively, without distorting the beauty of the poetry. In fact, these changes are usual in film songs."

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

THE POET: HASRAT MOHINI: (1875–1951)

Hasrat Mohani's Ghazal "Chupke, chupke raat din ansoon bahana yaad hain" was written on a terrace in *Ballimaraan Delhi" by a youthful Mohani who had fallen in love with a girl living in the next house. She would often come to the terrace on the pretext of drying clothes.

Maulana Hasrat Mohani (1875–1951) was a romantic poet of Urdu language, journalist, politician, parliamentarian and a fearless freedom fighter of Indian Sub-continent . His real name was Syed Fazl ul Hasan. He was born in 1875 at Mohan in Unnao district of U.P. India.

According to Akhtar Payami: Hasrat's poetic genius has been acclaimed by many writers and critics. In the not too distant past (beginning and the first half of the 20th century)

Maulana Hasrat Mohani’s famous literary works are;

Kulliyat-e-Hasrat Mohani: A collection of most of the ghazals of Maulana Hasrat Mohani, comprising of 13 "Diwans" and more than 700 ghazals and other poetic work written during the period 1903 and 1950.

On 13th May 1951, this great son of the soil and man of his convictions and professions died in Lucknow and was buried in the graveyard of Anwar Bagh in Farngi Mahal.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

POET : HASRAT MOHINI
SINGER: GHULAM ALI


1) CHUPKE CHUPKE RAAT DIN ANSOO BAHANA YAAD HAIN

Chupake Chupake Raat Din Aansuu Bahanaa Yaad Hai
I remember shedding tears secretly day and night
Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
I still remember the days of our love

Chupake Chupake Raat Din Aansuu Bahanaa Yaad Hai
I remember shedding tears secretly day and night

(Tujhse Milte Hi Woh Kuchh Bebaak Ho Jaana Mera)2
As soon as I meet you, I would become bold
Aur Tera Daaton Mein Woh Ungali Dabana Yaad Hai
and you would press your finger between your teeth, I remember

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
I still remember the days of our love
Chupake Chupake Raat Din Aansuu Bahanaa Yaad Hai
I remember shedding tears secretly day and night

(Khench lenaa vo meraa parde kaa konaa daffaatan)2
I would suddenly tug at the corner of the screen
Aur dupatte se teraa vo muunh chhupaanaa yaad hai
and you would hide your face with your dupatta

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
I still remember the days of our love
Chupake Chupake Raat Din Aansuu Bahanaa Yaad Hai
I remember shedding tears secretly day and night

(Do-pahar kii dhuup mein mere bulaane ke liye)2
In the heat of the midday sun, to call me,
Vo teraa kothe pe nange paaoon aanaa yaad hai
I remember you would come into the yard in your bare feet

Hum Ko Ab Tak Ashiqui Ka Woh Zamana Yaad Hai
I still remember the days of our love
Chupake Chupake Raat Din Aansuu Bahanaa Yaad Hai
I remember shedding tears secretly day and night

(Tujh ko jab tanhaa kabhii paanaa to az_raahe-lihaaz)2
when I got to meet you alone, I would blushingly...
(hal-e-dil baaton hii baaton mein jataanaa yaad hai)2
... find a way to mention the state of my heart

Hum Ko Ab Tak Ashiqui Ka Woh Zamana Yaad Hai
I still remember the days of our love
Chupake Chupake Raat Din Aansuu Bahanaa Yaad Hai
I remember shedding tears secretly day and night

(Aa gaya gar vasl kii shab bhii kahiin zikr-e-firaaq)2
If a mention of parting ever came up during our nights of love
Vo teraa ro ro ke bhii mujhako rulaanaa yaad hai
I remember how you would cry and make me cry

Hum Ko Ab Tak Ashiqui Ka Woh Zamana Yaad Hai
I still remember the days of our love
Chupake Chupake Raat Din Aansuu Bahanaa Yaad Hai
I remember shedding tears secretly day and night

Trans: Venkat:

OTHER VERSES THAT MAKE UP THE COMPLETE POEM OF "CHUPAKE CHUPAKE RAAT DIN" NEVER HAD TRANSLATIONS BEFORE, SOMETIMES THESE VERSES WERE SUNG BY VARIOUS SINGERS, OF COURSE NOT ALL AT ONE SITTING

Be rukhi kay saat sunanaa dard-e-dil ki daastaan
With your face averted, you would listen to the tales of my heartache
Wo kalaai me teran kangan ghumaana yaad hai
I remember how you would twirl your bangles around your wrist

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Waqt-e-rukhsat alvida ka lafz kehnay ke liyay
When it was time to say goodbye
Vo tere sukhay labo ka Thar-tharana yaad hain
I remember how your parched lips would quiver

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Baahazaaraan iztiraab-o-sad-hazaaraan ishtiyaaq
with a thousand anxieties, and a hundred thousand desires
Tujhase vo pahale pahal dil kaa lagaanaa yaad hai
I remember how I first lost my heart to you

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Jaan kar sotaa tujhe vo qasa-e-paabosii meraa
I would knowingly rub your feet in worship
Aur teraa Thukaraa ke sar vo muskuraanaa yaad hai
I remember how you would toss your head and smile at me

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Jab sivaa mere tumhaaraa koii diivaanaa na thaa
when you had no other suitor but me,
Sach kaho kyaa tum ko bhii vo kaarKhaanaa yaad hai
Tell me truly, do you remember such a time?

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Ghair kii nazaron se bachakar sab kii marzii ke Khilaaf
Hiding from other's eyes, and against their wishes
Vo teraa chorii chhipe raaton ko aanaa yaad hai
I remember you would secretly come to me at night

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Dekhanaa mujhako jo bargashtaa to sau sau naaz se
when you saw me turned against you, with much gentleness....
Jab manaa lenaa to phir khud ruuth jaanaa yaad hai
you would cajole me, then you yourself would become cool toward me

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Chori chori ham se tum aa kar mile the jis jagah
That place where where I came to meet you secretly
Muddatein guzariin par ab tak wo thikaanaa yaad hai
I remember it still, though many years have passed

Ham ko ab tak aashiqii kaa vo zamaanaa yaad hai
Chupake chupake raat din aansuu bahanaa yaad hai

Trans: Venkat

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

POET : HASRAT MOHINI
SINGER: GHULAM ALI

TRANSLATOR: VENKAT KANNAN:


HISTORY HAS BEEN CREATED ON GNI WITH CHUPAKE CHUPAKE RAAT DIN AANSUU BAHANAA YAAD HAI:
THE FIRST TIME EVER SO MANY VERSES HAS BEEN FOUND AND EXPLANATIONS GIVEN TO THE WORKS OF HASRAT MOHANI, FANS COULD NOW APPRECIATE WHAT REALLY MOULANA MOHANI WANTED TO CONVEY IN THIS MASTERPIECE, WHERE GHULAM ALI IN HIS INIMITABLE STYLE AND AMAZING FLAIR, PERFORMS AN ELEVEN AND A HALF MINUTES LONG GHAZALS AND AT THE END LISTENERS STILL WANTED HIM TO GO ON AND ON AND ON, USTAD GHULAM ALI HAS GIVEN US SO MANY GEMS........BUT THIS ONE STANDS OUT AS ONE HIS BEST,THE POPULARITY OF THIS GHAZAL HAS CAPTURED WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION AND HAS SINCE MAKE GHULAM ALI A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH, IF NOT THE RULER OF THE ROOST.

I MUST EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO MR VENKAT KANNAN WHO HAS WEATHERED THE STORM TO BRING TO US SUCH ELOQUENT AND FLOWING TRANSLATIONS THAT WOULD HAVE MADE HASRAT MOHANI PROUD.


THANKS VEN:

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Dil Mein Ek Laher Se
Album : Best Of Ghulam Ali
Poet : Nasir Kazmi


This one is coming directly from the heart of Ustad Ghulam Ali, it is so soothing, almost mesmerizing, so appropriate for when one is in love and there are so many obstacles and problems, getting in the way........trying to soak yourself into the music and the magical twist in words and variation leaves one in awe. It is like a magician weaving his magic and you are forced to observe and listen attentively to the melody and fantastic pronunciation of the flowing Urdu in musical notes that keeps chugging at the heart.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

THE POET: NASIR KAZMI

Syed Nasir Raza Kazmi, (1925–1972) was a renowned Urdu poet of Pakistan. He was one of the greatest poets of this era, especially in the use of "ista'aaray" and "chhotee beher". Kazmi was born on December 8, 1925 at Ambala in British India.

Nasir Kazmi started his poetic life in 1940 by following the style of Akhtar Sherani and wrote romantic poems and sonnets. Later he began writing ghazals under the guidance of Hafeez Hoshyarpuri. He was a great admirer of Mir Taqi Mir and probably the melancholy and "Ehsaas-e-Mehroomi" in his poetry was a direct result of that. His tutor in poetry was Hafeez Hoshyarpuri, who himself used a lot of symbols from nature in his poems.

His last four books were published after his death. He died in Lahore on March 2, 1972 due to stomach cancer. Few people know that he did some great translations of English poets, especially his translation of Walt Whitman's "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" by the title of "Brooklyn Ghaat Ke Paar" is a real masterpiece and worth reading.

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

SINGER: GHULAM ALI

POET : NASIR KAZMI


2) DIL MEIN EK LEHER DI UTHI HAI ABHI

(Dil mein ek lahar si utthi hai abhi)2
A ripple has risen in my heart,
(Koi taaza havaa chali hai abhi)2
A new kind of breeze is blowing

Dil mein ek lahar si utthi hai abhi
A ripple has risen in my heart,

(Shor barpaa hai khana-e-dil mein)2
I hear a tumultous roar in my heart
(Koi deewaar si girii hai abhi)2
As if some wall has fallen just now

(Koi taaza havaa chali hai abhi)2
A new kind of breeze is blowing
Dil mein ek lahar si utthi hai abhi
A ripple has risen in my heart,

(Kuch to naazuk mizaaj hai hum bhi)2
I have a delicate disposition, too
(Aur ye chot bhi nayee hai abhi)2
And this wound is still fresh

(Koi taaza havaa chali hai abhi)2
A new kind of breeze is blowing
Dil mein ek lahar si utthi hai abhi
A ripple has risen in my heart,

(Yaad ki be-nishan jazeeron se)2
From the uncharted islands of my memory,
(Teri aawaaz aa rahi hai abhi)2
I now hear your voice rising forth

(Koi taaza havaa chali hai abhi)2
A new kind of breeze is blowing
Dil mein ek lahar si utthi hai abhi
A ripple has risen in my heart,

(Shahar ki be-chiraagh galiyon mein)3
In the darkened streets of the city,
(Zindagi tujh ko dhoondati hai abhi)2
My soul searches for you

(Koi taaza havaa chali hai abhi)2
A new kind of breeze is blowing
Dil mein ek lahar si utthi hai abhi
A ripple has risen in my heart,

Trans:Venkat

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO:

SINGER: GHULAM ALI

POET : MOSHIN ALI NAQVI


3) YEH DIL YE PAAGAL DIL MERA

(BaDe busook se, duniya fareb deti hain)2
With great craftiness, the world deceives us
BaDe khuloos se hum eitbaar karte hain
With great naivete, we go on trusting

(Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi)2
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!
(Iss dasht mein, ek shahar tha)2, woh kyaa hua, aawaragi
In this desert stood a town, what happened to it? loneliness!
Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!

(Kal shab mujhe, be-shakl ki aawaz ne chaunka diya)2
Last night a faceless voice startled me
(Main ne kaha,"tu kaun hai?")2, uss ne kaha, aawaragi
I said, "who are you?" it replied, "Loneliness!"

(Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi)2
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!
(Iss dasht mein, ek shahar tha)2, woh kyaa hua, aawaragi
In this desert stood a town, what happened to it? loneliness!
Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera

(Ek tuu ke sadiyon se mere humraah bhi, humraaz bhi)2
There you are, for centuries, my fellow and confidant
(Ek main ke tere naam se,)3 aaya shana, aawaragi
Here I am, I had not even heard of you, Loneliness!

Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!
(Iss dasht mein, ek shahar tha)2, woh kyaa hua, aawaragi
In this desert stood a town, what happened to it? Loneliness!
Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera

(Yeh dard kii tanhaayian)2 yeh dasht ka viiran safar,
The loneliness of the pain, the arid crossing of the desert,
(hum log to ukta gayay,)2 apni sunaa, aawaragi
We have grown weary, tell us about yourself, Loneliness!

Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!
(Iss dasht mein, ek shahar tha)2, woh kyaa hua, aawaragi
In this desert stood a town, what happened to it? Loneliness!
Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera

(Ek ajnabee jhaunke ne jab, poochha mere gham ka sabab,)2
An unfamiliar gust of wind asked me the reason for my sorrow
(Sehraa ki bhiigi reyt par)2, main ne likha, aawaragi
On the wet sands of the desert I wrote, Loneliness!

Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!
(Iss dasht mein, ek shahar tha)2, woh kyaa hua, aawaragi
In this desert stood a town, what happened to it? Loneliness!
Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera

(Le, ab to dasht-e-shab ki saarii usratein sone lagii)3
Look, now all the troubles of the desert night have gone to sleep,
(ab jaagana hoga hamay,)2 kab tak bataa, aawaragi
Tell me please, how much longer must I stay awake? Loneliness!

Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!
(Iss dasht mein, ek shahar tha)2, woh kyaa hua, aawaragi
In this desert stood a town, what happened to it? Loneliness!
Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera

(Kal raat tanhaa chaand ko, dekhaa tha main ne khwaab mein)3
Last night alone, I saw the moon in my reverie
(Mohsin mujhe, raas aayegi,)2 shayad sadaa, aawaragi
Perhaps it will suit me well forever, this Loneliness!

Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, aawaragi
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!
(Iss dasht meN, ek shahar tha)2 woh kyaa hua, aawaragi
In this desert stood a town, what happened to it? Loneliness!
Yeh dil, yeh paagal dil mera, kyon bhuj gaya, (Aawaragi!)3
This heart, this crazy heart of mine, why did it die? of loneliness!

Trans: Venkat

In Urdu, "aawaragi" has many meanings - immorality, dissoluteness, irresponsibility, wantonness, etc. But the meaning (not commonly taken) of loneliness, the painful loneliness of a person that does not want to conform, a free spirit, who has been dismissed by the world as a madman, probably best fits the thoughts in this ghazal. His once-spirited heart has withered away by the rejection, the light has gone out. He vows that he cannot live in a world where non-conformity is a sin, and discovers that his only true companion is his loneliness. "How beautiful!" Ven:

.
FM
GHULAM ALI: GHAZAL MAESTRO

Ustaad Ghulam Ali to make big screen debut
Saadia S Dhailey, TNN Nov 15, 2011

In an illustrious career spanning 50 years, Pakistani ghazal singer Ustaad Ghulam Ali Khan is rendering his voice for a patriotic song for the first time.

And it's for an Indian film, 498A - The Wedding Gift being directed by Suhaib Ilyasi. He says, "I am sure it will tug a chord in every Indian's heart." He recites the mukhda, "Apni mitti ki saundhi khushbu hain, ragon mein ye basi hain, chumenge ise shaan se, humko to pyara hai watan apni jaan se," and asks, "Isn't it striking?"

He doesn't see how his singing a patriotic number for Indians can ruffle feathers in his homeland. "The musical chords have always remained strong between the two nations. As a small man and a singer, I have been trying to bridge the gap and blur the barriers between the two countries." Reflecting on it again, he adds, "India and Pakistan were one, till siyasat played its dirty game and created a siyasi border in 1947. We are brothers, and brothers may disagree, but they are bound by strong ties, and so are Pakistan and India. How does it matter then if I sing a nationalist song for India or Pakistan? This song will bring a smile on my fans' faces. That's all I want to see," he declares.

Ustaad Ghulam Ali is also venturing into a new territory with this song. He is facing the camera for the first time, and will be playing himself. "I agreed to do a cameo on Suhaib's insistence. There are great dialogues that I have to deliver in the film and this thought is making me nervous," he confesses. However, his family is happy and looking forward to it, he shares.

Considering that he's always loved performing in India, his debut in Indian cinema seems a mere extension. Ustaad Ghulam Ali, who holds Punjab close to his heart, says he is regularly in touch with Asha Bhosle, Daler Mehndi, Hans Raj Hans, Nouman Saheb, "and my Indian fans." He remembers Jagjit Singh most fondly though. The two were to perform together when news of Singh's hospitalisation and untimely demise came. He says, "I was very fortunate to have sung with him. No one can take Jagjitji's place. I am still to recover from the shock of his death." The globetrotting star, who just performed in London and will be performing in Japan next month, assures that his Indian fans will hear from him soon.

.
FM

Add Reply

×
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×