| Across boundaries | ||
| Chandan Sen | ||
| Ghazal genius Ghulam Ali who has a rigid fan following both in India and Pakistan. | ||
| Ghulam Ali, the ghazal genius has enthralled audiences around the globe for almost four decades now. But the man behind that mesmerising voice continues to stay as elusive as he ever was. This musician extraordinaire was in Kota, Rajasthan for a music concert recently where Sunday Herald caught up with him. Excerpts from the interview. How do you perceive the latest trends in ghazals? It is encouraging to note that ghazal has come out of the Mehfils and Bazms. Ghazal is quite lovable and has innumerable fans from all sections of the society. Both in Hindustan and Pakistan, ghazal is held in very high esteem and listening to it or singing is not superficial at all. Ghazal singers are very popular. Inshallah!
Which is your favourite forum for performance? Live performances, no doubt about it. Performing on stage is a sublime experience because you get to interact with the audience and get instant reaction from them. When the fans applaud to your singing, you are getting the reward right there. It is highly elevating for a performing artiste like me. After so many years of singing, do you find any change in your style today? Today my voice sounds more matured and seasoned. I have also learnt a lot in the process. Having performed all over the world, my confidence level has also increased many folds when compared to how I was when I started out. Allah has been very kind to me. My faith in god has increased tremendously and I feel I am communicating with the divine through my songs. I keep innovating often and for me every ghazal is a new experience. Your thoughts on bringing India and Pakistan closer through music? Music, art and culture transcends all geographical boundaries. We have music lovers on both sides of the border, for whom we are neither Hindustani or Pakistani, but simply a musician be it Ghulam Ali , Adnan Sami or Mehdi Hasan. I am highly privileged and honoured if my singing has brought the two countries and its people closer. Many artistes like Jagjit Singh and Ashaji are equally popular in Pak. Your message to your fans? Inshallah! I will sing for you as long as I live. http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Nov182007/finearts200711 1736276.asp |
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