GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

USTAD GHULAM ALI

GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:


Birth: 1940
Birthplace: Kaleke , Pakistan
Profession: Playback Singer, Bollywood.

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.

Ghulam Ali 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.

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GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Ghulam Ali encountered Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan , an unparalleled legend of classical music fro 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.

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GHULAM ALI: THE 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.

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GHULAM ALI: THE 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.

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GHULAM ALI: THE 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.

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GHULAM ALI: THE 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.

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Listeners are always left breathtaken and spellbound as Ghulam Ali unlocks the eternity of emotions that run through his exquisite rendering of the ghazal.

GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

POET: MIRZA GHALIB

AAH KO CHAAHIYE IK 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

FANTASTIC JOB BY RANJANA: NOT AN EASY TASK TO TRANSLATE MIRZA GHALIB:

This message has been edited. Last edited by: asj,

THERE ARE THREE VERSIONS OF MIRZA GHALIB'S AAH KO CHAAHIYE IK UMR ASAR HONE TAK:

THE ABOVE IS GHULAM ALI

THIS ONE BELONGS TO JAGJIT SINGH

AAH KO CHAAHIYE IK UMR ASAR HONE TAK

AND FINALLY THIS GHAZAL WAS ALSO DONE BY MEHNDI HASSAN: WE DO NOT HAVE THE AUDIO OF MEHNDI HASSAN:

JAGJIT AND GHULAM ALI: MAESTRO'S AT THEIR TRADE:
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: asj,

VIDEO: OF MIRZA GHALIB'S AAH KO CHAAHIYE:

JAGJIT SINGH:

ANOTHER VERSION OF SAME GHAZAL:

THERE ARE OTHER VERSIONS THIS GHAZAL INCLUDING THAT OF GHULAM ALI ALSO THAT OF BEGUM AKHTAR:

WHAT A HEAVENLY GHAZAL: WITH THIS ONE MIRZA GHALIB RULES THE ROOST:
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GHULAM ALI: THE 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.
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GHULAM ALI: THE 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.

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GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

New 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.

Source: http://www.geocities.com/technofundo/fun/music/ga/gamore.html
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ALBUMS OF GHULAM ALI:

Aabshaar
Ghazals by Ghulam Ali
Ghulam Ali in New York
Golden Collection
Khoobsoorat Ghazalen
Lamha Lamha
Live in India
Mehrab
Meri Pasand
Parchhaiyan
Poem of Love
Saadagee
Tere Shaher Men
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GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

Ghulam Ali In An Exclusive Interview:

Sanjeeb Mukherjee



Recently in Delhi for the release of his latest 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

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GHULAM ALI: THE 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.
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The Ghazal site are down, will be up and running again soon:
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GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

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.

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.

Ghulam Ali produces only a few albums a year , concentrating more on his live concerts.For his live concerts, usually the accompanying musical instruments are harmonium and tabla. The musical instruments such as sarod, sitar, santoor often complement him, but it is his voice which rules, and not the instruments.

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GHULAM ALI: THE GHAZAL MAESTRO:

The Ghazals of Mehndi Hassan that we will be featuring, along with audio, lyrics and translations are:-

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quote:

Originally posted by asj:
The Ghazal site are down, will be up and running again soon:
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Ghazal Audio Site are up and running again

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