Yesterday, Pune was lucky to have Ustaad Ghulam Ali Khan. He came here straight from Dubai after inaugurating a hindi FM radio station there. And the venue was abuzz with people. All the seats were sold out. It is such a rare event for ghazal lovers to have one of the best voices singing for them.
Ghulam Ali Khan saheb is from Pakistan, and though he does come to India often, he was performing in Pune after a gap of 15 years. Few years back, he was not allowed to perform by some groups on the grounds that he is from Pakistan. Similar things have happened to Indian artists going to Pakistan, but hopefully things are in better state now.
He has been singing for last 50 years, and there was no change… His voice was as sweet as when I heard him for the first time. His very famous ghazal, “Chupke Chupke Raat Din Aansu Bahana Yaad Hai” became song of every household in India after it was taken in BR Chopra’ classic movie “Nikaah”. Another of his very famous ghazal is “Hungama hai kun barpa, thodi si jo pi li hai; daaka to nahin dalaa, chori to nahin ki hai”. And then “Dil me ek lehar si uthi hai abhi; koi taaza havaa chali hai abhi….. “. He sang all these famous ghazals, and many more, making some improvisations. There is one ghazal he has sung in three languages, Persian, Urdi and Poorvi. He sang it in a beautiful style, mixing both persian and Urdu. He sang many more, it was a treat to the ears.
We didn’t realize how two hours passed. And Ghulam Ali Khan saheb was humble personified. Such a popular figure and there is no sign of it. He connected very well with the audience. Telling the meaning of some of the difficult urdu words. He took the request for ghazals from people and sung all of them in the second half. And Pune being known for its hindustani classical music lovers, he presented two Thumris of his guru Bade Ghulam Ali Khan saheb. His team of Violinist, Sarod Player and of-course Tabla was perfect. The Violin is most important instrument I think in Ghazal singing. It gives the perfect effect. And Ghulam Ali Khan himself was playing the harmonium.
We could not manage to get the tickets in time. When we went on Friday, we were told you try your luck at the venue. I didn’t know what is in store for us; we went an hour early and the person selling the ticket had just 3 tickets remaining; and that made our day. I didn’t know I am this lucky 
.
He presented a view “shers” in between his singing ghzals. I remember two of them which I really liked ,
Lagta hai kai raaton se jaaga tha mussavir
tasveer ki aankhon se thakan jhaank rahi hai
Mussavir means painter and tasveer means painting.
and this one …
Roj kehta hun bhool jaoon use, roj ye baat bhool jaata hun
