In the world of music, ghazals have a distinct place. With their fine Urdu verses, subtle nuances and music that connects the soul with the divine, they open floodgates to the most hidden and deepest of feelings in us. We all have a dedicated list of our favourite ghazals in which we find solace.
Here are 18 ghazals in the voices of legendary singers, who do complete justice to the beautiful words that will never lose their sheen.
1. Jagjit Singh: Baat niklegi toh phir door talak jayegi
A combination of intense words and the soothing voice of Jagjit Singh, this is one of those unforgettable ghazals that is so much more than a string of words put together.
2. Farida Khanum: Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
A heartfelt persuasion, undying passionate love and the short-lived moments of sharing warmth – This ghazal is as eternal as the feeling of love. We are in love with the husky and enchanting voice of Farida Khanum.
3. Ghulam Ali: Chupke chupke raat din
Sung by one of the most celebrated ghazal singers, Ghulam Ali, this ghazal simply grows on you.
4. Mehdi Hassan: Ranjish hi sahi
A painful projection of a broken heart that has loved and lost, this ghazal in Mehdi Hassan’s velvety-voice echoes a million feelings.
5. Pankaj Udhas: Aur ahista kijiye baatein
I just can’t get enough of the good old Pankaj Udhas songs. Featuring the dusky beauty Sameera Reddy, this one is definitely going to be on repeat for me for at least the next couple of days.
6. Begum Akhtar: Woh jo hum mein tum mein qarar tha
Talk about the lost connection with your beloved, and this ghazal perfectly paints the picture of a lovelorn heart. Listening to this ghazal is a heavenly experience, even for those who are not conversant with Sufi poetry.
7. Talat Aziz: Zindagi jab bhi teri bazm mein lati hai humein
Conveying the power in submission to love, you might have heard this ghazal in Umrao Jaan. Sung by Talat Aziz, this one will make sure that the romance stays alive.
8. Reshma: Lambi Judai
The overwhelming feeling of separation in the majestic voice of Reshma, this ghazal makes the heart sink every time one listens to it.
9. Chitra Singh: Khuda humko aisi khudai na de
Rich in spirituality, this ghazal sung by Chitra Singh always finds a place in the list of ghazal lovers.
10. Anup Jalota: Pathar bana diya mujhe
A cry of the aching heart, Pathar bana diya mujhe sung by Anup Jalota most definitely evokes the melancholy in you.
11. Suraiya: Ye na thi hamari kismat
Penned by Mirza Ghalib and sung in the silky voice of Suraiya, this ghazal is one of the most celebrated ghazals of all times.
12. Roop Kumar Rathod: Chaand ke saath kal raat
The beautiful verses in Roop Kumar Rathod’s deep and mellifluous voice capture the journey of love. Give it a listen if you haven’t already.
13. Mohd. Rafi: Ek hi baat zamane ki kitaabon mein nahi
Anything that Rafi saheb sings is sheer magic! Just like this ghazal.
14. Bhupinder Singh: Kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahan nahi milta
Voiced by Bhupinder, this ghazal makes an encounter with the reality of life in the most precise verses.
15. Penaz Masani: Tu agar mujhse khafa hai
Listening to some soulful music in Penaz Masani’s voice, you just cannot help but immerse yourself in this beautiful rendition.
16. Ahmed & Mohammed Hussain: Main hawa hoon
The duo of Ahmed and Mohammed Hussain from Jaipur have put in their heart and soul into this ghazal that celebrates being free spirited.
17. Amanat Ali Khan: Hothon pe kabhi unke mera naam bhi aaye
The remarkable classical and ghazal singer Asad Amanat Ali Khan sang this popular ghazal which was always high on demand wherever he performed.
18. Noor Jahan: Mujh se pehli si mohabbat
The timeless classic ghazal in the mesmerizing voice of Noor Jahan expresses the deep longing that leaves a void in the heart.
There are many other classic ghazals that didn’t find mention in this list, but are close to our hearts. Which one is your favourite ghazal?
