By RAJ SINGH

SAN FRANCISCO — Poetry has always been the best media to express the feelings effectively. For Many centuries now, Ghazal has been the most favourite form to the poets of subcontinent to express the delicate feelings of love, in almost every major language spoken in that part of the world. Until early 19th century, Ghazal was recited only in the political gatherings. By the middle of 20th century listening to Ghazal singing became a sign of high taste.

Mehdi Hassan, the King of Ghazals, with his powerful background of classical music, God gifted voice and exceptional style of singing won the hearts of music ” lovers. He gaye a new dimension to what K. L. Saigal Akhtar Begun and Talat Mehmood had made popular. Lots of other singers followed Mehdi Hassan and today every singer is singing Ghazal one way or another. A true singer must have, not only a strong background in classical singing but also paint the picture of the meaning of the Ghazal in front of the eyes of the audience. Nita Shahzad is one who has a good combination of taste and class. She’s been singing since her early childhood and received many awards. In early 80’s Mehdi Hassan happened to hear Nita once and recognized her exceptional talent. He accepted her as his disciple. As he later said during a live show in L.A., “I loved Nita’s voice and style so much that I was compelled to make her my “Shagird” after listening to her only once.” She performed with him in USA and Canada in 8384. At last she is reaching out to the Ghazal lovers thru her latest albums. The close supervision of Mehdi Hassan and musical score by Niaz Ahmed has done great justice to these albums. The beginning starts with “Ashirwad” by Mehdi Hassan who presents this album. The second “Dharkanen” is intended for a bigger audience. This album belongs to the lovers hearts, exactly where “Mharkanen” belongs. “Aarambh” is the beginning of a new era in Gujarati Ghazal singing.

The producers of these albums “The Unlimited” hope to promote the true art of Ghazal singing, with a goal to produce music we all can be proud of.

For further information readers should write or call at: The Unlimited, 545 Maple Meadows, Arnold, MO 63010. (314) 2961181

Article extracted from this publication >> August 12, 1988