The Indian classical music scene has several big names that have risen to heights with years of experience, learning and honing their skills. But none come close to making it on their own accord like ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas. The Padmashree Award winner has enough hits to his credit, including “Chitthi Aayee Hai”, “Na Kajare Ki Dhaar”, “Jeeye to Jeeye Kaise”, “Chand Jaisa Rang Hai Tera” and “Ahista” to name just a few. And, Bengaluru has always had a special place for the ghazal virtuoso and playback singer.
Performing in the city this weekend, the versatile composer fondly says he has wonderful memories of our city. “I have been visiting this city for years since I first performed here in 1981. The joy for me is I have a huge following in the local Bengaluru community — that is not the Hindi-speaking people, but the Kannada-speaking crowd. Every time I come here, I am excited.”
On what he’s got in store for the audience here, Pankaj says: “Obviously, the audience has several favourites. I cannot disappoint them. I have just launched a new album, so there will be some new songs that they haven’t heard before and there will also be some hits from my work in Bollywood.”
Hailing from Gujarat, Pankaj spent nearly four decades of his life performing and perfecting his love for ghazals. “In my personal opinion, today’s music is going through a confused stage. People are trying desperately to fuse Indian music with all kinds of permutations and combinations to get a hit. I feel Indian music, especially the form I pursue, should remain in its true form.”
Elaborating that he wants the audience to take home peace in their hearts, Pankaj says: “Ghazals generally have a subtle and soothing effect. I want to leave a lasting impression so that people go home having spent a good time. Music is more than mere entertainment. Its poetic connotations give a meditative effect and allow the listeners to relax mentally. That, for me, is important.”
Commenting on the space the genre occupies in the music scene, Pankaj says ghazals have been around for a long time. “I am talking about centuries, so obviously it has stood the test of time. But, with the amount of change in the music scene, it has affected ghazals as it is not in the forefront any more. In the 80s and 90s, they were the crowd favourites. At the same time, a person listening to peppy, heavy or loud music, will eventually get tired of it. That’s when they turn to ghazals; they help you unwind. It is still a music of choice.”
Ghazals are also a great combination of poetry and melody, the champion of the genre points out. “People, who love poems also have an interest in ghazals. I still see so much passion and love for this genre. We are adding numbers and not diminishing. We are in a zone that is comfortable. At the same time, I wish it will make a comeback to its glorious past.”
The musical journey, for Pankaj, has been a passionate one, he says. “I do not belong to any gharana, musical school or family. I am not an Urdu-speaking person, nor did I have a godfather. So whatever I have done in the years gone by is the result of my pursuit and my passion. It’s rare that people get to do that. I have been fortunate enough and will continue to do it for a long time to come.”
Catch Pankaj Udhas live in concert at Forum Mall, Koramangala, on September 2 from 7 pm onwards.