Indian singer says ghazals express the poet's thoughts

Leading Indian ghazal singer Jagjit Singh will give a three-hour performance at 8pm today at the Grand Ballroom of the Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Making his second visit to Dubai, Jagjit Singh, the longest established ghazal artist in India, said, "Good lyrics, excellent composition and the manner in which it is sung makes a good ghazal. It is a medium which expresses the thought of the poet."

He not only sings ghazals, but also classical, folk, devotional, film and pop songs. He attributes his success to consistent hard work and a desire to improve. "I am never satisfied and always feel that I could have done better. I carry a concert on the strength of the reaction I receive from my audience. I like to move along with their moods which complement the emotions involved in ghazals, whether it is romance, pathos or longing. Their response stimulates me.

"I love the audience in Dubai. This is the right platform for ghazals as I get the opportunity to sing to a diverse audience from the subcontinent. They appreciate every aspect of my ghazals - the poetry, the composition the music and the melody. I enjoy singing to an audience who can appreciate 'ghazal' in its entirety," he said.

His latest album, "Aaina" ("Mirror"), will be released today at the concert. "The album comprises a collection of eight ghazals by various poets from the subcontinent, both contemporary and old. I find the work of contemporary poets such as Javed Akhtar and Gulzar flow more easily, and they carry their own poetic charm. The language used by them is easier for the common man who loves to listen to ghazals," he said.

The concert is presented by Rivoli and supported by 106.2 Hum FM, Gulf News, Pride of Kashmir, Diamondlease, Life and Quick Photo. Tickets cost Dh1,000, Dh500, Dh300, Dh200 and Dh100.