Urdu, with its undeniable charm and graceful sophistication, is one of the most celebrated languages of the world. The words from Urdu that have been overused by lyricists in the Bollywood industry leave a profound effect on the listeners of the musical composition.
As songs and fast music gripped the soul of Indian films, pure Urdu lyrics seemed to have lost their enchantment. Yet, words like 'ulfat' (Loch-e-ulfat Ho Gya), 'humsafar' (Ae Mere Humsafar), 'duaa' (Jo Bheji Thi Duaa), 'zaalima' (Zaalima), 'aayat' (Tujhe Yaad Kar Liya Hai Aayat Ki Tarah) and various others, continue to appeal to the listeners.
Amidst all this, soft music along with the rhyming couplets called 'shers' that compose the most loved form of Urdu poetry, Ghazals, have an extraordinary variety of expression till date. Artists like Jagjit Singh, Chitra Singh, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Hariharan, Mohammad Rafi, Pankaj Udhas and many others have given voices to works of exceptional ghazal writers, while our contemporary singers have also attempted to keep the admiration of Ghazals in music lovers alive.
Here are 5 latest versions of ghazals by young Indian singers that shall take you back into the era of Sufi folklore-
1. Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin by Parineeti Chopra
Soulfully crafted by Kauser Munir, this ghazal is a part of the movie Meri Pyari Bindu (2017). While expressing acceptance of unrequited love, it strikes chords with many souls. The worst part of this composition is that it comes to an end very soon.
2. Aaj Jane Ki Zidd Na Karo by Shilpa Rao
When mood and melody meet, this recreated version of orginal ghazal written by Pakistani poet Fayyaz Hashmi, has special emotions to convey. Loaded with a request to spend time together, this ghazal re-creation from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), expresses what millions of heart fear to accept.
3. Dil-e-Nadaan by Ayushmann Khurrana
A totally refreshing re-creation of the ghazal written by Mirza Ghalib, it adheres more to the folks who have recently realised that they have fallen for someone. Unleashed in the movie Hawaizaada (2015), this contemporary version shall surely be on the top of your play list.
4. Rishton Ke Saare Manzar by Arijit Singh
Penned by Harsh BhahmThibatt, it is an exceptional expression of dying relationships, dying hopes and dying faith. It beautifully presents the unattended complaints that leave us guilty. Even after spending years in puruit of happiness, nothing remains the same. It is a part of the album, Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha (2013) and a must listen for all music lovers.
5. Gulon Mein Rang Bhare by Mohit Chauhan
Inviting the loved one from wherever he or she is, this ghazal has expressions of longings that relate with everyone who has seen separation in life. Written by Neelesh Misra, it is inspired from a composition by Faiz Ahmad 'Faiz' with the same title and is a part of the movie Sikandar (2009).
After listening to all of these, you must be pretty much mesmerized with the emotions that these heartwarming compositions have to convey. And yes, it is needless to hide our love towards soulful Ghazals. We hope we see many more ghazals in years to come!