Ghulam Ali follows his own road map free of borders, boulders and breaches to foster creative camaraderie and connect hearts. The ‘Pride of Pakistan' ghazal maestro is equally popular in this part of the subcontinent. In a casting coup of sorts in the world of music, he teamed up with his wonderfully adventurous ‘bhaijaan' Jagjit Singh a few years ago to perform concerts that explore old-world soul and contemporary spirit.
He preferred the bandish and khayal route to ghazal (remember his all-time favourites such as ‘Chupke chupke raat din', ‘Hungama kyon barpa' and ‘Awaargi') by deciding to be a ghulam to the Ustad of Hindustani music Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (after whom he was named by his musician-father) but was advised by the India-based legendary vocalist to learn from his three brothers Barqat Ali Khan, Mubarak Ali Khan and Amanat Ali Khan in Lahore (post-Partition).
The earthy rawness in the 71-year-old singer's vocals has imbued Urdu recitatives with a simple but rich imagery and rhythmic fluency. The optimist talks in lyrical Hindi/Urdu about how ghazal, now a confluence of inspirations and styles, will be heard even long after Gen Senior moves away.
With new musical waves sweeping Pakistan how hard is it to hold on to your identity as a ghazal singer?
It does not call for any special effort. My many listeners across the world who have given me this identity help me hold on to it. Such traditional genres are an emotional link to the past. The musical ambience in Pakistan has certainly changed but the echo of the rooh or soul — classical music — will remain the mother of all sounds. Why do you think there is so much superfluity around? Because many of the so-called experimenters and fusionistas avoid taking the arduous raga route.
You not only underwent intense training in classical music but spent more than a decade working with your gurus before striking out on your own. Do you think youngsters can follow this pattern to fame in a time-crunched world?
There is no blueprint for success. What matters is passion and application. You need to understand every aspect of the art form you intend to pursue. May be there are shortcuts to fame but they certainly will not give you a long life as an artiste.
Hasn't Bollywood beckoned you again after the superhit “Nikaah” whose ghazals still add flavour to your concerts?
I think a singer like me has no place in today's film music. And at this stage of my life and career I cannot get myself to singing songs that are not worth their words or tune.
Do you see technology as a contraption or a means to instantly connect with listeners?
It has eased research. But more importantly, it has removed the struggle to find things. So there is no genuine sense of discovery.
How would you explain Jagjit Singh's efforts to simplify the elitist ghazal for the layman?
But it was not at the cost of melody and poetry, which are the lifelines of the genre. The highpoint for any artiste is to establish his distinctive style. And he did it with panache.
So you are not averse to change for a wider appeal?
A creative mind will never resist change. But for me it's always this far and no more. Change should be meaningful and not cross the line of maryada of the art form.
Ghulam Ali will perform in Chennai on February 25 (7 p.m.) at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall. For details call 94450 65435
