The Friday evening at the Arts Council of Pakistan saw a nostalgic trip back in time with the Lahore-based husband-wife duo of Salamat Ali and Azra Salamat rendering Ghazals which took one back into the golden past and reminded one of stars who stopped shining on the firmament of music long ago.
The singers entertained the Ghazal enthusiasts with Ghazals rendered by the great artistes decades ago. It was a treat to hear the gently mellifluous voice of Azra and the rich baritone of Salamat. There was a total and perfect coordination between them.
The programme which was supposed to begin at 8 pm started at 9:25pm. Among the numbers presented at the event was ‘Aaj Jane Ki Zid Na Karo’, penned by Fayyaz Hashmi which is technically not a Ghazal, rendered by Salamat Ali. The performance was reminiscent of Ghazal maestro Habib Wali Muhammad and his style, inimitable yet replicated so precisely by the singer. It was a nostalgic reminder of the mighty talent that once adorned our artistic landscape.
However, the most nostalgic presentation was Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum’s Ghazal ‘Sau Baar Chaman Mehka Sau Baar Bahar Aayee’ originally rendered by the late Naseem Begum and performed at the event by Azra. It must have brought fond memories to people who were grown up in the 1960s.
Azra also rendered a Ghazal, ‘Woh Ishq Jo Hum Se Rooth Gaya’, penned by Athar Nafees, reminding one of the living legend Farida Khanum who is normally associated with the Ghazal. Azra’s voice was quite mellifluous and she conveyed all the nuances of meaning which are the hallmarks of Khanum’s rendition.
The next rendition was absolutely timely. It was the immortal poem by the great Faiz Ahmed Faiz, ‘Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat Mere Mehboob Na Maang’, coinciding with the bard’s birthday which was celebrated on February 13.