Umbayi started ghazal singing in Kerala. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

When you pronounce the word ‘Ghazal’, the timeless verses of Mirza Ghalib and the captivating voices of Mehdi Hasan, Farida Khanum, Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh come to mind. Ghazal is a celebration of both poetry and music. This music genre, whose popularity is limited to the north of India, is facing challenges and struggling to attract audiences. But in recent times, it has managed to cross the borders to enter an unfamiliar territory – Kerala. The credit for its growing acceptance in this southern state dominated by Carnatic music must be given to composer-musician Umbayi. Known for his unique style of singing, he not only introduced ghazals to music-lovers in Kerala, but also started writing ghazals in Malayalam.

But Umbayi’s decision to write ghazals in Malayalam did not find support in the music industry, due to which many poets refused to write for him. He felt that the genre might lose its original flavor. These arguments did not stop Umbayi, who felt that the emotions of love and heartbreak are universal and can be expressed in any language. He single-handedly established his form in Kerala. Artists, who later took up ghazal singing, followed in his footsteps.

Raza and Begum will soon release a ghazal album. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

According to ghazal singer Raza Razak, the ghazal format cannot be strictly followed in Kerala such as Radif (each couplet ends on the same word or phrase), Qafia (repetitive pattern of words) and makta (Last Lion In Ghazal) but people have started enjoying the emotions expressed in poetry. Raza will soon release an album of ghazals that reflect his personal views.

Musicians like MS Baburaj and P. Bhaskaran have also contributed to this musical trend. The appeal of his ghazals lies in the use of Hindustani ragas.

Sunitha Nedungadi, famous for adapting the poems of Sugathakumari, Vayalar and P. Kuniraman Nair into ghazal, feels that the form has moved away from love and spirituality towards contemporary issues. As far as translating ghazals from Urdu and Persian to Malayalam is concerned, Sunita feels that the essence of the poem may get lost in translation.

Sunita Nedungadi during a demonstration. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Earlier Ghazal singing was done with harmonium, tabla, sarangi and oud. Later, other instruments such as flute and guitar were included. As singers began using the works of modern poets, musical composition gained a contemporary sensibility. This musical rendition of the poem in front of a live audience conveys not only the meaning of the song but also the energy and mood of the singer. Ghazal lyricist Ahmed Moinuddin says, “Ghazal is the language of the heart.”

Malayalam ghazals epitomize simplicity in language and expression, conveying the thoughts and feelings of the poet. Sometimes colloquial expressions and words are used for wider reach. The ghazal has crossed linguistic barriers to find resonance in new cultural settings.