When you utter the word ‘ghazal’, what comes to mind are the timeless verses of Mirza Ghalib and the haunting voices of legends like Mehdi Hasan, Farida Khanum, Ghulam Ali, and Jagjit Singh. Ghazal, an intricate blend of poetry and music, has traditionally been a stronghold in the northern regions of India. However, it has faced significant challenges recently, struggling to maintain its once vast audience. Despite these hurdles, ghazals are crossing geographical boundaries and have found an unlikely new home: Kerala, a state known for its rich tradition of Carnatic music. The rising popularity of ghazals in this southern state is largely credited to the visionary musician-composer Umbayee.
Umbayee is renowned for his unique style of singing and for championing the introduction of ghazals to music aficionados in Kerala. But his contributions did not stop there; he took the bold step of writing ghazals in Malayalam, infusing local flavor while retaining the emotional essence of the genre. Umbayee’s decision was a monumental one, but not without its share of resistance. Many poets refused to collaborate, fearing that the genre would lose its original charm. However, Umbayee was undeterred. He firmly believed that the emotions of love and heartbreak are universal and can resonate in any language. His unwavering commitment helped firmly establish the ghazal form in Kerala. Musicians who later adopted ghazal singing were merely following in his pioneering footsteps.
One of the torchbearers of this genre in Kerala is Raaza Razaq. According to him, while the format may not always strictly adhere to traditional structures such as radif (where each couplet ends with the same word or phrase), qafia (a repeating pattern of words), and maqta (the final couplet of a ghazal), people have begun to deeply appreciate the emotions conveyed through the poetry. Raaza is on the verge of releasing an album featuring ghazals that reflect his personal experiences and thoughts.
M. S. Baburaj and P.
. Bhaskaran are other significant contributors to this burgeoning musical trend in Kerala. The appeal of their ghazals lies in the intricate interplay of Hindustani raags, which seamlessly blend with the lyrical content, captivating the Kerala audience.
Sunitha Nedungadi, another prominent ghazal singer, is known for her adaptations of poetry by esteemed poets such as Sugathakumari, Vayalar, and P. Kunhiraman Nair. She observes that contemporary ghazals have shifted focus from themes of love and spirituality to more current issues and societal commentary. However, translating ghazals from Urdu and Farsi into Malayalam presents its own set of challenges. Sunitha opines that some of the nuanced essence could be lost in translation as the original emotions might not fully convey through the change in language.
Per the evolution of ghazal performances, the accompaniment has also seen a transformation. Traditionally accompanied by instruments like the harmonium, tabla, sarangi, and oud, modern ghazal renditions now include a range of instruments such as the flute and guitar. This instrumental diversification has lent a contemporary sensibility to the compositions. According to Ahmed Mueenudheen, a ghazal lyricist, the essence of a live ghazal performance goes beyond just conveying the lyrics’ meaning; it also transmits the singer’s energy and mood, making it a soulful experience. “Ghazal is the language of the heart,” he emphasizes, capturing the profound emotional connection the genre seeks to establish.
Malayalam ghazals, with their simplicity in language and expression, effectively channel the poet’s thoughts and emotions. Sometimes, colloquial expressions are woven in to ensure the poetry reaches a wider audience. The beauty of ghazal lies in its transcendence of linguistic barriers, finding resonance in diverse cultural contexts.
As ghazals continue to find a foothold in Kerala, the state becomes a testament to the universal appeal of this poetic and musical form. It is an exciting time for ghazal enthusiasts, as this rich genre continues to evolve and adapt, crossing new cultural and linguistic frontiers. Kerala’s embrace of ghazals signifies not just the survival of this art form but its vibrant reimagining in a new setting, offering a fresh perspective and emotional depth to its listeners.
