A very interesting description of Begum Akhtar’s ghazal singing that I found in Agha Shahid Ali’s introduction to The Rebel’s Silhouette, a book of his translations of poems by Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
What Begum Akhtar did was to place the ghazal gently on the raga until the raga opened itself to that whispered love, gave itself willingly, guiding the syllables to the prescribed resting places, until note by syllable, syllable by note, the two merged compellingly into yet another aesthetic ethos for the Urdu lovers of the South Asian subcontinent. She, in effect, allowed the ghazal to be caressed into music… For unlike so many other ghazal singers, who clothe their words until they can’t be seen, she stripped them to resplendent nudity.
Dances on the Footpath 
o my richard. i am certainly going to send a link to this entry around. and will look for the book and cds. o my what a way to start the day. many many thanks.
ps clicked on two links thinking to go from one to the other but got simultaneous singing. i recommend trying it. wowza.
Her diction was so clear that I easily memorized the ghazals that she sang. Her voice was like transparent glass, pure. She made you feel the meaning of the verses.
I always mean to deepen my knowledge in ghazals but never manage it. Know very little of Begum Akhtar’s talent. Thus am happy to read about it here.
Ann, you are very welcome! The book should be relatively easy to find – I actually found it on the shelf at Barnes & Noble!
Ava, thanks, that is a nice description too.
Harvey, I am also happy to share what I know here – which probably isn’t all that much, really. :) I like listening to great singers singing ghazals, and I learned a bit about ghazals a good number of years ago (long before the classic film obsession :) ). Of course, I must depend mostly on English translations, or just enjoy the sound of the voice singing the lyrics. I always find it a pleasure to hear Begum Akhtar… And I greatly enjoyed her acting when she played Darling in Roti (1942).
She is an amazing ghazal singer, I especially like her earlier ones, where here voice is so relaxed…my favourite
This is her hit ghazal bar none, and deservedly so: one of the best ghazals ever
For trivia, my Dad says the first mainsteam hit ghazal was this by Kamla Jharia, apparently being constantly played on the radio and sung by everyone (wouldn’t it be great to hear this ghazal blaring out from every street corner?)
Thank you, Bawa. I was hoping that you would read this and answer by posting some wonderful-sounding stuff. :) Even though I can’t understand the meanings of many of the words (though I have started to learn some), I love the sound of her singing and of the ghazal in general. And after watching/listening to your favorite, I played a whole bunch of ghazals from that series on YouTube, and I enjoyed every one of them.
That album is just so good. My favourite’s first lines translated (badly) are
Heart, and that too a broken heart
Now…life is worth living
Thanks, Bawa. Actually, I was able to translate “Heart, and that too a broken heart” myself. As I said, I’m learning. :)
Thats really great!!!!
I do not know if this one is in the series but it is another one that I love