Hariharan Celebrates 50 Years of Ghazal Singing

Delhi witnessed a grand cultural evening marking 50 glorious years of ghazal singing by Padma Shri maestro Hariharan. The commemorative event, held at the iconic Mavlankar Auditorium, honoured one of India’s most distinguished voices in the classical ghazal tradition. The evening blended music, literature and reflection, celebrating a career that has shaped modern ghazal appreciation across generations.

Launch of ‘Ustad-e-Ghazal Hariharan’

A major highlight of the celebration was the launch of the book “Ustad-e-Ghazal Hariharan”, authored by writer and journalist Anand Kakkar. The book documents Hariharan’s five-decade artistic journey and his contribution to preserving and revitalising the ghazal tradition in contemporary India.

The launch was accompanied by an engaging discussion featuring noted literary figures Mamta Kalia, Om Nishchal and Pratap Somvanshi. The speakers reflected on the enduring cultural relevance of ghazals and the role Hariharan has played in sustaining poetic expression through music.

New Album and Musical Milestone

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Hariharan released a new ghazal album, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. The programme was hosted by Manmeet Singh, who guided the audience through anecdotes, memories and musical reflections.

The evening was graced by distinguished guests including Dr Harshvardhan, K. Satish Nambudiripad, filmmaker Hari Shankar Rathi and poet Alok Shrivastav, along with several prominent personalities from the fields of arts and media.

Announcement of ‘Sartaj-e-Ghazal’ Reality Show

A significant announcement during the celebration was the launch of “Sartaj-e-Ghazal”, a ghazal-based singing reality show to be telecast on Doordarshan. The programme aims to identify and nurture emerging talent in the classical ghazal genre and revive mainstream interest in this timeless art form.

The initiative is expected to provide a national platform for aspiring singers and strengthen the visibility of traditional poetic music in the digital age.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ghazal is a poetic form of Persian origin, later flourishing in Urdu literature.
• The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• Doordarshan is India’s public service broadcaster under Prasar Bharati.
• Mavlankar Auditorium is a prominent cultural venue in New Delhi.

Legacy of a Ghazal Maestro

The evening stood as a dignified tribute to Hariharan’s enduring legacy. Over five decades, he has bridged classical tradition and contemporary sensibilities, ensuring that ghazal music remains relevant and accessible. The celebration marked not merely an anniversary, but a lifetime devoted to melody, poetry and soulful musical expression.