Jagjit Singh For GrandSlam

'Dariya Ho, Sahil Ho, Poore Chand Ki Raat Ho, Aur Tum Aao…'

Once again it was the Grandslaam Group arranging all this and more for a one-of-a-kind rendezvous with the Prince Of Ghazals, Jagjit Singh. Presented by Tata Cellular and co-sponsored by the Taj Krishna, The Siasat Daily and Indian Airlines, the concert organized in aid of the Lions Club Services Activities was one of the most memorable events in Hyderabad's musical history.

Performing to a jam-packed Lalitha Kala Thoranam at the Public Gardens, Jagjit Singh sprayed the fragrance of his voice over the elements and had his listeners mercilessly spell-bound for 3½ hours. The maestro, a violin and a flower (produced out of thin air by special guest P C Sorcar for the performer) cohorted to make the night a never before one for every one of the nearly 2,000 ghazal lovers assembled here.

For all those who were awed 'Live' for the first time, Jagjit Singh warmed up with 'Hosh Waalon Ko Khabar Kya Bekhudi Kya Cheez Hai'. The romancing undertones were further vented through 'Tere Baare Mein Soocha', followed by a 'Samvedana' of our poetically inclined Prime Minister.

The air, laden with the masculine baritone, brought hope to hearts through 'Sunte Hain Milti Hain Hai Har Cheez'. But that this country can ever find a replacement for this great performer, either by the grace of God or through some genetic engineering, is highly suspicious. For, where can you find a genius in his trade who is also bestowed with a deadly sense of humor? The audience sat spellbound by his lovable renditions in classical music and also by his stage-savvy audience management maneuvers. No response or tease is too spicy for the one who believes in 'Yeh Daulat Bhi Le Lo'.

Singh had something for everyone, be it popular film songs like 'Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya', 'Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar' and 'Hoton Se Chuulo Tum' or the sizzling 'Dhai Din Na' and 'Balle Balle' that made the dancing maniacs raise cain in the stands.

It was truly the night of Cupid calling. Ghazal, which is poetry in praise of a beautiful woman, found new face in 'Tera Chhehra Kitna Suhana'. The event was a feast for those with a classical ear, as Jagjit appeared in full form and presented a vehement disclosure on 'Soonapan' (loneliness). But then he loosened up, and the finale, with a tabla-ghungroo jugalbandi induced mellifluous stupor, slowly crescendoed to 'Balle Balle' creating a new high in the ghazal history.

Jagjit Singh once again proved that he is a wizard of his own kind, by magically transporting the audience to a state of bliss. He is truly a Master Of His Game.

Ghazala Rizvi