Parayan Maranna Paribhavangal…

Kadale, neelakadale Nin aatmaavilum neerunna chintakal undo? Neerunna chintakal undo? Kadale, neelakadale… When these verses grace our ears, we are transported to a realm of indescribable emotions. Ghazals, with their haunting melodies, evoke a spectrum of feelings: the tenderness of love, the ache of unrequited passion, an inexplicable loneliness, or a profound joy. Their essence is truly multidimensional, capturing the very essence of our deepest sentiments. That’s the beauty of ghazals! These evocative lines from the film Dweep, composed by M. S. Baburaj and sung by Talat Mohmood, epitomise one of the finest ghazals Malayalam cinema has ever heard. Composed in Raga Yaman, with lyrics by Yousuf Ali Kecheri, this masterpiece highlights the profound emotional depth and lyrical richness that ghazals bring to Malayalam music.

The Historical Roots and Structural Beauty of Ghazals

Ghazals, deeply rooted in Persian literature, were popularised in Urdu during the Mughal era. Amir Khusrau’s contributions to the ghazal are particularly noteworthy for their blend of Persian and Indian cultural elements, reflecting his own hybrid heritage. He is reputed to have introduced the Persian ghazal to the Indian subcontinent, adapting it to include Indian classical music nuances. This fusion resulted in a more melodious rendition of the ghazal, which was different from the purely literary Persian form. Ghazals typically consist of rhyming couplets, with each line maintaining a similar length and rhythm, creating a smooth and captivating flow. This structure, combined with a consistent rhyme scheme and refrains, defines their musicality. Themes often delve into love, longing, and introspection, offering listeners a deep and immersive emotional experience.

Malayalam Filmy Ghazals: A Harmonious Fusion

In Malayalam music, ghazals have been adeptly adapted to reflect the region’s language and culture. The lyrical quality of Malayalam enhances the appeal of ghazals, making them both accessible and profound. Traditional ragas and melodies are frequently employed, with instruments like the harmonium, tabla, and sitar blending seamlessly with Kerala’s native instruments, enriching the musical tapestry. Ghazals have significantly influenced Malayalam film music, adding emotional depth and lyrical richness to soundtracks. In films, ghazals often accentuate pivotal moments, enhancing the impact of scenes with their soulful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Their inclusion has introduced musical variety to Malayalam cinema, blending classical ghazal elements with modern film music styles.

Many Malayalam films feature memorable ghazals that have become iconic, adding to the films’ overall allure. Several artistes have played key roles in popularising Filmy ghazals, each bringing their unique style. M. S. Baburaj, though not primarily a ghazal singer, significantly contributed to Malayalam music by incorporating elements of Hindustani classical music, including ghazals, into his compositions. His work introduced a fusion of classical Indian music to Malayalam cinema, influencing numerous musicians. Umbayee is renowned for his soulful performances, blending traditional and contemporary elements, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Kozhikode Abdul Khader, a pioneer in Malayalam light music, drama songs, and film songs, is celebrated for his lyrical and emotional compositions, rendering them timeless.

Artistes like Hariharan, Shahabaz Aman, Gayathri Ashokan, Manjari, and Sithara have sung exquisite ghazals for films and albums. The late Pankaj Udas featured in an album composed by Jithesh Sundaram, with lyrics written by Rafeeque Ahamed, titled “Athmasaila Nirakall.” Hariharan’s melodious “Parayan Maranna Paribhavangal” is a notable example. Umbayee composed poems by ONV and Yousuf Ali Kecheri. The Baburaj-P. Bhaskaran-Yesudas trio created mesmerising film songs with a ghazal essence. “Thamasamenthe Varuvan” from the film Bhargavi Nilayam, composed in Raga Bhimplasi, and “Pranasakhi Njan Verum Pamaranam Pattukaran,” based on Raga Bhairavi, are unforgettable compositions. In the 1970s, Najmal Babu, son of Abdul Khader, emerged as a pivotal figure in popularising ghazal music in Malabar.

Drawing inspiration from the soulful renditions of Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali, and Jagjit Singh, he introduced these evocative ghazals to a broader audience across Kerala. Najmal Babu also skilfully transformed the film and light music compositions of his father, Abdul Khader, into captivating ghazals. His brother, Sathyajith, followed in his footsteps, taking the stage more frequently to perform these enchanting melodies, thereby further cementing their popularity. Malayalam ghazals, with their mix of classical and local elements, continue to captivate audiences, reflecting the changing yet enduring nature of Kerala’s musical heritage. As they embrace modern themes while keeping their classical roots, ghazals remain a key part of the region’s diverse cultural legacy, leaving a lasting mark on both traditional and film music.