Ghazals are not going to die: Talat Aziz

Ghazal maestro Talat Aziz says that the audience’s love for the genre will never wane and it will survive.

“You always have an audience for every genre of music and the same is the case with ghazals. They will be listened to for years and cherished by their lovers. Ghazals will not die till you have good singers in the market,” he told Patriot in an interview.

Aziz, who was recently in Delhi for a musical performance at the four-day Jashn-E-Urdu event, said that he has been visiting the city for the last 44 years now. 

“I come to Delhi for my musical concerts and meet my friends. I also visit Old Delhi for non-vegetarian food. I am fond of chaat that is available on the streets of Delhi. The taste of the food whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian in Delhi is exceptional,” he said.

Not only he is an acclaimed ghazal singer but has also proved his mettle as an actor in many Bollywood films and OTT platforms. 

Aziz made his debut in the 2016 film Fitoor, which had Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapoor in lead roles. In 2023, he appeared in the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Gulmohar and this year he was seen playing the role of Hrithik Roshan’s father in the film Fighter.

When asked about his acting career, the 67-year-old singer said that he is still open to working in films and web series. “My priority is to always look for roles that inspire me. I will surely continue my acting career depending on the roles I get,” he said.

Aziz didn’t find it difficult to balance both the fields. 

“I take my work very seriously and don’t let any of the fields get affected,” he said.

He added that there are still a few ghazals from his singing collection that enthral the audience whenever they listen to them. 

“The ghazals from the films Umrao Jaan and Bazaar are still heard by people. They are my favourites too and they have changed my life completely,” said Aziz who is known for ghazals like Phir Chhidi Raat Baat Phoolon Ki, Zindagi Jab Bhi Teri Bazm Mai Mein, and Aaina Mujhe Meri, among others.

Aziz is of the opinion that one has to consider the audience before performing. 

“You have to first see what kind of audience is in front of you, see their demands and choose the ghazals accordingly. I perform the ghazals that I love most,” he added.

He said that programs like Jashn-E-Urdu are good platforms to get enlightened about the significance of the Urdu language. “I keep going to such events whenever they invite me and will continue to do so. I have been performing for the last many years at such events,” he said further.

“Delhi is a place where art, culture and heritage are still alive,” he added.