The artiste was none other than the leading ghazal singer of the sub-continent, Jagjit Singh, who has been entertaining music lovers throughout the world for decades.

Ghazals have always held a special place in the hearts of those who follow the traditional North Indian music. A performance by one of most popular exponents of the genre was bound to generate tremendous interest, and the packed auditorium was a fitting demonstration of that passion.

Ghazals are intricately woven expressions of love. The genre originally developed in Persia and spread in North India during the period of Muslim rule in the sub-continent. The Persian exponents were great philosophers and through their literary artistry, ghazals evolved into an art form that balanced the fiery passion of the heart with subtle play of words to tantalise the mind.

Lucknow was the reputed home of Hindustani music. Eventually it also became a hub of ghazal composers, poets, musicians and singers. Ghazals however, flourished first in Delhi and then in Lucknow. By the earlier half of the 18th century, Urdu ghazals attained popularity and attained their zenith through the works of Mirza Ghalib. The light classical Hindustani music keenly suited the romantic temperament of the ghazal form.

Jagjit's performance in Dhaka featured a range of traditional ghazals he has come to be known for. Clad in a white kurta-pajama, the artiste treated the audience to a rich medley of compositions including Kaun kehta hain muhabbat ki zuba hoti hain, Hoshowalon ko khabar kya bekhudi kya cheez hai, Hazaaron khwaish, Yeh dawlat bhi le lo and more.

The sangat (accompanying instruments) was a deft blend of violin, tabla, dhol, flute and keyboard played by accomplished musicians like Deepak Kumar Shambhulal Pandit, Shaikh Javed Mumtaz Ahmed, Kuldip Babu, Anantbhal Desia, Atul Shantieal Raninga, Abhilash Phukan and Devendar Raj Bhatt.

This was Jagjit's fourth visit to Bangladesh. The event was organised by Creatas Communications Ltd.