Letting the instrumentalists tune their tabla, guitar and sitar, the Ustad started an alaap, as if fine-tuning his vocals for the main event. The main event: an evening of ghazals with Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, one of the most renowned exponents of the genre.

As part of Pakistan's 60th independence day (August 14) celebration, the Pakistan High Commission organised the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Sajida Iqbal Syed, press minister for Pakistan, said, "Rendition of ghazal is an art and every accomplished artiste develops a unique style. When ghazals were used in films and their popularity soared, certain elements were incorporated. Ghazals started sounding less like 'poetry in motion' and more like film songs. Ustad Ghulam Ali liberated ghazals from that trend. His extensive taalim in classical music enabled him to ornate ghazals with unmistakable nuances of raagas."

Sajida Iqbal also hoped that this visit of Ustad Ghulam Ali would further strengthen the cultural ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Ustad started with a rendition of Mirza Ghalib's Har ek baat pe kahte ho tum ke tu kya hain, tumhii kaho ke ye andaaz-e-guftguu kya hai. Elaborated taan, sargam and tehayee were met with rounds of applause. Sabbir Hossain Khan from Islamabad made a fine demonstration of his mastery over the tabla. In between renditions, sawaal-jawaab between the Ustad and Bangladeshi instrumentalist Firoze Khan on sitar was impressive. Salahuddin Shantanu provided sangat on the harmonium.

An inimitable trait of the Ustad is that while rendering ghazals he creates subtle vibrations, which he uses beautifully, to convey a range of emotions. He can make the same line sound hopelessly romantic or melancholy, namely interpret it in any way he wants, effortlessly.

In the course of the evening the Ustad rendered ghazals penned by Faiz Ahmed Faiz. During a rendition of the Nisar Bazmi classic, Dil mein ek leher si uthhi hai abhi, the artiste treated the audience to a wave of notes, as if to justify the words.

Ustad Ghulam Ali also performed a ghazal written by Sajida Iqbal Syed, Ussey main kahne jo gayee. The repertoire included a Bangla song as well Megh eshey chhuye chhuye, written and composed by M. Asafuddaula.

It is understood that ghazals and Urdu are indivisible and one must have a proper understanding of the language to enjoy songs that belong to the genre. However, at an event attended by diplomats, government officials and the local media, it is a norm that the speakers use either English or have an interpreter. The organisers should not regard that everyone speaks or understands their native language.