Ghazal is a poetic form in Urdu (and related languages) that expresses love, loss, longing, and spiritual yearning. While ghazal is not a purely classical form, it has deeply influenced Indian semi-classical and film music.
What is a Ghazal?
A ghazal is made up of couplets (sher), each of which can often stand on its own. There is usually:
- A rhyme pattern and refrain.
- Use of metaphor and subtle wordplay.
- A mix of romantic and spiritual themes.
Famous ghazal poets include Mir, Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and many others.
Ghazal singing
Ghazal singers typically:
- Set ghazal poetry to melody, often using raag-like frameworks.
- Use classical ornamentation (meend, murki) but with more freedom.
- Focus heavily on diction, expression, and emotional delivery.
Compared to khayal, ghazal singing usually:
- Has shorter improvisations.
- Emphasizes the meaning of the words more than pure raag exploration.
Many film songs are essentially ghazals set in raag-influenced melodies. For learners, listening to good ghazal singers is a great way to hear classical techniques applied in a more lyric-centered context.