Ghulam Ali at the concert in Kolkata on January 12.
Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, who has over the years enthralled millions across the globe with his baritone voice, on Tuesday expressed gratitude and elation to be able to perform in the eastern metropolis, following cancellation of his concert in Mumbai.
"I am very happy today. I have been coming to Kolkata for 30 to 35 years. But this time it feels like I have come back after 50 years. I was so sad and today my sadness ends," Ghulam Ali said at the start of the concert at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.
Performing with his son Aamir, the music maestro hailed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a form of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom and music.
"I am grateful to her. She has done us a favour in the form of Saraswati," he said with a smile.
Ms Banerjee reinforced her views on universal brotherhood and requested the 75-year-old singer to visit the city again. She welcomed him with a shawl and scarf.
The maestro had first performed in Kolkata in 1981.
"
Gana wana mujhe nahi aata (I don't know how to sing). I only know how to listen," he said, reminiscing how he was tutored by the legendary Bade Ghulam Ali and his three brothers.
"I used to be after them (to learn)," quipped the singer, whose famous ghazal renditions are
Chupke Chupke Raat Din,
Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi,
Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa,
Kiya Hai Pyar Jise and many others.
Attired in embroidered white traditional attire and a shawl, the legendary musician complimented the audience for their patience and silence as they immersed themselves in his
shayaris and ghazals including the famous
Dil Mein Ek Lehar Si Uthi Hai Abhi.
Mamata Banerjee was seen enjoying the ambiance with closed eyes as Ghulam Ali performed to a packed hall. The
ustad's arresting style conveyed a range of emotions, even as he rendered the same couplet more than once.
After cancellation of his concert in Mumbai due to threats by the Shiv Sena, Ghulam Ali in November had expressed disappointment asserting "never to return to India". (Also Read:
Ghulam Ali: I Have No Concerts Planned in India)
Mamata Banerjee offered Kolkata as a venue following the cancellation of the Mumbai concert in October.