10 Best Classical Urdu/Hindi Songs:
Do You Know?
Classical music describes the tradition of a specific culture. It is also known as western art music. Classical music or songs are created in a way to make it more enjoyable for the decades and shift from generation to generation. It differs from other genres of music like folk music, pop music, jazz, etc. It takes more experience to compose a classical song, and singers have to practice hard for months and years to perform well.
Indo-Pak Classical Music:
Classical music was derived from the west to the South-Asian region, in the 12th century. The classic music of North India and Pakistan gain more prominence in the world. The music consists of two basic elements Raag and Taal. In Urdu, “Pakka Gaana” is the name of classical music. The detailed musical theory and substantial literature inclusion have always supported the classical systems. Improvisation, sensitivity, and creativity play a significant role. Indo-Pak classical music was considered mainly for ‘vocal performance’. The instruments are assessed and planned according to how better the human voice does emulate. The musical instruments were all tailored from Central and South-Asia to generate innovative instruments like the Sarod and the sitar. Dhrupad, Thumri, Dhamar, Tappa, and Khyal are the main forms of classical music of the region, whereas, semi-classical music includes Jughalbandi, Ghazal, Daadra, Alaap, Kaafi, and Qawwali.
Famous Classical Indo-Pak Singers:
Most of the Muslim singers have proven themselves as the torchbearer of classical singing Bade Ghulam Ali Sahib is reckoned as the pioneer of Urdu/Hindi classical music in the sub-continent. Bade Fateh Ali Khan Sahib, Barkat Ali Khan Sahib, Salamat Ali Khan Sahib, Begum Akhtar, Reshma, Abida Parveen, Ghulam Ali, Noor Jahan, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Suraiya Multanikar, Amanat Ali Khan Sahib, Mehdi Hassan, Ravi Shankar Ji, Jagjit Singh, Farida Khanum, Iqbaal Bano, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sajjad Ali, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Mohammad Rafi Sahib, Shankar Mahadevan, Raahat Fateh Ali, Talat Hussain, Chitra, Manna Dey, Pankaj Udas, etc. are some preeminent names among the deep ocean of Indo-Pak musical talent.
Isn’t it amazing????
Here, I’m going to discuss the top 10 evergreens, soulful, melodious classical Urdu/Hindi songs that are my personal favorites.
Top 10 Classical Songs:
With the vast variety of gems in classical singers, it’s tricky to select only 10 songs, the list of eminent music goes on and on. Here I tried with all my might, to jot down my all-time favorite classical songs with a rationale.
Let’s go through the list!
1. Amir Khusro: Har Shab Manam Fatadah (Farid Ayaz)
It’s a ‘Persian Sufi Poetry’ by Amir Khusro is considered the father of the Qawwali. Poetry gives you a mystical experience. The lyric is written by Hazrat Amir Khusro (R.A), who has conquered million hearts by his ‘Sufi Kalaam’ and famous for his devotional enunciation, Ustaad Farid Ayaz Qawwal has sung the poetry.
2. Noor Jehan: Mujhse Pehli Si Muhabbat (Faiz Ahmed Faiz)
Madam Noor Jahan composed this remarkable ghazal on the spot, without any musical instrument when the poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz Sahib has requested her to sing this poem in her mesmerizing voice. Later the ghazal was filmed for Qaidi (1962) and was a super-hit. The pitch in her voice has never faltered, many singers have tried to sing the same ghazal but no one could reach that ‘raised bar’ which madam Ji has set. Noor Jahan has always been the reason for this ghazal’s popularity, as it left the deep yearning which sometimes makes you feel empty.
3. Mehdi Hassan: Ranjish Hi Sahi (Ahmed Faraz)
An admired ghazal of Mehdi Hassan, written by Ahmed Faraz and the great Nisaar Bazmi Sahib has composed it, filmed on Late Pakistani actor Mohammad Ali. Madam Iqbal Bano sang this ghazal first but gained recognition when Mehdi Hassan gave his velvety voice to the striking poetry. The song estimates the pain of the broken heart which is now lost resonates with billions of diversified emotions. After Mehdi Hassan, Ali Sethi in 2017 vocalized the same ghazal gracefully.
4. Farida Khanum: Woh Ishq Jo Humse Rooth Gaya (Athar Nafees)
The maturity of mind and lyrical indulgence is all you need to enjoy the delightful composition master Manzoor and lyrics by Athar Nafees. A perfect blend of rhythm, music, and the husky voice of Farida Khanum has brought in this masterpiece. The ghazal Farida Khanum is well-known as the maestro of classical ghazal singing. I like her gem “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo”, which became the reason for her popularity. The ghazal brings up the feeling of love, persuasion, and compassion.
5. Reshma: Lambi Judayee (Anand Bakshi)
A soulful classical song, Reshma sang it and gained popularity for her piercing voice. The song is composed by LaxmiKaant PyarayLaal and penned by Anand Bakshi, for the Bollywood movie “Hero” which starred Jackie Shroff, in 1983. She practiced this song solely on “Matka”. The in-depth majestic Reshma’s voice tears the heart and the melody defies both in India and Pakistan.No doubt, the song is immortal.
6. Jagjit Singh: Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho (Kaifi Azmi)
I’ve personally been addicted to the ‘Ghazal Icon’ Jagjit Singh. The lyrics are written by Kaifi Azmi and composed by Jagjit Singh himself, for the Bollywood movie ‘Arth’ (1983). A mishmash of soothing voice and strong poetic projection. The string of words is put together melodiously to form a garland that would help you mend the broken heart. This ghazal creates a very distinctive kind of magical environment. My favorite lines are “Rekhaon ka Khel Hai Muqaddar, Rekhaon Se Kiu Maath Kha Rahe Ho”.Besides this, there are many other Ghazals of Jagjit Singh that are remarkable too.
7. Abida Parveen: Tere Ishq Nachaya (Bulle Shah)
The mystic poetry of Baba Bulle Shah blends with the voice of “Queen of classic Sufi songs” Abida Parveen. Abida Parveen shift emotions in such an inimitable way. The song makes you feel lighter, with such passionate singing. It makes you feel as a caged bird is set free and sometimes it brings tears of joy. Although many singers tried this Sufi song I believe no one until now has done justice to this song like rendering Abida Ji.
8. Manna Dey: Laga Chunnari mein Daagh (Saahir Ludhiyanvi)
The modest musical maestro Manna Dey sang this form of classical Raag, written by Saahir Ludhiyanvi, and music is composed by Roshan and Omi Sonik. This Raag was the part of the Hindi movie ‘Dil hi to hai’ (1963), starring Raj Kapoor. This song has some deep metaphorical meaning like the communication that taken place between you and your soul. It can give you goose bumps that how effortlessly Manna Dey has sung the devotional, mighty and soulful presentation of Sahir Ludhiyanvi’s delightful poetry.
9. Asha Bhosle & Jagjit Singh: Jab Saamney Tum (Nida Fazli)
If you’ve spent your worthy childhood or teenage in the ’90s, then you must know the value of the ghazal, Nida Fazli has penned it down, Jagjit Singh composed the music; Asha Bhosley has vocalized the song in duet with Jagjit Singh. This ghazal might take you on the roller coaster ride to the ‘era of innocence’ when love was pure emotion and long-lasting relationships were the goals. The voice of Asha Bhosley has equally maintained the integrity of the mesmerizing ghazal. I like the line, “Jub Saamney tum Ajatay ho Na Janiye Kia Hojata Hai” and it gives me a blissful smile.
10. Lata Mageshkar: Hazaron Khuwahishein Aise (Mirza Ghalib)
The best one always aligned in the last. Pandit Hirdaynath Mangeshkar has composed this ghazal written by Mirza Ghalib and Lata Ji has given her incredible voice. The mellifluous voice sketches the image of a lovelorn heart and induces melancholy in you. It helps you comprehend the balance of life and desires which won’t be fulfilled every time. The combination of Lataji’s voice and Mirza Ghalib’s poetry sheer magic. The precise verses enlighten this life’s reality.
That was all from me, what about you?
Do you like any kind of classical song? If yes do like and comment the song name and give a rationale.
