7 Famous Ghazal Singers of All Time You Should Know

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Ghazal singing is a unique and emotive form of music which has captivated audiences across South Asia and beyond. Do you know Interesting facts about Asia? Interesting facts about Asia? It expresses beautifully themes of love, loss and longing through its intricate poetry and melodic compositions. There are many renowned ghazal singers who are precious gems for the world and today we will explore and get to know a bit about famous ghazal singers like Jagjit Singh a maestro of ghazal singing, Begum Akhtar who is known as the “Nightingale of Lucknow” and many others with their distinctive style. 

List of Famous Ghazal Singers

 From the soulful expressions of love and longing to the intricate nuances of classical ragas, ghazal music has captured the hearts of many, including its talented singers. Here, we explore the names of famous ghazal singers and their distinctive styles.

Name of Famous Ghazal SingersBiological AgeMost Famous Ghazal
Jagjit Singh1941–2011 Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum,
Tumhare Haath Ki Chudiyan,
Koi Fariyaad
Pankaj Udhas1951Chitthi Aayi Hai,
Aur Nashe Mein,
Dil Dhoondta Hai
Begum Akhtar1914–1974Ae Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya,
Dil-e-Nadaan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai,
Jab Tera Naam Liya
Ghulam Ali1940 Chupke Chupke Raat Din,
Kisise Hum Sunaayenge,
Dard Se Mera Daaman Bhar Do
Mehdi Hassan1927–2012 Ranjish Hi Sahi,
Kabhi Kisi Ko Mukammal Jahan Nahi Milta,
Mujhe Kya Bura Tha Marna Agar Ek Baar Hota
Talat Aziz1956 Zindagi Jab Bhi Teri Bazm Mein,
Kisi Se Hasi Kisi Se Gham,
Tera Saath Hai Toh
Chitra Singh1945Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar (with Jagjit Singh),
Tumhare Honthon Pe,
Jhoom Jhoom Jhoom

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Know All About Famous Ghazal Singers

Ghazal music, with its profound emotional depth and lyrical beauty, has captivated audiences for generations. Below we will get to learn about the famous ghazal singers such as hailed as the “King of Ghazals” to Mehdi Hassan, known as the “Shahenshah-e-Ghazal. 

Jagjit Singh (1960–2011)

Jagjit Singh a well-known classical vocalist, was known for his soulful rendition of ghazals. The audience was captivated by his voice which was characterised by its depth and emotion. He played an important role in reviving and popularising the ghazal genre in India during the late 20th century.

Jagjit Singh, famous ghazal singers
Credit: Wikipedia
About Jagjit Singh
NameJagjit Singh
BornJagmohan Singh Dhiman
8 February 1941
Died10 October 2011 (aged 70)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation(s)Music director, composer, singer
GenresGhazal, classical, devotional, folk, Bhajan
Years active1960–2011
LabelsEMI, HMV, Saregama, Universal, Sony BMG, CBS, Polydor, TIPS, Venus, T-Series, Magna Sound, Big, Times

Pankaj Udhas (1980–2024)

Pankaj Udas who was born on May 17,1951 in Jetpur,Gujrat. He was a prominent Indian ghazal singer and playback artist well known for his contributions to Hindi cinema and Indian pop music. He played an important role in popularising the ghazal genre, alongside contemporaries like Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz.

Pankaj Udas, famous ghazal singers
Credit: Telegram India
About Pankaj Udhas
NamePankaj Udhas
Born17 May 1951 Jetpur, Saurashtra (now in Gujarat), India
Died26 February 2024 (aged 72)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
GenresGhazals
OccupationGhazal Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals, Harmonium, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Tabla
Years active1980–2024
LabelsEMI, T-Series
AwardsPadma Shri (2006)

Begum Akhtar (1929–1974)

Begum Akhtari was a famous Indian singer known for her profound contributions to the genres of ghazal, thumri and Dadra. Often referred to as the “ Malika-e-Ghazal”. She made important efforts in bringing these semi-classical forms of music to mainstream audiences. Her emotive singing style and mastery of Urdu poetry left an indelible mark on Indian music. 

Begum Akhtari , famous ghazal singers
Credit: Scroll.in
About Begum Akhtar
NameBegum Akhtar
Birth nameAkhtaribai Faizabadi
Born7 October 1914
Faizabad, United Provinces, British India (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India)
OriginFaizabad, Awadh
Died30 October 1974 (aged 60)
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
GenresGhazalthumridadra
OccupationSinger
Years active1929–1974

Ghulam Ali (1960 – present)

Ghulam Ali was from Kaleke,Sialkot,Pakistan. He was a famous Pakistani ghazal singer who was known for his unique blend of classical Hindustani music and contemporary ghazals. As a disciple of legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan who was from Patiala Gharana, Ghulam Ali Khan made memorable contributions to the music world. He earned acclaim in both Pakistan and India.

Ghulam Ali, famous ghazal singers
Credit: Wikipedia
About Ghulam Ali
NameGhulam Ali
Born5 December 1940 (age 83)
Ghalotiãn Khurd, Daska, Punjab, Undivided India (now in Lahore, Pakistan)
Genresclassical music, ghazal, playback singing
Occupation(s)Singer, playback singer, ghazal, classical music
Years active1960 – present
LabelsRadio Pakistan, PTV

Mehdi Hassan Khan (1957–1999)

Mehdi Hassan Khan was a legendary Pakistani ghazal singer and playback artist. He was referred to as the “ Shahenshah-e-Ghazal”.His distinctive baritone voice and mastery of Urdu poetry established him as one of the most influential figures in the history of ghazal singing. Hassan’s contributions have left an enduring legacy in South Asian music with a career spanning over five decades.

Mehdi Hassan Khan, famous ghazal singers

Credit: Shaji

About Mehdi Hassan
NameMehdi Hassan
Born18 July 1927
Luna, Rajputana Agency, British India
Died13 June 2012 (aged 84)
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
NationalityPakistani
OccupationsSingermusic composer
Years active(1957–1999)
AwardsPride of Performance (1985)
9 Nigar Awards for Best Male Playback Singer
HonoursNishan-e-Imtiaz (2012)
Hilal-e-Imtiaz (2010)
Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (2004)
GenresGhazal
InstrumentVocals
LabelsPTV Radio Pakistan

Talat Aziz (1979–present)

Talat Aziz is a well-renowned singer and actor. His contribution to Indian cinema left an indelible mark.  He was pretty much influenced by his father and mother who were Urdu writers and poets. However, his heartfelt performance in Umrao Jaan in 1981 truly made him famous. Talat Aziz also appeared in many films of the Bollywood industry and television series such as  Fitoor (2015) and Gulmohar (2023), showcasing his multifaceted talent.

Talat Aziz,  famous ghazal singers
Credit: Saregama
About Talat Aziz
NameTalat Aziz
Born11 November 1956 (age 67)
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
GenresGhazal, playback singing, actor
Occupation(s)Singer, composer
InstrumentHarmonium
Years active1979–present

Chitra Singh (1970 –1990)

Chitra Singh often hailed as the “ Nightingale of Ghazal” is a legendary Indian Singer renowned for her soulful voice and impeccable rendition of ghazals. Born as Chitra Shome, she found her true calling in the world of music, particularly the genre that celebrates love, loss and the complexities of human emotions.

Chitra Singh, famous ghazal singers
Credit: Wikipedia
About Chitra Singh
NameChitra Singh
Birth nameChitra Shome
Born11 April 1940 (age 84)
Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India
GenresGhazal, Classical, Devotional, Folk
OccupationSinger
InstrumentVocals
Years active1970–1990

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FAQs

Who is the most famous ghazal singer?

Begum Akhtar is the most famous ghazal singer. She is known as India’s finest ghazal singer.

Which is the best ghazal in the world?

Best ghasals in the world are – Suna hai log use aankh bhar ke dekhte hain (Ahmed Faraz), ranjish hi shi dil dukhane k liye aa (Ahmad Faraz),  ab k hum bichde to shayad kabhi khawabon mei mile (Ahmed Faraz).

Who are the famous ghazal singers in India?

Famous Ghazal singers in India are Jagjit Singh, Hariharan, Talat Aziz, Pankaj Udhas and many more.

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