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Ghazal music, a soul-stirring art form originating from South Asia, blends intricate Urdu poetry with emotive melodies to express themes of love, longing, and loss. This genre has enchanted audiences worldwide, thanks to the legendary ghazal singers who have mastered its emotional depth.
In this article, we explore the lives, contributions, and iconic songs of famous ghazal singers like Jagjit Singh, Begum Akhtar, Mehdi Hassan, and others, whose voices continue to resonate across generations.
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 Singers | Biological Age | Most Famous Ghazal |
| Jagjit Singh | 1941–2011 | Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum, Tumhare Haath Ki Chudiyan, Koi Fariyaad |
| Pankaj Udhas | 1951 | Chitthi Aayi Hai, Aur Nashe Mein, Dil Dhoondta Hai |
| Begum Akhtar | 1914–1974 | Ae Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya, Dil-e-Nadaan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai, Jab Tera Naam Liya |
| Ghulam Ali | 1940 | Chupke Chupke Raat Din, Kisise Hum Sunaayenge, Dard Se Mera Daaman Bhar Do |
| Mehdi Hassan | 1927–2012 | Ranjish Hi Sahi, Kabhi Kisi Ko Mukammal Jahan Nahi Milta, Mujhe Kya Bura Tha Marna Agar Ek Baar Hota |
| Talat Aziz | 1956 | Zindagi Jab Bhi Teri Bazm Mein, Kisi Se Hasi Kisi Se Gham, Tera Saath Hai Toh |
| Chitra Singh | 1945 | Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar (with Jagjit Singh), Tumhare Honthon Pe, Jhoom Jhoom Jhoom |
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Now, you have the names of the best Ghazal Singers in India. Let’s explore their signature styles and their most celebrated works.
Top Ghazal Singers and Their Contributions
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, and known as the “Shahenshah-e-Ghazal.
Jagjit Singh: The Maestro of Modern Ghazal
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 was among the famous ghazal singers and played an important role in reviving and popularising the ghazal genre in India during the late 20th century.
| About Jagjit Singh | |
| Name | Jagjit Singh |
| Born | Jagmohan Singh Dhiman 8 February 1941 |
| Died | 10 October 2011 (aged 70) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation(s) | Music director, composer, singer |
| Genres | Ghazal, classical, devotional, folk, Bhajan |
| Years active | 1960–2011 |
| Labels | EMI, HMV, Saregama, Universal, Sony BMG, CBS, Polydor, TIPS, Venus, T-Series, Magna Sound, Big, Times |
Pankaj Udhas: The Voice of Emotion
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.
| About Pankaj Udhas | |
| Name | Pankaj Udhas |
| Born | 17 May 1951 Jetpur, Saurashtra (now in Gujarat), India |
| Died | 26 February 2024 (aged 72) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Genres | Ghazals |
| Occupation | Ghazal Singer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Harmonium, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Tabla |
| Years active | 1980–2024 |
| Labels | EMI, T-Series |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2006) |
Begum Akhtar: The Nightingale of Lucknow
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.
| About Begum Akhtar | |
| Name | Begum Akhtar |
| Birth name | Akhtaribai Faizabadi |
| Born | 7 October 1914 Faizabad, United Provinces, British India (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India) |
| Origin | Faizabad, Awadh |
| Died | 30 October 1974 (aged 60) Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Genres | Ghazalthumridadra |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 1929–1974 |
Ghulam Ali: The Classical Virtuoso
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 the Patiala Gharana, Ghulam Ali Khan made memorable contributions to the music world. He earned acclaim in both Pakistan and India.
| About Ghulam Ali | |
| Name | Ghulam Ali |
| Born | 5 December 1940 (age 83) Ghalotiãn Khurd, Daska, Punjab, Undivided India (now in Lahore, Pakistan) |
| Genres | classical music, ghazal, playback singing |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, playback singer, ghazal, classical music |
| Years active | 1960 – present |
| Labels | Radio Pakistan, PTV |
Mehdi Hassan: The Shahenshah-e-Ghazal
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. The contributions of this famous ghazal singer have left an enduring legacy in South Asian music, with a career spanning over five decades.
Credit: Shaji
| About Mehdi Hassan | |
| Name | Mehdi Hassan |
| Born | 18 July 1927 Luna, Rajputana Agency, British India |
| Died | 13 June 2012 (aged 84) Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Occupations | Singermusic composer |
| Years active | (1957–1999) |
| Awards | Pride of Performance (1985) 9 Nigar Awards for Best Male Playback Singer |
| Honours | Nishan-e-Imtiaz (2012) Hilal-e-Imtiaz (2010) Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (2004) |
| Genres | Ghazal |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels | PTV Radio Pakistan |
Talat Aziz: The Multifaceted Artist
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.
The famous ghazal singer “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.
| About Talat Aziz | |
| Name | Talat Aziz |
| Born | 11 November 1956 (age 67) Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Genres | Ghazal, playback singing, actor |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, composer |
| Instrument | Harmonium |
| Years active | 1979–present |
Chitra Singh: The Soulful Nightingale
Chitra Singh was among the most famous ghazal singers, often hailed as the “ Nightingale of Ghazal,”. She 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.
| About Chitra Singh | |
| Name | Chitra Singh |
| Birth name | Chitra Shome |
| Born | 11 April 1940 (age 84) Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Genres | Ghazal, Classical, Devotional, Folk |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1970–1990 |
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FAQs
Begum Akhtar is the most famous ghazal singer. She is known as India’s finest ghazal singer.
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).
Famous Ghazal singers in India are Jagjit Singh, Pankaj Udhas, Talat Aziz, Chitra Singh, and Hariharan, known for their soulful renditions and contributions to Bollywood.
Jagjit Singh is widely regarded as the ‘King of Ghazal’ for his soulful voice and timeless compositions that continue to touch the hearts of listeners across all age groups.
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This was all about the famous ghazal singers. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!
