Ghazal singing, a classical genre in itself, is a blessing from God, which can be nurtured, but not created, through human endeavour,” says noted ghazal singer Shashank Thada.
In an age when ghazal singing is more a prerogative of the older generation, Shashank Thada, is a bright star on the horizon of the ghazal lovers across the world. While in a rendezvous with The Pioneer Shashank talks about his passion in ghazal singing and
how he adopted this as a profession.
Shashank belongs to Senia Gharana, the School of Music, which had produced geniuses like Ustad Mehadi Hassan and unforgettable Jagjit Singh.
While talking about his attraction towards ghazal singing, Shashank said, “Since my childhood I love the Ghazal Gayaki as I used to listen some of the maestros like Jagdit Singh, Chitra, Pankaj Udhas led me towards the ghazal gayaki.”
Elaborating further he said, “As my love grew more for ghazal singing, I received special training in Urdu language so that I can understand the purity of ghazals in depth." The essence of ghazal gayaki is the correct pronunciation of the words and the rhythm through which the ghazal singer could express the emotions correctly, he says.
Shashank wonderfully combines traditional ghazal singing and classical music with soulful compositions. "Bhopal is really near to my heart as I have recieved training in classical music from Bhopal by Gundecha Brothers," Shashank added. “I have also received training from a renowned Urdu poet from Bhopal Sarwar Hussain. He taught me the innocence and tehzeeb of Urdu Shayari and its importance in ghazal gayaki,” Shashank further added.
Though strongly drawn to Ghazals, from Meer and Ghalib to the modern era of Bashir Badr and Nida Fazali, Shashank has equal command over classical and devotional Music. Shashank delves deep into the lyrics and creates his musical compositions harmonising perfectly with the mood and content of the lyrics and at the same time maintains the purity of the relevant Ragas.
Shashank is deeply involved in innovative experiments with blend of modern instruments to encourage young generation to fall in love with Ghazal genre of music.
“I majorly sing for the youngsters so that the young generation could develop an interest in ghazals and same for the upcoming singers,” Shashank said. He has presented more than 250 concerts across the world. Recently he performed at Nigeria leaving the audience mesmerised.