Winning over the north with ghazals

Music is celebrated in its entirety, when Manjari sings ghazals, which lulls listeners to another world of emotions. In south India, there are many admirers for Hindustani ghazals, but there are only a handful of singers. Probably, that’s what sets Manjari apart from others. She is probably the only singer who hosts an exclusive ghazal show on a Malayalam TV channel.

She has just received the prestigious Sahir and Adeeb Award at Ludhiana. Every year, this award is given to eminent personalities from the fields of literature, arts and culture for their contribution to Urdu language while Manjari received it for promoting the genre of ghazals in the south. Legends like Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, and Sharmila Tagore are the earlier recipients of this award.

“I myself was surprised when informed about the award. Because, I was chosen for this recognition in Hindustani music despite being a native of Kerala. I really am honored,” says Manjari. She is the youngest recipient of this award till date. Manjari’s scintillating performances have earned her fans from all over the world, especially from Pakistan. “Yes, it has reached a lot of people in Pakistan as well. I am really glad about that because through culture, it contributes to peace between the neighbouring nations. It is indeed a privilege,” says Manjari.

Recently, she got a a call from Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini, who praised her singing. “The concept of poetry with music always inspires people. Singing about love and hurt feelings makes us more human, which is why ghazal has many young admirers in Kerala as well,” adds Manjari.

In April, she is planning to release a solo album of ghazals. “It is going to be pure traditional Urdu ghazals. I haven’t named it yet. The production is on,” signs off Manjari.