Hyderabadis revel in Ghazal King Talat Aziz\'s homecoming concert at HPS Centenary

aap ki yaad aati rahi raat bhar

chashm-e-nam muskuraati rahi raat bhar

Makhdoom’s famous, evocative words ring true of Saturday evening when renowned Ghazal singer, Talat Aziz, enthralled a packed house at his alma mater, the Hyderabad Public School.

The cold temperatures did not dampen the enthusiasm of a full house which appreciated every moment of the starlit evening with the imposing building covered with moonlight on Sharad Purnima. The stars seemed to have aligned to make the night a memorable one, and it turned out to be so by all accounts.

Under the star-dotted moonlit sky on Saturday, Ghazal maestro, Talat Aziz, performed after he shared his childhood memories of HPS exclusively to Deccan Chronicle in an interview.

The grand event presented by Jagirdars College & The Hyderabad Public School Old Students Association was part of the school's year-long centenary celebrations.

The celebrated artiste was at his alma mater, a nostalgic moment for him, as he set out to perform for the centenary celebrations of HPS.

Hyderabad’s glitterati were there in attendance, not to mention the most distinguished alumni, including the likes of top cop C.V. Anand among several others. On performing at HPS, his alma mater, Talat Aziz said, “It is homecoming for me. It was as if I was here only yesterday filled with the joys of schooling under the watchful eyes of my dear teachers. I have been coming back here, and every visit is worth cherishing."

Welcomed by a thunderous round of applause by the school, as also the audience, the Ghazal king took it as a signal to play to the gallery. Talat Aziz rendered some of the most popular and timeless ghazals which are hugely popular around the globe.

Every time he started singing, there were claps, whistles and words of appreciation. From ‘Sukoon’ and ‘Aaj Jaane ki Zid na Karo’ to ‘Tumko dekha toh yeh khayal aaya’, all his renditions met with phenomenal response.

In all, Talat Aziz concert at the HPS centenary celebrations, was something that left people wanting for more. For now, his songs continue to haunt people long after they had left the open air stadium.

To quote the great Saaqib Lucknowi:

zamana bade shauq se sun raha tha

humiin so gaye dastaan kehte kehte