ALI-GHANI
In the
Reckoning

With their music for the albums Jhanjharia and Woh Mera Hoga becoming popular, Ali-Ghani are the latest sought-after
composers on the non-fim music scene...

They are brothers who are into classical singing and composing as well. Though for most part of their life and career they have sung classical compositions, Rajasthani lokgeet and ghazals on stage and in mehfils, their dream was to become music directors, which brought them to Mumbai a decade ago. Though singing is still their first love, it is as composers that Ali-Ghani have come into the limelight. Having done eight albums in as many years, including Hans Raj Hans’s latest album Jhanjharia, which is the Punjabi folk singer’s first Hindi album of geet and ghazals, Ali-Ghani are also composing music for films.

Born and brought up in a village called Tejrasar, in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, Ali and Ghani were initiated into classical singing by their father Sirajuddin, who himself was a folk singer. Lack of career opportunities compelled them to move to Kolkata, where they honed their singing skills under the guidance of Ustad Munawar Ali Khan. The duo started performing on stage alongwith Pandit Shrilal Tawania. Their forte was light classical ragas, Rajasthani and Punjabi folk songs, and ghazals. For 10 years Ali-Ghani continued with their stage performances.

But since they were more keen on a career in composing, they decided to shift to Mumbai. Since it was difficult to get a break in films, Ali-Ghani opted for the private album scene, and debuted with an album of soft melodies with Pankaj Udhas and Sadhana Sargam called Kabhi Aansoo Kabhi Khushboo Kabhi Nagma. Two more albums with Pankaj Udhas followed, Humnasheen and Mahek, which did well, and with them began the duo’s journey of success.

Jhanjharia, according to Ali-Ghani, is their best effort so far and the most popular one as well. Expounds Ghani, "Hans Raj has an image of a Punjabi folk singer, and it was a big challenge to present him in a different image and language. So before recording the album, we stayed with him in Punjab to understand his singing style as well as to draw inspiration from the rich culture of Sufi and Punjabi music, since the album has Sufiana touch. The album is a big hit and we are happy that our hard work has paid."

While Jhanjharia is doing good business, their other album Woh Mera Hoga, which was released by Tips in the last week of December, is also getting good response from music lovers.

So it’s pretty good going for Ali-Ghani in the private music scene, and the twosome hope to repeat their success in film music direction as well. They have composed the music for producer Salim’s forthcoming film Mitti, and are also working on the music for Meetha Meetha Ishq Piya Ka.

While singing is their first love, which for the moment has taken a backseat, they do plan to sing and compose for an album in the near future.

A.L. Chougule

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