GEN-Z GHAZAL GAAYIKA

THESE days, many young singers are exploring and sharing their musical talents — but some voices have a way of melodiously standing out. When 20-year-old Jyothi Sharma renders ghazal after ghazal, you feel elevated to a spiritual dimension, with an instant sense of calmness enveloping you.

- NITIKA KRISHNA

THESE days, many young singers are exploring and sharing their musical talents — but some voices have a way of melodiously standing out. When 20-year-old Jyothi Sharma renders ghazal after ghazal, you feel elevated to a spiritual dimension, with an instant sense of calmness enveloping you. The winner of several prestigious competitions, the Hyderabadi ghazal singer has also taken her music beyond borders, making the world fall in love with it. At the spectacular one-day festival of ghazals, music, and dance, presented by Chowmahalla Palace in association with Parichay Arts Foundation, she enthralled the audience yet again, and spoke to CE about her journey, how Raag Chandrakauns sets the vibe, and what Asha Bhonsle told her.

Excerpts

When did you begin your journey into music?

Ever since I opened my eyes, all I heard around me was sangeet. My grandfather, Pandit Ratan Lal Sharma Ji, is a renowned harmonium player, and my father, Govind Sharma ji, plays the tabla like no other. So, if I had to describe my journey in a word, I'd say it has been sureeli—melodious. My mother has also been a constant source of encouragement, always pushing me to do riyaaz (practice).