1935~2009The death of Iqbal Bano is being referred to as the death of Ghazal in Pakistan. It is, to a great extent. But the death of Iqbal Bano means much more than just the death of a voice. It is the death of an era. The death of a sensibility.
I encountered the music of Iqbal Bano when I was too young to understand the meaning of the poetry she sang. I was introduced to her by a man I have now disowned. Years later, when I was 17, I heard her again. 'mere dil, mere musafir' -- a song that perfectly described all that I had felt ever since I was a child. I had myself not recognised these thoughts, feelings. This is the magic of music, this is the magic of poetry. It heralds recognition. The magic in Iqbal Bano's voice is such. It can articulate things that you feel, but feelings that you will never be able to translate into words. Often, when we talk, we misrepresent our feelings. At least, I do. But certain songs, they say everything that I would want to tell myself.
Iqbal Bano has always been a special presence in my life. Many times in great despair have I turned to Iqbal. The voice has consoled me, soothed me and often given birth to a new kind of despair that is deep like water, a melancholic sense of aloneness.
The music of Iqbal Bano has been a strange kind of company for me. Her voice always leaves me in anticipation. No matter how many times I listen to dasht - e - tanhai mein, I cannot overcome that ache lying deep within. Although I know the poem by heart, there is a sense of restlessness, unease and suspense with each couplet. There is wonder. And there is the magic of a voice that can never, never die.
The knowledge that the body behind the voice is dead leaves the songs stranded in a newfound profundity. I have found another meaning in these words:
'uht rahi hai kahin qurbat se
teri saans ki aanch
apani khushbuu mein sulagti hui
maddham maddham'
apani khushbuu mein sulagti hui
maddham maddham'
*pic courtesy www.dawn.com
**I have uploaded two songs. Listen to Dasht-e-tanhi mein and Payal mein geet hai. If you want any other song, feel free to ask!
6 comments:
i heard a few of her songs too...but i didnt know she passed away.
didnt see it in the papers.
sad.
@little boxes: I know! None of the major Indian newspapers that I know of covered it. Not even any news channel. I got to know from a prof, who is part of some Indo-Pak forum.
It is sad, indeed. :(
i am waiting for the critical appreciation of the lyrics. :p
on am more serious note.. :)
@mojo: ghnushi maarbo! :D
Wow, thankoo. Ekkhuni download korlam.
Wow is all that can be said right now.
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