KATHMANDU: The hall at Bal Mandir in Naxal reverberated with soulful music as singer Anand Karki charmed ghazal lovers with popular Hindi and Nepali ghazals on November 12.

Karki sang 15 ghazals and each was a treat for all those present. Some began to sing along with Karki while others showed their appreciation by loud clapping and “Wah! Wah!”

Karki was accompanied by Sushil Bishwokarma on the flute, Tezendra Bomjan on keyboards, Krishna Tandukar on tabala and Bikash Sunar on guitar.

Organised by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), the programme began with a brief history of ghazal and it’s expansion around the world by columnist Dubby Bhagat. While introducing the singer of the evening, Bhagat talked about those old days when he first met Karki.

Then the atmosphere was wrapped with musical aura as Karki started singing one after another all time-hits. Many in the audience were more than delighted to hear those old numbers that still have not lost their appeal. Some at the back of the hall were even heard getting nostalgic talking about the days when these numbers were frequently played on the radio and was loved by all.

Hothon Se Chhulo Tum, Wo Kagaaz Ki Kasti, Chaandi Jaisa Ruph He Tera were some of the Hindi ghazals with which Karki created a romantic ambience in the hall. He also sang top-notch Nepali ghazal like Je Je Hune Hunchha Yeha Parda Pachadi Nai, Dwi Aakhako

Naniharu and Kina Kurnu Saajh Pyunai Parepachi among others, which enthused an emotional touch to the whole programme.

“The song with curtains (Je Je Hune Hunchha Yeha Parda Pachadi Nai) was the most startling song I have ever heard that was in the strict ghazal form. I believe that along with love in this ghazal, they have (singers and musicians) given a touch of scepticism,” said Bhagat.

Even after the last number, Karki could not leave the stage as everyone requested him to sing Je Hune Hunchha one more time. The singer couldn’t say no and the hall echoed with a huge round of applause and some more ‘Wah! Wahs!’