Music transcends borders, cultures, and languages. This was evident when Ustad Ghulam Ali, a Pakistani ghazal singer, took the stage in The Plaza, Jhamsikhel, on Saturday.

When Ali reached the venue, the audience welcomed him by singing his famous Nepali song, ‘Gajalu Ti Thula Thula Aankha’. After a patient wait, the audience, excited to see him on stage, started capturing him on camera. The singer began with ‘Gori Teri Naina’, then moved on to ghazals like ‘Jaan Me Meri Jaan Aai Thi’.

After singing his first song, Ali said, “I am delighted today. I got a second chance to visit Nepal. Everyone here likes melodies. Those who like melodies have a clean heart.”

The Pakistani singer was accompanied on stage by his son, Aamir Ghulam Ali, and grandson, Naazir Ghulam Ali. After singing a few ghazals, Ghulam announced that he was open to ‘farmaish’ (request) from the audience. Everyone excitedly started requesting ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Gajalu Ti Thula Thula’, ‘Kina Kina Timro Tasbir’ and so on.

The audience struggled to pick a single title from his famous ghazals. Later, Ghulam decided to perform ‘Yeh Dil Ye Pagal Dil Mera’.

After approximately 20 minutes of performance, Ghulam paused for a break. Milan Moktan from Sadhana Kala Kendra noted that, although he successfully brought Asha Bhosle to Nepal, securing Ghulam’s presence was a greater challenge. “His arrival is a historic moment for us,” Moktan added.

Following the break, lyricist Deepak Jangam was recognised for his significant contributions to Nepali music. He reminisced about recording ‘Kina Kina Timro Tasbir’ with Ghulam, who predicted this song would be famous four decades ago.

Three generations—Ghulam, Aamir, and Naazir—performed a new Nepali ghazal titled ‘Ghazal Unkai, Geet Unkai, Katha Unkai Lekhchu Sathi’. Aamir said, “Nepali is not our native language; I apologise if I mispronounce any words,” before introducing the new song.

Aamir led the audience in singing, ‘Hum Teri Sahar Mein Aaye Hain, Musafirki Tarah,’ and they eagerly joined in, showing great enthusiasm.