Discover live ghazal concerts, studio recordings, behind-the-scenes stories, Urdu poetry, compositions, and my experiences as a ghazal singer and composer.
Poet:Ashok Jharia “Shafaq” Album:Khulus – Ghazals of Dreams, Desires & Destiny Released by:T-Series
About the Ghazal
Wo Pyaar, Wo Khulus, Wo Chahat Nahin Mili is a soulful expression of lost love and the longing that follows. The poet, Ashok Jharia ‘Shafaq’, gives voice to a heart searching for true affection and sincerity (khulus) that remains elusive after separation.
Composed and sung by Shishir Parkhie, this ghazal features in the album Khulus – Ghazals of Dreams, Desires & Destiny by T-Series. Its melody and gentle arrangement highlight the depth of the poet’s emotions.
The Emotion
The ghazal beautifully portrays the emptiness that no wealth, wisdom, or worldly honor can fill — only the lost love’s sincerity could have. It speaks to every heart that has known the ache of longing.
Today was one of those fulfilling days when the soul connects deeply with melody and meaning. I had the pleasure of recording two beautiful Marathi ghazals composed by music director Moreshwar Nistane ji at Pawan Tiwari’s Digital AuVi Media Studio.
These ghazals, rich in emotion and lyrical beauty, gave me the opportunity to explore subtle expressions and delicate nuances — something that always excites me as a ghazal singer. Singing in Marathi, with its poetic depth and rhythm, brings its own charm and challenge, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the session.
A big thank you to Moreshwar ji for trusting me with these soul-stirring compositions and to the ever-efficient team at Digital AuVi Media for the smooth and inspiring studio experience.
Looking forward to sharing these ghazals with you all very soon. Until then — stay tuned, stay musical. 🎶
Some emotions live between dreams and reality, between desires unfulfilled and destiny unfolding. In Khulus, ghazal singer and composer Shishir Parkhie, along with the words of emerging contemporary poet Ashok Jharia "Shafaq", offers a musical journey into these subtle spaces where the heart often dwells.
Released by T-Series, Khulus carries forward the rich tradition of ghazal while embracing the freshness of contemporary thought and feeling. The verses touch upon not only romantic love, but also longing, spiritual quest, introspection, and acceptance of destiny.
The Tracks:
1. Jab Tassavvur Mein
A tender reflection on how thoughts bridge distances. Even in separation, the beloved remains close through imagination.
2. Wo Pyaar Wo Khuloos
A deep introspection on attachments and ultimate spiritual contentment. Material desires fade before the purity of true devotion.
3. Bekhudi Sii
An ecstatic surrender to love’s magic, where reality dissolves into blissful intoxication.
4. Allah Allah Ye Kya
A plea to the divine for reunion. The lover invokes higher powers to overcome obstacles in love’s path.
5. Ghamon Mein Zara
A poetic ode to pain — where sorrow itself teaches tenderness, depth, and understanding.
6. Sitam Ki Wo Bijli
A bold celebration of the heart’s resilience, where even suffering becomes insignificant before the beloved’s allure.
7. Kaha Dil Ka
An intimate exploration of desire, vulnerability, and emotional identity, wrapped in poetic delicacy.
8. Daur Pe Daur
A playful surrender to intoxication, where worldly concerns vanish, replaced by ecstatic abandon.
The Artistry Behind Khulus
The emotive voice of Shishir Parkhie, combined with the thoughtful arrangements, breathes life into each ghazal. This collection retains the classical essence of ghazal while presenting it through a contemporary lens — accessible yet profound for today’s audience.
🔗 Listen to the Album:
You can listen to Khulus – Ghazals of Dreams, Desires & Destiny by Shishir Parkhie on your favorite music platforms:
Khulus is not just an album; it’s an immersive journey where poetry and melody blend seamlessly, offering listeners a space to pause, reflect, and feel. It stands as a testimony to how ghazal continues to evolve — remaining timeless, yet always new.
Ghazal Title:Chaman Mein Subh Ye Kehti Thi Ho Kar Chashm-e-Tar Shabnam Poet: Khwaja Meer Dard Singer & Composer: Shishir Parkhie Album:Virasat – The Legacy of Legends (Times Music)
The Eternal Beauty of Urdu Poetry
In the world of classical Urdu poetry, few names shine as brightly as Khwaja Meer Dard. A Sufi poet from Delhi, Dard's verses express profound emotions of love, longing, separation, and spiritual depth, woven into delicate imagery that touches the heart.
This particular ghazal uses shabnam (dew) as a subtle metaphor for silent tears, painting vivid pictures of love’s tender vulnerability. Every couplet adds layers to the portrayal of longing, showcasing Dard’s mastery of poetic symbolism.
Meaning & Interpretation
"Chaman mein subh ye kehti thi ho kar chashm-e-tar shabnam
Bahaar-e-baagh go yoon hi rahi lekin kidhar shabnam"
As morning arrives, the garden remains beautiful and blooming, but the dew that cried all night — where has it gone? A tender symbol of longing and separation.
"Arq ki boond us ki zulfon se rukh'saar par tapki"
The drop of sweat or dew trickled from her tresses onto her cheek — capturing the softness and intimacy of a moment in love.
"Ta'ajub ki hai jagah ye padi khurshid par shabnam"
It’s astonishing that dew could settle even on the sun — where heat should dominate, the cool softness of love still remains, revealing the depth of true affection.
"Humein to baagh tujh bin khaana-e-maatam nazar aaya
Idhar gul phaadte the jaib, roti thi udhar shabnam"
Without the beloved, the garden feels like a mourning ground. The flowers tear their own robes (petals), while the dew quietly weeps.
"Kare hai kuch se kuch taseer-e-sohbat saaf tabon ki
Huyi aatish se gul ki, baithte rashk-e-sharar shabnam"
The effect of good company is strange — even after burning by the heat of the flower, the dew calmly rests, making the sparks jealous of its composure.
"Nahin asbaab kuch laazim subuksaaron ke uthne ko
Gayi ud dekhte apne baghair az baal-o-par shabnam"
Those who are light don’t need wings to rise. The dew simply evaporates and floats away without wings or feathers.
"Na samjha 'Dard' hum ne bhed yaan ki shaadi-o-gham ka
Sahar khandaan hai, kyun roti hai kis ko yaad kar shabnam"
We could never understand the strange coexistence of joy and sorrow. The morning smiles, but the dew silently weeps — remembering whom?
My Musical Journey with This Ghazal
I had the privilege of composing and rendering this exquisite ghazal for my album Virasat – The Legacy of Legends released by Times Music. Translating such delicately nuanced poetry into melody was both challenging and deeply fulfilling.
The ghazal’s serene pace and profound emotion allowed me to explore subtle musical expressions that complement the poetry’s depth. Every note attempts to bring alive Dard’s soulful imagery.
About Virasat – The Legacy of Legends
Virasat is my humble tribute to the legendary poets of classical Urdu literature. In this album, I have composed and rendered ghazals written by poets like Khwaja Meer Dard, Asghar Gondvi, Brij Narayan Chakbast, Quli Qutub Shah, and others — many of whom are not widely sung today.
Through Virasat, my aim is to revive these timeless gems and present them to today’s generation with fresh yet respectful musical compositions.
ग़ज़ल: "चमन में सुब्ह ये कहती थी हो कर चश्म-ए-तर शबनम"
शायर: ख़्वाजा मीर 'दर्द'
गायक-संगीतकार: शिशिर पारखी
एल्बम: Virasat – The Legacy of Legends (Times Music)
क्लासिकल उर्दू शायरी में जब दिल की गहराइयों को छू लेने वाले शेरों की बात होती है, तो ख़्वाजा मीर 'दर्द' का नाम अपने आप सामने आता है। दिल्ली के इस सूफियाना मिज़ाज के शायर ने इश्क़, विरह और रूहानी एहसासों को इतने नाज़ुक और गहरे प्रतीकों में पिरोया कि हर शेर दिल में उतर जाता है।
इस ग़ज़ल में शबनम — यानी ओस की बूंदों — के माध्यम से विरह की पीड़ा को बयान किया गया है। सुबह की ठंडी फिज़ा में बिखरी ओस की बूंदें किसी के जुदाई में भीगे हुए आँसुओं की तरह जान पड़ती हैं। ग़ज़ल का हर शेर इस दर्द को और गहराई देता है।
🎙️ ग़ज़ल का भावार्थ — मोहब्बत का भीगा हुआ रूप
"चमन में सुबह ये कहती थी हो कर चश्म-ए-तर शबनम
बहार-ए-बाग़ गो यूँ ही रही लेकिन किधर शबनम"
👉 सुबह की रौशनी में बाग़ तो खिला हुआ है, लेकिन जो शबनम रात भर रोती रही — वह अब कहाँ है? यह विरह, जुदाई और तड़प का बड़ा कोमल प्रतीक है।
"अरक़ की बूँद उस की ज़ुल्फ़ से रुख़्सार पर टपकी"
👉 पसीने या ओस की एक बूंद उसके गेसुओं से फिसल कर उसके गाल पर गिर गई। इश्क़ के उस नाज़ुक पल की सजीव कल्पना सामने आ जाती है।
"तअज्जुब की है जागह ये पड़ी ख़ुर्शीद पर शबनम"
👉 यह आश्चर्य की बात है कि तेज़ गर्मी वाले सूरज पर भी शबनम बैठ गई। जहाँ गर्मी होनी चाहिए वहाँ भी नमी का टिकना इश्क़ की तासीर की गहराई को दर्शाता है।
"हमें तो बाग़ तुझ बिन ख़ाना-ए-मातम नज़र आया
इधर गुल फाड़ते थे जैब, रोती थी उधर शबनम"
👉 बाग़ तो हरा-भरा है लेकिन महबूब के बिना जैसे मातम सा महसूस होता है। फूल अपने दामन फाड़ रहे हैं और ओस की बूंदें रो रही हैं।
"करे है कुछ से कुछ तासीर-ए-सोहबत साफ़ तबओं की
हुई आतिश से गुल की बैठते रश्क-ए-शरर शबनम"
👉 अच्छी संगत का असर अलग ही होता है। फूल की गर्मी से जलकर भी शबनम उस पर बैठती है, और चिंगारी भी उससे रश्क करती है।
"नहीं अस्बाब कुछ लाज़िम सुबुकसारों के उठने को
गई उड़ देखते अपने बग़ैर-अज़-बाल-ओ-पर शबनम"
👉 जो हल्के होते हैं उन्हें उड़ने के लिए किसी सहारे की ज़रूरत नहीं। शबनम भी बिना परों के उड़ गई।
"न समझा 'दर्द' हम ने भेद याँ की शादी ओ ग़म का
सहर ख़ंदाँ है, क्यूँ रोती है किस को याद कर शबनम"
👉 हम ये भेद कभी समझ ही नहीं पाए कि यहाँ खुशी और ग़म एक साथ कैसे होते हैं। सुबह तो मुस्कुरा रही है, लेकिन शबनम किसकी याद में रो रही है?
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संगीतबद्ध करने का मेरा अनुभव
इस ग़ज़ल को मैंने अपने ऐल्बम Virasat – The Legacy of Legends में स्वरबद्ध और रिकॉर्ड किया है।
क्लासिकल बहर, गहरी संवेदना और ख़ूबसूरत imagery को संगीत में पिरोना मेरे लिए एक आत्मिक यात्रा जैसा रहा। शब्दों के भीतर छुपे दर्द को सुरों में ढालना कभी आसान नहीं होता, लेकिन यही चुनौती इस ग़ज़ल को गाते समय मुझे खास अनुभव देती है।
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Virasat – The Legacy of Legends
Virasat – The Legacy of Legends मेरे दिल के बेहद करीब एक प्रोजेक्ट है। इसमें मैंने उर्दू शायरी के उन रचनाकारों की ग़ज़लों को चुना है, जिन्हें कम सुना गया लेकिन जिनकी शायरी अपने आप में बेमिसाल है।
ख़्वाजा मीर दर्द, असगर गोंडवी, ब्रिज नारायण चकबस्त, क़ुली क़ुतुब शाह, और कई अन्य शायरों की ग़ज़लों को नए संगीतात्मक स्वरूप में प्रस्तुत करना मेरा एक विनम्र प्रयास है, ताकि इस विरासत को आज की पीढ़ी भी महसूस कर सके।
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अंत में...
"शबनम की भीगी बूंदों में छुपा इश्क़ का एहसास
सुबह की रौशनी में भी कभी कभी आँसू टिमटिमाते हैं।"
उम्मीद है इस ग़ज़ल को सुनते हुए आपको भी वही भीगापन महसूस होगा जो इसे गाते समय मेरे सुरों में बस जाता है।
🎶 Immerse yourself in Khwaja Meer Dard’s timeless poetry, composed & sung by me. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube & more.
Yaadon Ke Safar Mein – A Tribute to Padma Bhushan Pankaj Udhas by Shishir Parkhie
As a ghazal singer, Pankaj Udhas ji has been a guiding light for me, and his music has deeply influenced my artistic journey. It is both an honor and a heartfelt moment for me to present Yaadon Ke Safar Mein—a tribute to the legendary Padma Bhushan Pankaj Udhas ji.
🎶 His voice, his sher-o-shayari, and his timeless ghazals have touched millions of hearts, and through this special evening, I wish to celebrate his rich legacy.
About the Concert:
Presented by Sahibaan-e-Ghazal, this tribute concert will be an evening filled with soulful melodies and nostalgic moments. I will be performing some of his most cherished Ghazals, Geets, Nazms and Hindi Film Songs hoping to revive the emotions his music evokes—love, longing, and life’s beautiful journey.
📍 Venue: Scientific Society Hall
📅 Date: Tuesday, 25th February 2025
🕖 Time: 7 PM
🎟 Free Entry | Seating on a First-Come, First-Served Basis
I recommend arriving early to ensure you get the best seats.
Why This Tribute Means So Much to Me:
Pankaj Udhas ji’s contribution to ghazal singing has been unparalleled. His renditions have been my companion since my early days as a singer. Singing his compositions is not only a tribute but also a personal expression of gratitude to the legend who inspired me to pursue this art form.
Join Me on This Musical Journey:
I invite you all—ghazal lovers, music enthusiasts, and those who have cherished Pankaj Udhas ji’s songs—to be a part of this special evening. Let’s come together to relive his magic and celebrate his timeless legacy.
I look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you.