Ghazal singer Penaz Masani performs at a concert in Bhopal

In Bhopal to perform at a function, ghazal singer Penaz Masani spoke to us about her connect with Bhopal and how do ghazals fare in the contemporary music industry.
On her association with Bhopal, Penaz remarked, “I have a very special connection with this city. I staged my first performance at Ravindra Bhavan in 1981. Bhopal mein ghazal ki tehzeeb hai aur yahan ke log ghazal ke bahot shaukeen hain.I can see that the city has changed a lot. I am glad to see the development here.” Talking about how she manages to look the same after all these years, the singer laughed, “There is no fitness regime that I follow, but the credit goes to the music that flows in my blood. A little bit of discipline and lots of love from my listeners keeps me energetic all the time.”
On her love for singing, she shared, “My father was my first guru. He used to perform in the court of Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda. He inspired me to take up singing. I remember, once Devanand ji asked me to give a screen test and when I shared it with my father, he got upset. He told me to stick to singing and not think about acting.” Talking of ghazal in the present time, the Padma Shree awardee lamented, “It’s not that we lack talent, but it’s the opportunity that matters. There are a number of good singers who don’t get a chance to stage their talent. Although the reality shows give them a platform, it still focusses very little on ghazal. A lot of hard work is also required. Music is not just a career, it’s one’s passion.”