KC Amrutha Varshini who won Class A in Ghazal (HSS).
The Malappuram Municipal Bus Stand was full. But nobody really knew what to expect. After all, a new event debuted at the State School Art Festival.
The moment VG Harikrishnan launched into his rendition of Pyar bhare do sharmile nain…, everyone was convinced that the ghazal was here to stay. A student from GVHSS, Atholi (Kozhikode) was loudly applauded for his rendition of a timeless ghazal originally sung by Mehdi Hassan.
That was in 2013. And there were some good attempts by young singers. One remembers Alka Ajith’s version of Ghulam Ali Hungama hai kyun barpa. She was already a star when she sang playback and won a big reality show in Tamil.
Alka actually won the first prize. Of course, there are now no seats at the school festival, only grades. But at that time the students are evaluated even though the results have not been announced publicly.
The ghazal became more popular at the school festival. Later, backing musicians, usually professional, were allowed on stage to play harmonium and tabla. And that added to the charm, even if it meant parents spending more.
Musicians certainly participated in the HSS ghazal competition among talented singers at the 64th State School Arts Festival. And on Wednesday morning he was in the monastery of St. Josef GHS also a good crowd.
Music lovers were also treated to some nice performances. Singers like KC Amrutha Varshini of Providence GHS, Kozhikode and Bevan Biju of SBHSS, Changanassery impressed. Interestingly, both chose Ghulam Ali’s ghazals.
While Amrutha sang that the decisions would be like this, Bevan chose Ranj when they started talking. “I have always been a fan of Ghulam Ali,” said Amrutha, who is known to many from television.
But the singers and the audience would deserve better acoustics. Urdu teacher KA Fouzia at AMUPS, Thalikkulam was among the audience. “Not only did they sing well, but most of their Urdu words were also good,” she said. “After the Ghazal was introduced at the school festival, more students started learning it in the school.
Published – 14 Jan 2026 21:56 IST
