A "Sham-e-Ghazal" literally translates into an evening of Urdu poetry (ghazals), and last week a "Sham-e-Ghazal" program organized by India Forum, a nonprofit cultural group, was made memorable by versatile singer Johny Foster, who treated the cognoscenti with a flawless rendition of some of the finest ghazals.

India Forum President Abdul Ghafoor Danish introduced the singer, whom veteran journalist Khushwant Singh had rated as a "first rate singer" with "a voice to match the best ghazal singers of today."

Foster lived up to the billing as everyone present enjoyed his performance with choice ghazals and crisp presentation that brought the audience repeatedly to its feet, clapping along with every beat.

That Foster's talent in singing ghazal was evident throughout the night, but what made the ambience all the more electric was his effort to involve the audience by playing to their tune. Ghazal lovers heard and encouraged him to sing some of their favorite ghazals and he obliged willingly.

The interaction between the singer and the packed audience is symptomatic that ghazal and its rendition were still popular. It was also indicative that this form of poetry in song had survived today's growing trend of remixes and pop music because proponents like Foster are passionately devoted to this art form. It also emphasized the purists' argument that ghazal would endure any popular trend, because of its originality and poignancy.

His classic offering of his own composition "Door apne watan se kahan jaoge; hook jab bhi uthey gi chale aaogey," set the tone for the evening. His version of "Agre ka ghaghra" and "Deewaaron se milkar rona achha lagta hai; hum bhi paagal ho jaayenge aisa lagta hai; duniya bhar ki yaaden humse milne aati hain; shaam dhale is sune ghar mein mela lagta hai," had the crowd in a uplifting mood.

Foster kept the audience engaged for the entire performance and on occasions showed his flair for poetry by reciting some of his own couplets, revealing that not only is he a gifted singer but also an excellent poet.

His mesmerizing rendition of "Ajnabi shaher mein ajnabi raste; meri tanhayee per muskurate rahe," struck the right chord with the expatriate crowd. The evening reached its crescendo with Foster's adaptation of Bashir Badr's famous ghazal "Yun hi bay sabab na phira karo; koi shaam ghar bhi raha karo; woh ghazal ki saachi kitab hai; usey chupkey chupkey parha karo, koi haath bhi na milaye ga; jo galay milo ge tapak se; yeh naye mizaj ka shaher hai; zara faslay sey mila karo."

Foster was accompanied on tabla by Pradyumna Saxena, who put up a good show.

Foster is a Methodist Christian, who took his degree from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He turned to music early, getting a diploma from the famous Prayag Sangeet Samiti, and learned the art of ghazal singing from Ustad Shafi Mohamed Khan of the Agra Gharana (family).

Foster has dabbled in composition - his compilation entitled "Nazar-e-Watan" (homage to the motherland) - has already been released.

Currently heading the music department at the AMU, Foster, a recipient of several national awards, was recently given the "Ghazal Goi" award by the reputed Ghalib Academy of Delhi. Former Indian President Giani Zail Singh had conferred the "Nishan-e-Urdu" award on him.

His affair with the Urdu language dates back to early 1970s. Struck by its sheer lyrical beauty and depth, 30 years later the singer remains as smitten as ever. Only now he is fascinated by another genre of Urdu poetry i.e. "nazm" as well. His soon-to-be released album will be a compilation of lyrical gems of great Urdu poets.

But all these are regular stopovers en route any musical Odyssey. At the end of the day, this disciple of Ustad Shafi wants to be remembered as an artiste of mettle.

Not an unreasonable demand from someone who has not tasted overnight success, but has been on the working with unswerving commitment in the musical galaxy for nearly three decades.

The evening was organized under the aegis of the Consulate General of India to bid farewell to India's Consul Haj Suhel Ejaz Khan, who will return to Delhi to take up a new assignment. Suhel has also been a director of India Forum. In his farewell address Suhel lauded everybody for their cooperation and support during his stay in the Kingdom. Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, in his speech, praised Suhel's role in Haj management. Danish in his presidential address recalled Suhel's hands on, sleeves up approach, always as a great booster to team members. Consul (consular) R. S. Kharayat, Consul (community welfare) K.K. Vijayan and other officials were also present.