A Jeddah-based artist and promoter won the hearts of hundreds of ghazal aficionados at the Karachi Arts Council, Karachi, Pakistan.

Rohail Khan, who launched and co-sponsored the program under the banner of Talent Promotion Inc., said here on Sunday the event was organized to commemorate the second death anniversary of ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh.

The lush green open-air theater of Karachi Arts Council was pleasantly decorated for the occasion, Khan said.

“From 9 p.m. until midnight, the presence of 1,200 multi-cultural and multi-national people from all walks of life along with Karachi’s tranquilizing sea breeze made the musical evening soulful and unforgettable,” he said.

While inaugurating the event, Commissioner of Karachi Shoaib Siddiqui stressed the need to protect traditional values and cultural ethos. He encouraged international talent promoters to identify and bring forth new talent from Pakistan, according to Khan.

The event’s host, celebrity Roshni Kaukab, offered glowing tributes to ghazal legend Jagjit Singh and aptly described his life and achievements. Jagjit Singh’s life-long friendship with Mehdi Hasan and Ghulam Ali speaks volume of his own greatness.

Jeddah-based Imran Seher, a passionate ghazal singer, and who is regarded ‘Pakistan’s Jagjit Singh’ enlivened the evening for five hours.

Khan said Seher won everyone’s heart by singing 40 ghazals and geets of Jagit Singh. The audience was mesmerized with his rich voice and musical prowess.

Special guests visiting from abroad warmly appreciated the event as a medium to promote Urdu culture and music.

Sameer Akber, music composer from Mumbai, said: “International and local media have shown extra ordinary interest in the Ghazal event. This is a good sign for new talent from all cultures and backgrounds.”

Pooja Mukherji, social worker from Dhaka, said: “The mega event has set new trends to offer well-deserved tributes to folk heroes and cultural icons.”

Sardar Waqar Abbasi, industrialist from Toronto, stated: “Jagjit Singh will be remembered forever by music lovers from all over the world. The death anniversary of this Indian legend is being arranged in Pakistan. Let me confess, this is a great gesture of goodwill.”

Professor Kaleem Chughtai, Urdu scholar from New Dehli, said: “Jagjit Singh’s passion for Mirza Ghalib’s poetry made his voice eternally popular. Imran Seher has rendered these ghazals very well.”

Sheikha Noura Al-Maimani, businesswoman from Dubai, was impressed.

She said, “Imran Seher is definitely Pakistani Jagjit Singh. He has a rich voice and is well-trained. Nice find.”

Special gratitude is due to Commissioner Karachi, President Arts Council, Express TV and 24.7 Brand Partners, Merchant Productions, Organizing Committee, and 1,200 guests from Pakistan and abroad, whose valuable participation was necessary to achieve this milestone.