Ghazal Studio Episode 22 (Ustad Irshad Ali Mehdi)

In the 22nd episode we have the phenomenal Ustad Irshad Ali Mehdi ji.

Ustad Irshad Ali Mehdi, a devoted ghazal singer from Pakistan whose musical journey began in the most unexpected way. Coming from a family with no musical background, his path was illuminated by a compassionate Christian schoolteacher who recognised the spark in his voice. This teacher introduced him to the harmonium and banjo, planting the first seeds of music in his soul. As fate would have it, another mentor, Ustad Bashir—a dholak player—took young Irshad under his wing, inviting him to accompany live performances and later teaching him the dholak. His musical path continued to unfold under the guidance of Ustad Ghulam Hussain, who trained him in tabla and prepared him for his first public performance in 1978.

Encouraged by friends and teachers for his gifted voice, Irshad Sahab immersed himself in classical training under Master Muhammad Sadia. But it was his deep spiritual connection to the legendary Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan and Mehdi Hassan Sahab that truly shaped his identity as a ghazal artist. He recalls how Mehdi Sahab’s timeless gayaki stirred something profound in him—an inner calling that continues to guide him to this day. Audiences have often said his style reflects the essence of Mehdi Hassan, and he has been affectionately given the title "Andaz-e-Mehdi". For Ustad Irshad Ali Mehdi, music is more than performance—it is surrender. He describes it as stepping into a flowing river, letting each moment reveal its own song.

In this special episode, Ustad Irshad Ali Mehdi shares not just a performance, but a legacy—rooted in devotion, humility, and deep emotion. He believes that while musical knowledge can be acquired through learning, the discovery of Sur is a sacred inner journey. It is this journey that defines his art. With heartfelt expression and graceful command, he pays tribute to the legends who inspired him, and brings their spirit alive through his own voice. In this Episode Ustad Ji talks about his music and his taleem ("education and training") whilst rendering some beautiful compositions. Join us in this unforgettable mehfil to experience the purity of ghazal gayaki, and witness a voice that carries the soul of tradition forward with love and reverence.

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Ghazal Studio is not just another YouTube channel; it's a unique concept that invites both local and visiting artists to perform, share their journeys, and keep the spirit of ghazals alive. This concept, born from my imagination, will introduce you to diverse ghazal singers, provide intimate insights into their training and experiences, and bring you artists and ghazals you might not have encountered before.

Set in a professional studio environment, Ghazal Studio aims to deliver the highest quality audiovisual experience, ensuring that this mesmerising genre gets the platform it truly deserves.

Our goal is simple: to unite ghazal enthusiasts from around the world and curate a treasury of talented artists and their collective wisdom on this art form.

Meet the team behind the scenes:
HOST: Keval Joshi
TABLA SANGAT: Keval Joshi
CONCEPT: Keval Joshi
SOUND/STUDIO - Keval Joshi
SOUND PRODUCTION/MIXING: Keval Joshi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: The Creative Story
VIDEO EDITING: The Creative Story
DESIGN/BRANDING: Keval Joshi
LIGHTING: Keval Joshi
TABLA: Ustad Qasim Khan Niyazi
HARMONIUM: DS Ramsingh

If you're an artist and want to be a part of Ghazal Studio, please reach out to us.