Ghazals
Anwer Hussain
is a Senior Vice President at CHS Inc. Anwer grew up in Karachi where he developed his fondness for ghazals. He has been in United States since 1972. His fondness for ghazal was re-kindled when he visited a friend, in the late eighties, in Toronto. His friend sang some of the old nostalgic Indian songs while his wife played harmonium. Upon his return to Minnesota Anwer decided to purchase a harmonium and learnt how to play it along with vocals. This practice continued despite his demanding travel and job responsibilities. He later learned the art of ghazal singing through a very seasoned harmonium and ghazal singer Guru Chandan Ji from Nagpur, India. Anwer has continued to make progress in this hobby and often performs for his friends as well as twin cities schools.
Shakil Siddiqui
is a Minnesota resident for last thirty five years and is director of business development at Twin City Fan Companies. Shakil learnt Tabla from local Tabla Ustad Pavan Allalaghatta and continues to study tabla under his guidence. He accompanies local ghazal singers in Minnesota. Shakil was exposed to music while growing up in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. He never had an opportunity to learn musical instrument. Minnesota has a growing population of Indian and Pakistanis and playing for local community has become a great hobby for Shakil.
Raza Hasan
is the CEO of TimeSolv.com. Raza coincidentally discovered old Indian karaoke music about five year ago. He was attending a party at a friend’s house in Woodbury. Karaoke equipment at this party was a surprise but everyone enjoyed singing. Since Raza had fun singing with his friends, he purchased the software and sound system and has been singing old Indian and Pakistani songs at small gatherings to entertain friends. His musical interest grew after joining Anwer Hussain and Shakil Siddiqui who have over the years, extended their guidance and encouragement to him. Raza has been taking lessons from Dr. Pooja Goswaami in semi-classical music and is a a member of Indian Music Society of Minnesota. Raza finds that pursuit of music is a very relaxing hobby.
