Mumbai: Singer Jazim Sharma needs no introduction and is known for his versatility. Whether it’s his songs for Anand L Rai’s Manmarziyaan or Vishal Bharadwaj’s Dedh Ishqiya Vibhu Puri’s Gustaakh Ishq, Jazim has always won the heart of listeners. He started singing at the age of 5 and learnt it from Guru Vijay Sachdeva. After graduating in Music, he moved to Mumbai to do his M.A. in Music from Mumbai university. Now Jazim has started a new venture which is titled
MEHFILIZM – JAZBAAT BY JAZIM.
Sharing more on his journey with Ghazals Jazim says,”I have been performing live for many years, and fortunately, I have always seen a young audience coming to my shows. But I noticed that there was still a gap when it came to connecting with Gen Z and the traditional world of ghazal. So I started speaking to young people and asking them a very simple question—why don’t you connect with ghazals? After many conversations, I realised that perhaps it wasn’t the music they were disconnected from; it was the way we were presenting it.That thought became the foundation of Mehfilizm.”
Jazim also shares the people who are behind this beautiful concept. He adds,”I was fortunate to meet three wonderful people who shared exactly the same vision—Chitra Vakil Sharma, Anmol Mahajan and Rohini Vakil Kapoor. Our thought process immediately connected. We all felt that our culture and musical heritage are incredibly rich, and that there has to be a way of taking that richness to today’s younger generation without compromising its soul. Together, we decided to give that thought a shape.That is how Mehfilizm began, and Jazbaat by Jazim is the live experience through which we are taking this vision to audiences.”
The name was given by Creative Director, Anmol Mahajan. It is a coined word—“Mehfil” + “Jazim.”
Sharing more on the concept Jazim says,” A mehfil has always represented music, poetry, togetherness and emotion. By bringing “Jazim” into the word, we gave that traditional idea a personal and contemporary identity.So Mehfilizm is the presenter and the larger vision, while Jazbaat by Jazim is the live show. The name itself represents what we want to do—take the timeless idea of a mehfil and present it to a new generation.”
Jazim shares if someone asks about the usp of “Jazbaat by Jazim” that would be the experience and the variety of emotions. This is not intended to be a conventional ghazal concert.
The show brings together ghazals, Bollywood and Sufiyana music, along with my own compositions.
He adds,”At the same time, I will always remember and celebrate our great legends. Their music has shaped me as an artist, and their contribution to our musical heritage can never be replaced.
What we are trying to do is create a space where someone who has grown up listening to ghazals feels completely at home, while a young person hearing ghazal for the first time feels that it belongs to them too.We want to respect the roots, but present them with a contemporary energy.”
For Jazim Ghazal remains at the heart of what he does, so the audience will hear beautiful ghazals and tributes to the great legends who have inspired him.
But there is also another very personal element the audience will get to discover Jazim’s own compositions in the concert.
So there will be familiar songs, timeless poetry, Sufiyana colours, Bollywood memories and something new from my own musical world.
Talking about the ghazal audiences in India Jazim says,”
The love for ghazal in India is very much alive.I have seen people from different generations respond beautifully to this music. What has encouraged me the most is seeing young people become curious about ghazal when it is presented in a context they understand. I don’t think Gen Z doesn’t like ghazal. I think they simply haven’t been introduced to it enough.We are incredibly rich because of our cultural music, poetry and artistic traditions. I feel very fortunate to be part of that legacy. And honestly, I cannot see our future generations growing older without getting the taste of true music.
That is one of the biggest reasons why Mehfilizm is so close to my heart.”
Jazim will be performing live in Raipur on 12th September.
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