Daily Times

This year has been a dynamic one for our favourite ghazal masterpiece Ali Sethi.

From soulful classic tracks to groovy dance numbers, Ali Sethi has been a pioneer in setting goals each time. One thing that truly caught our attention was the deep connection that his videos made with the audience. Every song that was created had a strong message and the video that accompanied it further resonated with the quality of the music.

Each video had a vibe to it that depicted a certain way. Whether it was Chandini Raat or the glorious songs Ishq, every video truly was a master piece. The video for Chandini Raat was magnificent as it depicted a rundown glass house with broken windows and many stranded figures waiting inside it with their luggage. It beautifully captured an assortment of characters that represented the diverse segments of the Pakistani society. It showed how each of them have their own personal stories that echo the ghazal’s classic themes of Wasl (Union) and Firaaq (Separation).

Then came the dazzling video for his song ‘Ishq’ that left everyone hypnotised. ‘Ishq’ is a journey of the heart; the dazzling video is simply mesmerising as it transports you to a
whole new dimension

Then came the dazzling video for his song “Ishq” that left everyone hypnotised. “Ishq” is a journey of the heart: the dazzling video is simply mesmerising as it transports you to a whole new dimension.

Putting unseen concepts together in this video Ali was shown entering a dreamy futuristic realm populated by enchanting figures. The said figures cast a spell and beckoned him towards even more sensuous places. The video mainly portrays a dynamic concept. It’s about a rebirth – a miracle awakening after a spell of darkness. It explains how people can go through that experience and also come out in a stunning manner by believing that love has the power to liberate you when you least expect it to.

Then came the light-hearted preppy number Dil Ki Khair. This video was simply fantastic with its huge stellar cast. In this video Ali Sethi and his band of musicians are rousing up the guests at a Lahori house party with their live performance. At one point he is seen walking away from the crowd and singing sadly by himself in the garden. It captures our community and loneliness, joy and despair, as well as sorrow in the midst of plenty. Many other themes are suggested but never spelled out by the realistic camerawork, which has an authentic home-video feel. The song and video have a very Latin vibe to it that captures the metaphors of waiting, chasing, hurting and longing. The video features three traditional musicians from Lahore, as well as some recognizable faces from the worlds of media and arts, such as actors Emaad Irfani, Mira Sethi and Rehmat Ajmal, journalist Mehmal Sarfraz, fashion designer Fahad Hussayn, and students from the National College of Arts in Lahore.

With brilliant content like that, the previous year has been a brilliant one for Ali Sethi and his work has surpassed boundaries in all possible ways. We are wondering what 2020 would bring for this ghazal expert.