Talat Aziz

Biography:

Talat Aziz, born on November 11, 1956, is a renowned ghazal singer and actor hailing from Hyderabad, India. Born to Abdul Azeem Khan and Sajida Abid, a distinguished Urdu writer and poet, in Hyderabad, he pursued his B.Com. (Hons) Course at the Indian Institute of Management and Commerce after attending Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet.

Growing up in a family deeply appreciative of fine arts, Aziz was exposed to Mehfils organized at home, featuring artists and poets like Jagjit Singh and Jan Nisar Akhtar. This early influence ignited his passion for music, leading him to receive initial training in Kirana Gharana from Ustad Samad Khan and Ustad Faiyyaz Ahmed Khan.

Aziz further honed his skills under the guidance of the ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan. Their collaboration extended to concert tours in the US and Canada in 1986. His debut album, “Jagjit Singh presents Talat Aziz,” released in February 1980, marked a significant success. Subsequently, he ventured into Bollywood with notable contributions to films like “Umrao Jaan” and “Bazaar.”

In addition to his musical journey, Aziz explored acting in TV serials such as “Sahil,” “Manzil,” “Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayee,” and “Noorjehan.” He also played the lead in the film “Dhun,” directed by Mahesh Bhatt.

Aziz’s global presence expanded with sell-out performances in concerts spanning over four decades. Notably, he was invited by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for a special performance on December 31, 1999, in Kerala. He sang a special number, “Vrindavan ke Krishan kanhaiya Allah hu,” for the occasion.

Over the years, Aziz released numerous albums, including “Talat Aziz live,” “Lehren,” “Ehsaas,” and “Saughaat.” His pioneering spirit was evident in the release of the first ghazal music video, “Tasavvur,” in 1987. Aziz also ventured into radio hosting with “Carvaan e Ghazal,” a show that received acclaim and won the IRF India Radio Forum Award for the best Hindi non-breakfast radio show.

In 2015, Aziz embarked on “The Iconic Tour” in the US, featuring concerts with Asha Bhosle, where they performed Bollywood retro songs. His continued engagement with new and upcoming artists showcased his versatility, recording songs like “Meri Dua – A prayer” and collaborating with young talents.

Talat Aziz’s enduring legacy extends beyond his musical prowess, encompassing a diverse and impactful career in both ghazal singing and acting.