MUMBAI: Writing ghazal’s obituary is media’s creation that is both premature and unfounded, and constant queries of its imminent death as a genre are uncalled for and irritating, ghazal icon Pankaj Udhas has said.

Before doomsayers of the genre write off ghazal, they should first look at the ground reality where far from being in its death throes, ghazal is experiencing a healthy existence with an expanding fan base among generation Millennial generation that is keeping artists busy, Udhas told Radioandmusic.com.

“There is so much demand for singers that all of us busy performing all over. My recent concerts were well attended; with 8,000 people attending my Surat concert and 5,000 coming for my Delhi show. For all those who have written us off, they should know that ghazal is the biggest genre of music after Bollywood and we are very much around,” he said.

He said contrary to myth which portray ghazal lovers as grey haired people past their prime, the music has attracted an army of listeners from Gen Y. Another recent concert in Mumbai had people under 35 years of age comprising of 60 percent of the audience.

“The audience profile of the music also needs to be re-defined. There is a welcome trend of younger generation taking up ghazal. They are increasingly attending shows and comprise a majority of the audiences,” he said.

In the age of quick hits, item songs and heavy marketing and promotion, ghazal is comfortably holding its ground and steadily increasing its market. As case in point, ghazal tracks are the second most popular downloads after the ubiquitous Bollywood songs. The 12th Khazana- Festival of Ghazals to commence on 26 July is already sold out even before advertisements announcing the show is out.

“Ghazal has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. It has survived mainly because it combines fine poetry and classical based tunes. The poetry is excellent and the composition is semi-classical and the ‘gayki’ (singer) makes the lyrics come alive. It is a rare combination that stirs the soul,” he said.