MUMBAI: Distinctive in style, ghazals touch emotions, provide solace and act as sould pacifier, as the listener's need may be. Don't we all have a playlist of our favourite ghazals to keep us going in those difficult times.

Here are a few gems handpicked to last you the week.

Aaj Jane Ki Zid Na Karo- Farida Khanum

Fayyaz Hashmi's lyrics and Farida Khanum’s husky voice combine to deadly effect in this timeless ghazal.

Humgama Hai Kyun Barpa- Ghulam Ali

Originally written by Akbar Allahbadi, this ghazal was first used in a Pakistani film 'Aap Ka Khadim' (1976), adopted later by Ghulam Ali to become the evergreen hit it is now. The poignant lyrics of Tasleem Fazli are the icing on the cake.

Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai- Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Voiced by wunderkind Pakistani singer, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, this melodic work of art is for lovers who can comprehend the lyrics carved by Mohammad Iqbal Naqibi.

Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein- Pankaj Udhas

Pankaj Udhas sang incalculable heart wrenching ghazals, but none perhaps that compares with this one, featuring dusky beauty Sameera Reddy.

Chithi Na Koi Sandesh- Jagjit Singh

A ghazal that has great words by Anand Bakshi, profound music by Uttam Singh and phenomenal singing by the master - Jagjit Singh, this one can leave no one dry eyed.

Chupke Chupke Raat Din- Ghulam Ali

Another euphonious treat for listeners with the combination of a tranquilising voice and intense lyrics is probably the best of Ghulam Ali’s works. Written by Maulana Hasrat Mohani, the ghazal used in the film 'Nikaah' in 1982.

Mere Humnafas Mere Humnawa- Begum Akhtar

The timeless classic crooned by Begum Akhtar is one of the most celebrated ghazals of all times. Music director Khayyam and lyricist Shakeel Badayuni add their magic to this number.

Zindagi Jab Bhi Teri Bazm Mein - Talat Aziz

Although, Umrao Jaan (1981) had some superb ghazals, this one with its simplicity takes your breath away. Talat Aziz’s voice will compel you to believe in love through his singing.

Ek Shab ke Musafir Hai Hum Toh- Mahesh Chander

This magnum opus serenaded by Mahesh Chander is one of the most undervalued ghazals. Lyrics logged by Kidhar Sharma make it a masterpiece to savour over and over.

Hoshwalon Ko Khabar- Jagjit Singh

His demise almost paused the growth of ghazals in our country. It is difficult to list one or two of his compositions when the singing legend crooned endless number of ghazals.

This song from the film Sarfarosh (1999) is capable of giving goosebumps as many times as you hear it.

Aaoge Jab Tum- Ustad Rashid Khan

The younger one in the list is from the movie Jab We Met (2007). Singer Rashid Khan despite being an underrated singer, beautifully expresses the longing of love expressed in the lyrics of Irshad Kamil.

Wo Humsafar Tha- Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch

This is a ghazal originally written in 1971 by Naseer Turabi and took the world by storm when used as the title track of Pakistani serial Humsafar (2001) featuring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. A heartfelt persuasion of undying love is what this ghazal all about and it soon became a highly popular rendition.