Author: Rupa Sinha & Ramen Sarkar
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04060007
Abstract: The musical heritage of the Indian subcontinent is enriched by artists who successfully integrated classical traditions with regional and literary forms of expression. Great Maestro Manobendra Mukhopadhyay and Ustad Mehdi Hassan represent two such legendary figures whose contributions transformed Bengali semi-classical music and Urdu ghazal singing respectively. Despite belonging to different linguistic and cultural traditions, both artists were deeply rooted in Hindustani classical music and employed its principles to create distinctive artistic identities. This study undertakes a comparative examination of their musical styles, vocal techniques, raga treatment, poetic interpretation, and cultural contributions. Using a qualitative and analytical approach, the research evaluates recordings, scholarly literature, and historical sources. The study finds that both musicians balanced classical sophistication with emotional accessibility, thereby broadening the appeal of semi-classical genres. While Manobendra emphasized the literary and melodic richness of Bengali music, Mehdi Hassan elevated ghazal singing through refined classical ornamentation and profound emotional expression. Their artistic legacies continue to influence contemporary vocal traditions across South Asia.
Keywords: Manobendra Mukhopadhyay, Mehdi Hassan, Bengali Semi-Classical Music, Urdu Ghazal, Hindustani Classical Music, Comparative Musicology.
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