There is a common belief that artists are born; that the talent for the arts is a gift from the divine. But, an artist has to have the technique to enhance whatever gift he already has. Hence, the guidance of someone who has the knowledge of the arts and who is also competent in teaching—will sure enhance the gift that an artist had already possessed when he was born. Learning technique is like an open sesame to untold riches.
One artist that equipped himself with the right technique is singer-composer Tauseef Akhtar. Blessed with a remarkable stage-presence, Tauseef naturally draws the listener to his sweet timber and soulful, yet melodious voice.
Born to a family of learned musicians and knowledgeable scholars of Urdu language and poetry, he was brought up under the careful eye and strict tutelage of his able father Akhtar Azad, a critic par excellence and a connoisseur of Urdu Shayari, Ghazals and flawless diction.
With such remarkable lineage, it was then only natural that Tauseef enriched his pedigree in classical music and refined his taste in Urdu “Shayari.” This is noticeable in his choice of poetry that he selects for his recital as also evident in his superb rendition of the same—which is his forte. His ghazals are thus eminently down to earth and simple and easily understood by his audience, impressed by his warm and straight-from-the-heart rendition.
Tauseef received his initial “taleem” of classical vocal singing from the late renowned Pt. Govind Prasad ‘Jaipurwale.’ It was only after the demise of the latter that the teenage Tauseef came under the able guidance and tutelage of the king of ghazals—Jagjit Singh. It was under this guru that he learned the crucial nuances of vocal rendition. Jagjit Singh remained a true guide and mentor until his last days, imparting in him the invaluable training in not only ghazal recital but also classical vocal rendition.Tauseef also learned the Hindustani Classical Vocals from the well-known Maestro Ustad Dilshad Khan Saheb of Kirana gharana.
Gulshan Kumar of T-Series spotted Tauseef and gave him the break as a composer in 1991 for an almum called Aashiyaan which featured Pankaj Udhas and Anuradha Paudwal. Tauseef composed five Ghazals for Anuradha Paudwal under his previous name Parvez Akhtar. Later, Jagjit Singh re-named him Tauseef Akhtar.
As soon as Tauseef graduated from college, he was signed by Naddem Saifi of Nadeem Shravan fame to sing and compose private albums. The journey continueds and later in 2000, Tauseef was made Chief Assistant to Nadeem; and began his film career as Assistant Musical Director with Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa, followed by Dhadkan, Raaz, Kasoor, Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya, Dil Hai Tumhaara, Dil Ka Rishta, Qayamat, Hungama, Bewafa, and the list goes on. He also sung during his tenure as Assistant Musical Director. One of his hits was the title song from Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai. He was nominated for Stardust Awards in the Best Singer Category in 2002 for Dil Hai Tumhara.
Here are Tauseef’s major concerts and tours:
• Adieu – 012
• Yaadein – 2013
• Legacy Tour – 2013 – UK
• Womex – 2013 – UK
• Ghazal Bahaar – 2014
• Dil Dhoondta Hai – 2014
• Ghazal Together – 2014
- Kahuna Festival – 014
• Ghazal Harmony – 2014
• The Unforgettable Tour – 2014 – UK
• Ghazal Bahaar – 2015
• Ishq Karo – 2015
• Legacy Tour – 2015 – UK
• Gala Tour 2015 – UK
• Echoes – 2016 - Rubaru – 2016 – UK
• Bade – 201 (USA & Canada)His albums and Singles:• Yeh Hindustaan Mera (Single) – 2013
• Dil-e-Nadaan (Single) – 2014
• Chaar Din (Single) – 2014
• Ishq Karo (Album) – 2015
• Ghazalaw – (Single)- 2015
• Bhagavad Gita in Urdu Shayari – (Single) – 2016
• Aye Shareef Insaner – (Single) – 017
• Awwal Alah (Single) – 2017
- His Discography in films: • Dhadkan • Kasoor • Ek Rishtaa • The Bond of Love • Hum Ho Gaye Aapke • Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa • Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya • Raaz • Ansh • Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai • Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam • Dil Hai Tumhaara • Jeena Sirf Merre Liye • Dil Ka Rishta • Indian Babu • Yeh Dil • Andaaz • Qayamat: City Under Threat • Hungama • Footpath • Zinda Dil • Sheen • Kal Na Kal Ye To Hona Hin Tha • Tumsa Nahin Dekha • Bewafaa • Barsaat • Dosti • Mere Jeevan Saathi • Aisa Kyun Hota Hai • Mr. Black Mr. White • Kushti • Mere Baap Aap • Sabki Bajegi Band
Tauseef’s comeback to ghazals was in 2011. It was on Jagjit Singh’s behest that he came back to it, and since then, he had never looked back. He has performed for major concerts since 2011, namely—Ghazal Bahaar, Khazana, Dil Dhoondta Hai, Ghazal Together, Ghazal Harmony, Yaadein, Humkhayal.
