Nisschal Zaveri: Ghazals don’t require reinvention; they simply need to be rediscovered

After spending more than a decade behind the scenes producing music and building one of India’s leading recording studios, Nisschal Zaveri has returned to the art form that first shaped him: ghazals. Having worked across films, independent music, devotional projects and classical recordings, he is now focused on introducing younger audiences to Urdu poetry and ghazals through a contemporary yet deeply rooted approach. For Nisschal, the challenge is not to reinvent the genre but to help a new generation rediscover it.

At a time when many artistes are looking to modernise traditional forms, Nisschal believes ghazals do not need reinvention as much as renewed engagement. He says, “Ghazals don’t require reinvention; they simply need to be rediscovered. The essence, poetry, and structure remain untouched because the emotions they carry are timeless. Today’s younger generation is more connected to poetry and shayari than ever before, especially through social media platforms like Instagram. My effort is only to present ghazals in a way that feels relatable and accessible to modern listeners.”

His own journey to the genre has been anything but linear. He shares, “My musical journey began at the age of six when I started learning Hindustani classical vocals and tabla. That strong foundation has stayed with me throughout my life. Later, I studied at the Los Angeles College of Music and also explored music production and DJing. However, ghazals eventually found their way back into my life. It never felt like a conscious decision but rather something I was naturally meant to return to.”

The foundation of that journey was shaped by his guru, Pt. Dayal Thakur, whose influence extends beyond technique. Nisschal says, “He taught me not only the technical side of music but also the depth, discipline and poetic essence behind ghazals. Through him, I learned to view music as an extension of imagination. Alongside this, I’ve drawn inspiration from a wide range of genres including classical music, thumri, Western music and film scores, all of which continue to influence my artistic growth.”

While collaborations remain an important part of his artistic vision, he is guided more by creative compatibility than star power. He says, “I would love to work with musicians who truly understand emotion, silence and depth in music. Collaborating with jazz-rooted artistes or film composers who can bring a fresh perspective to ghazals would be exciting.”

His training in both Indian and Western traditions has also shaped the way he approaches music. He says, “At their core, musical notes remain universal, whether the music comes from India, Africa, Europe or America. What changes is the way each culture interprets and ornaments those notes. Western music focuses heavily on harmony, while Indian music thrives on glides and intricate movements between notes. When artistes collaborate, instinct and emotion become the guiding force.”

That philosophy finds expression in Whispers of the Infinite, a large-format ghazal experience that blends poetry, Indian classical music and orchestral arrangements. He says, “I strongly believe in the concept of naad and the way musical notes evolve into something deeper through meditation and immersion. Whispers of the Infinite reflects the idea that music can be delicate like a whisper while still transcending boundaries and connecting deeply with people. My fascination with orchestral music and film scores also played a major role in shaping the project. Legendary composers like John Williams have been a strong inspiration behind its sonic vision.”

Alongside his performance career, Nisschal has also built an extensive body of work behind the scenes. He shares, “Through ENZY Studios, I’ve been associated with more than 250 films across the Indian film industry as well as Grammy-winning projects. Personally, I have composed for films such as Jia Aur Jia and Boy in Bollywood. I’ve also collaborated with Dwayne Bravo on a Chennai Super Kings anthem. Beyond film music, I’ve produced classical projects, including one of Pt. Jasraj ji’s final bhajans. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with artistes like Shreya Ghoshal, Neeti Mohan, Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali and Rashid Ali.”

For Nisschal, however, the true measure of success lies in the emotional impact of a performance. Recalling a memorable concert experience, he says, “One unforgettable memory was when a six-year-old girl became emotional and couldn’t stop crying during a performance. Her mother later came up to share that moment with me. Ghazals have the power to awaken deeply personal emotions, and sometimes a single sher can instantly connect someone to their own memories and experiences. If even one person feels touched or transformed after a performance, I consider that a success. More than anything, I hope my music leaves listeners with a sense of calmness, stillness and peace amidst the chaos of life.”

Looking ahead, he is preparing for the next chapter. “There’s an India tour in the pipeline, along with plans for an international tour. I’m also especially excited about my upcoming album, which is scheduled for release next year,” he concludes.