Anurag Gaddi

A Wave of 'Anuraag' for Kannada Ghazals

You may have heard of ghazals—a traditional poetic form originating in Persian and Urdu, characterised by a fixed number of verses and often set to music. While Hindi and Urdu ghazals have become widely recognised, few are aware that Kannada literature, too, boasts a rich and profound tradition of ghazals.
Despite this literary wealth, Kannada ghazals have remained relatively obscure, largely due to a lack of singers devoted to the form. Only a handful of artists—such as the pioneering Ravindra Handiganur and the iconic Ghazal Gundamma—have embraced ghazal singing in Kannada over the past eight decades.

The voice that revives
In recent years, one name has emerged as a passionate torchbearer for this art form: Anurag Gaddi. Based in Bangalore, Anurag is currently one of the most sought-after ghazal singers in India. His mission? To revive and popularise Kannada ghazals on a national and global scale.

A versatile musician and composer, Anurag believes that literature and music must reach the common man through melody. With this belief, he has announced the ambitious "Kannada Ghazal Yatra - 100", a year-long, nation-wide concert series of 100 Kannada ghazal performances.

Launched on 24 January 2025, the Yatra aims to bring Kannada ghazals to every corner of India—and eventually, the world. The idea is simple yet powerful: take music to the people. From intimate gatherings in the homes of celebrities to larger public performances, the Yatra will cover locations across Karnataka and beyond.

Each event will feature ghazal recitals, hymns, and collaborative performances with poets, writers, and musicians. The goal is to make Kannada ghazals more accessible, create a vibrant ghazal audience, and inspire a new generation of singers.  Some of his recent programmes was organised by Sharans Music Academy, Bengaluru, Veerashaiva Samaj, Jaraganahalli and the HAL Lalitha Kala SanghaAnurag’s musical journey
Anurag Gaddi holds a Master's degree in Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal) and is well-versed in harmonium and tabla. He has composed music for Kannada films, scored background music for over 15 dramas, and sung in both Kannada and Hindi.
His musical career spans more than 15 years, during which he has trained over 1,000 students through his school, Anurag’s Music Gurukul, in Bengaluru. The school continues to be a nurturing ground for hundreds of learners in Hindustani music.He has performed at prestigious events, including the 75th Film Amrit Mahotsav in 2010, where he sang the national anthem alongside noted singer Manjula Gururaja. His performances span regional and national platforms, including the 17th National Youth Festival (2012) in Mangaluru, Vachana Sangeethotsava in Delhi, and various festivals across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Recognition and Impact
Anurag’s contribution to music has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including 
World Humanitarian Award, Karunadu Chethan Award, Haridaas Seva Award, Sangolli Rayanna Award, Raagannuraga Award, Kavya Sri Kannada Rajyotsava Award

He is currently pursuing higher studies in ghazal singing in Mumbai and remains committed to the cause of reviving and sustaining Kannada ghazal music.

A  call for support
The Kannada Ghazal Yatra - 100 is not just a concert series—it is a cultural movement. Anurag Gaddi hopes for the cooperation of poets, writers, litterateurs, social activists, and Kannada enthusiasts to ensure its success.

As he says, “It's an investment for ghazals.” To truly appreciate the nuances of ghazal lyrics—often layered with emotion and metaphor—a deeper musical and lyrical sensibility is needed. With the right voice and platform, these soul-stirring compositions can once again find their place in the hearts of audiences.

Soon at your place too—let the ghazals flow!