A very clear recitation of Zulf, accompanied on the tar, by Goruh-i Hazin.
A recording by Qamar-ol-Moluk, the first modern Iranian Diva
Although Persian music before the 19th century is poorly documented, this ensemble revives 17th century melodies based on the writings of the Rumanian musicologist Cantemir
Noor Jehan singing the ghazal “Nuktah chin hai” in the 1961 film “Mirza Ghalib”
Legendary Diva Begum Akhtar sings a classical ghazal
Aye mohabbat tere anjaam pe rona aaya,
Jaane kyun aaj tere naam pe rona aaya
Oh love, your consequences brought me to tears today
I wonder why, the mention of your name brought me to tears today
Satyajit Ray’s “The Chess Players” shows the last Nawab of Lucknow at the moment of his downfall enjoying a khatak dance. When his prime minister announces that the British have broken their treaty and are deposing him, breaking into tears, the Nawab says only poetry moves him to tears. (starts at 31’’)
Satyajit Ray’s “The Music Room” features an ageing landlord enjoying khatak dancing while his estate is being sold at auction to pay his debts.
The 1981 film “Umrao Jan”,by Muzaffar Ali, and staring Rekha in the title role; based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel which launched the legend of the genial tawaif.
Saeed Jaffrey comments on Bombay dancing girls in “The Courtesan’s of Bombay”, a 1983 docudrama by Ismail Merchant and James Ivory.
JianSu Kunqu Opera Troupe performing Kong Shanren’s “The Peach Blossom Fan”. The scene described in the text, Act IV, No. 23, starts at 1:51.