Gayati. Live. Breathe. Sing! Informal singing by Gauri Varma

This famous ghazal written by Fayyaaz Haashmi and set to music in Raag Yaman Kalyaan by Sohail Rana, has been often sung, but in my opinion, most unforgettably by Farida Khanumji. The words touch the heart as the woman in the ghazal entreats her lover not to insist on leaving, but to stay seated by her side, as precious moments spent together, once gone, will never return.

This poignant geet-numa-ghazal written by Maqdoom Mohiuddin features in the popular Hindi film 'Gaman' (1978). The music director Jaidev has set the ghazal words into a haunting song format. The words and melody express such intense loneliness in the absence of the beloved that I felt they stand effectively on their own, and so my amateur attempt is unaccompanied by any instrument.

I have attempted a favourite Shiv Bhajan, a beautiful version of which has been liltingly sung by Pandit Chhannulal Mishra of Banaras, based on Raag Des. The lyrics in colloquial Hindi (closest to Bhojpuri) are folk-inspired and describe Shiv endearingly as the paradoxical ascetic-house holder, oblivious of social conventions, with a snake wrapped around his neck, ash-smeared semi-naked body, the bestower of blessings to all but himself, possessor of nothing. He is accompanied by his faithful spouse, Parvati, who fondly chides him for his eccentric ways but also deeply respects him.

This beautiful Bandish is based on old wedding songs traditionally sung in Uttar Pradesh. The composition by Hindustani classical music maestro Late Ustad Wilayat Hussain Khan 'Praan Piya' is based on the romantic Raag Bihaag (Shringaar Ras). The lyrics are in the colloquial old-world Hindi of Western Uttar Pradesh. Through them, a woman addresses her female companion and tells her to fill her cup with wine, and says that she is in a state of intoxication because her lover is so enchanting and fascinating, and drinks himself as well as gives her wine to drink, cup upon cup.

My attempt at this beautiful, folk-inspired, poignant song in colloquial Gujarati, from Shyam Benegal's award winning Hindi film 'Manthan', based on the revolutionary Amul story. Apologies in advance for imperfections in my pronunciation. The film was presented by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.

The lyrics of this composition (by Guru Randhawa and Santanu Ghatak) have the characteristics of poetry that is truly beautiful: simple yet profound in the emotions and philosophical approach to life that they reflect. And the melody complements them perfectly.

Ancient Sanskrit hymn in praise of Devi Saraswati, Goddess of Wisdom, Speech, Learning, Healing and the Arts. Having origins in Vedic times as a river Goddess, she is also associated with flowing waters, communication, agriculture, the spring season and regeneration of life. The shlokas of the hymn adoringly describe Saraswati's form and attributes: She who is fair as the jasmine, snow and moon, clothed in white, seated on a white lotus in Padmasan pose, holding a boon-bestowing staff, the musical Veena, the Vedas and a rosary of healing white sphatik crystal; She who removes darkness ignorance and feat; She who is revered by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; She who is the essence of true knowledge of the Universe and the Self -- May She bless and protect me.

Composed by the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in the 19th century, this beautiful Bandish pays homage to Sufi Pir Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and at the same time, nostalgically describes the unique beauty of spring in Zafar's beloved homeland of India, a magical time when golden mustard and 'tesu' flowers bloom in lush forests, the mango trees blossom preparing to fruit, the koel sings, and young, fair maidens beautify themselves. A 'maalin' (woman gardener) brings an earthen pot and plants an array of flowers in it to take as an offering to the door of Khwaja Nizamuddin. Zafar remembers his promise to visit that hallowed doorway, a promise made a long time before, which he was unable to fulfill. My amateur rendition is based on Raag Shahaana Bahaar, in the style of the Agra Gharaana.