KARACHI, May 18: Vintage songs and a good voice are perfect ingredients for an audience which has an ear for good music. Afshan Ahmad and her mother Asma Ahmad’s choice of songs at a performance on Saturday at the PACC, aptly titled ‘Golden melodies,’ appeared to be just right as the listeners also joined in whole-heartedly with the singers.

The mother and daughter, who have been singing together for the past 20 years, have a main theme for all their programmes known as ‘Old is gold,’ and choose to render popular songs of famous singers of the sub-continent. And to make things more interesting for the audience, their choice of songs coincides with the seasons and festivals.

Their tribute is not restricted to vocalists as songs by renowned composers such as Naushad Ali, O.P. Nayyar, Khursheed Anwar, Nisar Bazmi and others have been sung as well.

The programme began on time, which was a very pleasant surprise for most. What was also pleasant to note was the special bond between the mother and daughter, and the continuous good natured banter they engaged in between songs made the programme all the more interesting. The chief guest was Hameed Ali Khan, who belongs to the Gwalior gharana and is also the ustad of Afshan Ahmad.

Afshan began with Noor Jehan’s Awaz Day Kahan Hai and continued with popular ditties, which included duets, accompanied by Asad Ali, who is a former student of the PACC. One sees a lot of improvement in Afshan’s singing through the years. Her lilting soft style resembles her mother’s and the song she sang for her – Maan – had everyone in tears. Although all the songs were good, Runa Laila’s Dil Dharkay, Noor Jehan’s Ja Ja Re Ja, Yahan Badla Wafa Ka, and Piyar Kiya To Darna Kiya stole the show.

The fluidity in Asma Ahmad’s voice is remarkable as it does not break even on the highest note. Her style is reminiscent of two other great singers, Roshan Ara Begum and Asha Bhosle, and her rendering of four songs that evening left a craving for more.

What made the programme different and interesting was the involvement of the audience, who were asked to join in the songs, which they did with gusto. And the proper use of the sound system, which was soft, ensured it did not drown out the voice, a true blessing for those present.

The programme, a fundraiser, was arranged by an NGO – Women 2000 – to support underprivileged women and children.

Afshan Ahmad is a known name, having performed on television in the past. She started singing at a very young age in Hamari Shaam, a children’s programme conducted by her mother. Later she participated in Sohail Rana’s popular children’s programmes Kaliyon Ki Mala and Hum Sooraj Chand Sitaray.

Afshan’s love for music comes from her mother, who sang for All India Radio. Composer Naushad Ali was so impressed by Asma Ahmad’s voice that he wanted her to stay in the city where he taught singing, but as she was married she couldn’t stay on. Migrating to Pakistan in 1965, she took formal training in singing in Karachi and opted to sing in Radio Pakistan in 1968.