Talat Aziz Celebrates as Harmonium Survives Devastating Fire at His Mumbai Home
MUMBAI–Veteran ghazal singer Talat Aziz has shared an emotional moment of relief and gratitude after discovering that one of his prized harmoniums still works despite suffering damage in a fire that devastated his home in Mumbai’s Juhu neighborhood last month.
Aziz posted a video on Instagram on Wednesday showing himself playing the instrument, which produced clear musical notes even as his fingers became covered in ash left behind by the blaze.
The singer described the unexpected discovery as a moment of joy and disbelief, particularly because a professional repairer had previously declared the harmonium beyond repair.
“Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my harmonium came alive again. After the devastating fire at our home, I checked on a very special harmonium of mine, a 13-scale instrument that I had specially commissioned with premium-quality reeds and used extensively for my online music classes. When I first examined it after the fire, it wouldn’t play at all. I sent a photograph to a harmonium maker and repairer, who took one look and told me it was beyond repair and should be disposed of. But something extraordinary happened yesterday”, Aziz wrote.
The instrument held particular significance for the singer because it had been custom-built with high-quality reeds and was frequently used during his online music lessons.
Despite being advised to discard it, Aziz decided to give the damaged harmonium another try while visiting his residence.
“While I was at my residence, I decided to take it out once again. The fire had certainly touched it, and initially there was no sound. But as I gently began playing, it suddenly came alive. I cannot describe the joy and pleasant shock I experienced at that moment. It was almost as though the harmonium had risen like a phoenix from the ashes, refusing to surrender to the devastation around it. And it reminded me of something profound, never give up hope”, he wrote.
Aziz said that although the instrument sustained visible damage to its exterior, its internal reeds remained intact, allowing it to produce music.
The experience prompted him to reflect on resilience, faith and the emotional connection musicians develop with their instruments.
“Music has a soul, and if Allah Wills, it can survive even the fiercest of fires. Yes, there is some superficial damage on the outside, but the reeds are intact and the heart is still strong. Perhaps there is a message in this for all of us. Life may leave its scars, but what is strong within us can still find its voice again. I bow my head in gratitude to Allah, the Almighty, for this little miracle and for reminding me once again that hope and faith must never be abandoned. Alhamdulillah”, he added.
The fire broke out at Aziz’s Juhu residence on October 2, 2026, reportedly originating near an air-conditioning unit on the ground floor of his duplex apartment.
The flames spread rapidly through the property, filling the residence with dense smoke and placing several occupants at risk.
Aziz, his wife Bina, their two sons and fitness trainer Sikandar Singh were among those affected by the incident.
Bina became trapped on the upper floor and was rescued through a bathroom window using a ladder.
Five people were hospitalized after experiencing breathing difficulties caused by smoke inhalation. All were subsequently discharged following treatment.
The fire caused extensive property damage, destroying valuable personal belongings, including musical instruments belonging to Aziz and paintings created by his wife.
For Aziz, the survival of the harmonium offered a rare positive development following the destruction of his home and possessions.
His Instagram video captured the moment the instrument returned to life, providing the singer with an unexpected reminder of the enduring importance of music in his life. (Source: IANS)
