13 April,2011 08:27 AM IST | | Surekha S
This evening, make time for Wandering Pilgrims, a unique Sufi concert, which combines poetry, music, dance and theatre in a single performance for the first time
In a field dominated by greats like Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Abida Parveen and Jagjit Singh, singer Indira Naik has carved a place for herself. Her devout and soulful music has touched the hearts of millions across the world. In an attempt to make Sufi music relevant and easy to comprehend, Indira has put together a concert titled Wandering Pilgrims, which will combine poetry, Sufi music, dramatic expressions and dance.
"Aren't we all wandering in search of one thing or another? Are we not pilgrims in this world," asks Indira as she explains the name of her concert. This is the first time Naik has attempted to add drama and dance to her musical presentation.
"Some of the poetry may not be easily understood by people and it could be explained by drama or dance. I wanted to make it relevant to the audience," she adds. The attempt, she says, is to take Sufi music and poetry beyond the realm of the traditional.
Wandering Pilgrims gives the audience a rare chance to connect with some of the greatest poets of the world including Kabir, Mirabai, Rumi, Bulle Shah, Shah Inayat and Amir Khusrow. Apart from Sufi whirling, Kathak also finds place in the performance, which has been conceptualised by Indira and directed by Asif Basra. "Towards the end I am also going to present a composition with Hari and Maula together, the two Gods of the Hindus and Muslims," she adds.
The daughter of a Bharatanayam dancer, Indira trained in dance for a few years before she discovered her passion for music. As she grew up, she realised that music was not just her passion but it was also something that gave meaning to her life. Along with Sufi music, she also sang Ghazals, Bhajans and Thumris and soon started giving performances in different parts of the world.
The show that has been put together for this evening is a unique one through which Indira hopes to take the audience on a spiritual journey. "Life is a celebration and the most important thing is to smile and be happy," she says.
On April 13, 7 pm
AT Sophia Bhabha Hall, Sophia College Campus, Breach Candy, Bhulabhai Desai Road.
Passes Rs 300 and Rs 500 at venue and at Rhythm House
Call 23538550
