27 June,2009 10:13 AM IST | | By Aditi Sharma
Mumbai hosts a rare concert that brings together 6 performing groups, 3 languages and a celebrated Sufi poet-warrior-mystic
This concert is full of rarities. To begin with, the organiser spent over a year researching on Sufi poet Hazrat Amir Khusrau.
Next, it features almost extinct forms of poetry like Gul, Kalbana, Naksha, Mukarniyan, Nisbatein, Paheliyan, Dosakhune and Dhakosle.
And then, the compositions span at least three languages Persian, Khadi Boli and Hindi.
The idea is to unveil before Mumbai audiences, the person that Hazrat Amir Khusrau was through his works.
u00a0
Khusrau's layered personality
"Most people know Khusrau as a Sufi poet and mystic. Some might even know him as the inventor of the Sitar, Tabla, Qawwali and Khayal.
But he created a dozen forms of poetry like Gul and Kalbana. He was a court poet to seven kings, and an accomplished warrior.
On one hand, he hung around with royalty. And then he effortlessly managed to write a simple song to reflect the agony of a woman who is married in a land far away from her maternal home.
u00a0
It shows the sensitivity of the poet," says Nandini Mahesh, director of concert organiser Banyan Tree Events.
u00a0
It was when Nandini was researching for a 2-CD compilation of Khusrau's works for their sister concern music label, that she conceived this concert and decided to gather musicians from across the country.
u00a0
Transcending language
Khusrau was quick at picking up languages. Even though Persian was the prevailing language at the time, he also wrote in Urdu, Hindi and Khadi Boli.
"In fact, there is a Ghazal in Hindi that we discovered in an original manuscript that we are going to present at the concert," says Nandini.
u00a0
Another interesting composition that will be presented by Pt. Vitthal Rao from Hyderabad is Zehal-e miskin makun taghaful, duraye naina banaye batiyan (Do not overlook my misery by blandishing your eyes, and weaving tales). This is made up of alternating lines in Persian and Brij Bhasha.
u00a0
Father of Qawwali
With so many forms attributed to Khusrau, he also takes the credit for enriching Hindustani classical music. Famous qawwal Sarfaraz Chishti says, "Qawwali as a form wouldn't exist without Hazrat Amir Khusrau Sahab. Our performance begins with kaul, an ibadat to God, which is also attributed to Khusro.
u00a0
He has given us a treasure of compositions which we sift through to find works we can perform even today." Ustad Aslam Khan, adds, "He gave so much to Hindustani classical music; we only build on what he created.
u00a0
What we will present at the concert will be Hindustani classical music in its purest, unadulterated form."
On: Today at 6.30 pm. At: Nehru Centre Auditorium, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli. Call: 24964680. Tickets: Rs 500, Rs 400, Rs 300, Rs 200 (also available at Rhythm House: 22842835, Landmark (Andheri): 26396010)
About Hazratu00a0Amir Khusrau
Hazrat Amir Khusrau is considered one of the most popular Sufi poets and mystics. However, not many know that he was also an accomplished linguist, skilled warrior, a prolific writer and great musician.
u00a0
He has also been credited with creating the Tabla and Sitar, two instruments that have become indispensable to Hindustani classical music. He was a court poet for several kings and wrote in Persian, Khadi Boli and Hindi.
Who will perform what?
>>Chishti Brothers from Muradabad to perform Qawwali and Rang
>>Ustad Aslam Khan to perform Swela, Khayal and Tarana
>>Pt Vitthal Rao from Hyderabad to perform Persian Ghazal and Swela
>>Shubha Joshi to perform Sawan Geet and Lok Geet
>>Dilraj Kaur to perform Ghazal in Hindi and Sufi Dohe
>>Rafat Khan on Sitar and Jayanti Ghosar on Rabab, a Persian string instrument
WIN Free passes tou00a0the concert
Mail us your correct answer to theguide@mid-day.com
Which instrument was created by Amir khusro?
1) Flute 2) Sitar 3) sarangi
Winners will be selected through a random draw and contacted on phone
