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Nov 11, 2024 03:35:57 PM

Bringing Sufi Sounds to the World

For over two decades, music has been my language, my expression, my constant companion. I have had the privilege of performing both nationally and internationally, taking the rich sounds of Indian and Sufi music to stages across the world. My journey began with a deep, unshakable love for Sufi music — a love that has grown, evolved, and taken me on an incredible journey of exploration in both traditional and contemporary Indian music.

Music, especially Sufi music, has always been central to my identity. I was captivated by the soulful and spiritual dimensions of Sufi rhythms and poetry. The legacy of female Sufi artists, in particular, resonated deeply within me. This passion led me to pursue a Ph.D. focusing on the contribution of women to Sufi music, a study that became a mission to carry forward this rich heritage. I conceived the idea of Sufi Raaga, a fusion that marries traditional Sufi sounds with elements of Bollywood, bhajans, and ghazals — a tapestry of music where tradition meets modernity.

The path wasn’t easy. Balancing the demands of live performances with the rigors of academia was a tough road. Resources for my research were scarce, and as an artist who was relatively alone in championing Sufi music internationally, the challenges were countless. There was no stable blueprint for building a career in this field, and the uncertainties of being a full-time artist were daunting. To make ends meet, I worked as a PGT Music teacher in a reputed school in Delhi, my hometown. Though it offered a good life, I still felt an emptiness — the thrill of the stage, the applause, and the connection with audiences were missing. Eventually, I chose to leave my job, returning to my musical roots, rekindling my riyaz (practice), and focusing once again on the music I loved.

I persevered, driven by dedication, a supportive network, and an unwavering motivation to share the soul of Sufi music with the world. Bringing the unique genre of Sufi Raaga into the mainstream was a formidable challenge. Staying true to the essence of Sufi music while blending it with modern sounds required continuous innovation. But I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who believed in the power of music beyond boundaries, and their support kept me grounded.

Looking forward, I am dedicated to adapting and evolving Sufi Raaga to reach broader audiences. I am committed to exploring fresh musical avenues, allowing Sufi music to flourish in new, unexpected forms. Mentoring the next generation of artists is also a passion of mine, ensuring that the spirituality and traditions of Sufi music are passed down and cherished for years to come.

One of the most fulfilling moments in my career was earning my doctorate on the contributions of women in Sufi music. Representing Indian classical and Sufi music on global stages has been a dream come true. I feel honored to be a shahgirda of Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan Saab, the esteemed Khalifa of Dilli Gharana. The guru-shishya parampara, a revered mentorship tradition, came into my life much later as I do not come from a musical family. Finding a mentor like Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan Saab was a blessing, and I’m fortunate to be guided by his wisdom.

I am also proud to be recognized as an ‘A’ Graded artist of Akashvani and Doordarshan, with a ‘B High’ grade in qawwali and devotional music. Through my venture Sufi Raaga, I have found a way to make the sound of Sufiyana resonate with people across cultures, ages, and ethnicities. It is this resonance, this shared connection, that defines my journey and my passion for Sufi music.

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