Monday, October 09, 2006

On Baul and Sufi singing: Interview

By Reetu Joshi - The Times of India - Straight Answers
Sunday, 12 March, 2006

Baul Singer Parvathy Baul, on Baul and Sufi singing.

Tell us something about Baul singing?

Baul is one of the widely known and appreciated kinds of folk music in Bengal and believed to date back to the 15th century. It's not only a kind of music but also a Bengali religious sect.
The persons belonging to that sect are commonly referred to as Bauls and the songs they sing is Baul gaan. Baul gaans are allegorical in nature, describing the state of separation existing between the souls of men and the spiritual ground.

Is there any connection between Baul and Sufi singing?

Baul singing is different from Sufi singing only in terms of its origin. The latter is basically Islamic in origin while the former has its roots in Hindu tradition. The attributes of both art-forms are very much similar in nature.
Both are pure and refined. They penetrate deep into the heart and have a healing power. Singing the two provides spiritual satisfaction not only to the singer but also to the audience.

At present, Sufi songs are a rage in Bollywood movies. What are the reasons for this?

I guess pop music, jazz and rock songs can provide only momentary pleasures. But, the folk and Sufi songs give you innate pleasure and peace of mind. That's why the younger generation is increasingly taking to it. It's a welcome change. But the upcoming artistes must not use this art-form only to earn money.

With a change in the outlook of people, are you happy with the current state of folk artistes?

The responses are encouraging yet I am not completely satisfied with the state of folk artistes. Especially, Baul singers are still confined to Bengal only. There is no dearth of talented artistes in our country but there is no backing from government and sponsors.

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Monday, October 09, 2006

On Baul and Sufi singing: Interview
By Reetu Joshi - The Times of India - Straight Answers
Sunday, 12 March, 2006

Baul Singer Parvathy Baul, on Baul and Sufi singing.

Tell us something about Baul singing?

Baul is one of the widely known and appreciated kinds of folk music in Bengal and believed to date back to the 15th century. It's not only a kind of music but also a Bengali religious sect.
The persons belonging to that sect are commonly referred to as Bauls and the songs they sing is Baul gaan. Baul gaans are allegorical in nature, describing the state of separation existing between the souls of men and the spiritual ground.

Is there any connection between Baul and Sufi singing?

Baul singing is different from Sufi singing only in terms of its origin. The latter is basically Islamic in origin while the former has its roots in Hindu tradition. The attributes of both art-forms are very much similar in nature.
Both are pure and refined. They penetrate deep into the heart and have a healing power. Singing the two provides spiritual satisfaction not only to the singer but also to the audience.

At present, Sufi songs are a rage in Bollywood movies. What are the reasons for this?

I guess pop music, jazz and rock songs can provide only momentary pleasures. But, the folk and Sufi songs give you innate pleasure and peace of mind. That's why the younger generation is increasingly taking to it. It's a welcome change. But the upcoming artistes must not use this art-form only to earn money.

With a change in the outlook of people, are you happy with the current state of folk artistes?

The responses are encouraging yet I am not completely satisfied with the state of folk artistes. Especially, Baul singers are still confined to Bengal only. There is no dearth of talented artistes in our country but there is no backing from government and sponsors.

No comments: