Bollywood's tryst with Sufi music

By Sangeetha Devi - The Hindu, India
Wednesday, July 5, 2006

Sufi continues to influence a number of Hindi film compositions

"When I finished recording "Chaand Sifarish" for Fanaa, I knew we had worked on a good song. But I never really expected such an overwhelming response," says singer Shaan. After a pause, he adds, "I think the strong Sufi influence is one of the main reasons for the song's success. Today, anything with a Sufi touch seems to ensure success in Hindi film music."

There's enough reason to believe that Sufi can work its magic and put an album on the chartbuster list. Remember how Kailash Kher became an overnight sensation after crooning for "Allah Ke Bande" in Waisa Bhi Hota Hai? Don't remember the film? Never mind, the song lingers on...

Soon after, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan struck a chord with listeners with "Mann Ki Lagan" in Paap, his recent "Jiya Dhadak Dhadak" from Kalyug was among the top 10 for a long time.

While it is too early to state whether the Sufi influence is just a passing phase, it's clear that we will be listening to Sufi-inspired tunes for at least some more time.

Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy too have joined the fray. Their composition "Mitwa", in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, has a mix of Sufi, Indian classical and rock influences and has been getting positive reviews. The song features Shankar Mahadevan, besides Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan (lead singer of Fuzon)."It was both Karan's and my decision to ask Shafqat to sing this song. More than just abiding by the current Sufi trend, the idea was to have a song that would fit the situation. The one highlight of the Sufi influence in songs is the scope to use singers such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash Kher or Shafqat who ensure the song stands out," says Shankar Mahadevan.

Meanwhile, Kailash Kher again makes a mark with the O Sikander song in Madhur Bhandarkar's Corporate. Apart from the Sufi version, the album also boasts O Sikander in two remix versions - desi and international dance remix.

This not withstanding, Punjabi pop singer Rabbi Shergill who is known for his love for the Sufi genre, is also making an entry into Hindi films through the Sivaji Productions Delhi Heights. To top it all, some cite examples of Himmesh Reshammiya's hits to be influenced by Sufi, while most puritans dismiss them as watered down versions of the genre.