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Soulful Sufi

Sufi continues to influence a number of Hindi film compositions

PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM

SUFI FLAVOUR Singers like Kailash Kher are sought after for Hindi films

"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," confesses singer Shaan. After a pause, he adds, "I think the strong Sufi influence is one of the primary reasons for the song's success. Today, anything with a touch of Sufi seems to ensure success in Hindi film music."

There's enough reason to believe that Sufi can work its magic and put your 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 through Mann Ki Lagan in Paap (Pooja Bhatt's film starring John Abraham and Udita Goswami). More recently, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Jiya Dhadak Dhadak from Kalyug refused to get off the top 10 charts.

While it's 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. The trio Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy too has joined the fray. Their composition Mitwa — which has a mix of Sufi, Indian classical and rock influences — in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, has begun getting them positive reviews. The song features Shankar Mahadevan, besides Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan (lead singer of Fuzon).It was both Karan's and Shankar's decision to ask Shafqat to sing. "More than just abiding by the current Sufi trend, we wanted a song that would fit the situation. The one highlight of the Sufi influence in songs is the scope to use singers like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash Kher or Shafqat who will make the song stand out from the crowd," reasons Shankar.

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 of 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 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.

SANGEETHA DEVI. K

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