| The Sufi singer who renounces any label: Grewal & his musical sojourn |
8th Feb 2014
|
 | 
Singer Kanwar Grewal
i dassan dosta, parr jey main sufi gayak hunda fer ik mehfil da do lakh kyu lainda bass kuttiya ch gaa ke hi khush rehnda" (Friends, if I was a Sufi singer I would have been content with living in a hut and not charged Rs 2 lakh for my shows), said singer Kanwar Grewal in a candid confession during a conversation withGuardian20, about being dubbed as a Sufi singer. Though Kanwar's musical career is just two years old, it has been a fascinating journey. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Q. Did you always plan on pursuing music?
A. No, it wasn't planned. Today, I am associated with music only because of my father. I have no qualms about admitting that I was never interested in becoming a singer. But I did enjoy music — I remember dancing to tracks, as carefree as a malang. My father noticed my fondness for rhythm and encouraged me to take up music as a career.
Q. How do you perceive music?
A. This is a rather tedious question to answer. It is difficult to define music. Music connects me with my creator and with the cosmos. It is something that gives me unbridled inner strength and soothes my soul.
Q. What does Sufism represent for you?
A. As I stated earlier, I am not a Sufi singer. When I see my Bebbe (grandmother), I realise what Sufism is all about. It is a feeling that disconnects you from the material world and makes you feel one with the universe. She croons as and when she feels like. She cries, dances and even meditates whenever she feels like — this is what Sufism is all about. There is no bandish, it is a medium to connect with your lover, your God.
Q. Your first album Akhan came in 2013, followed by your second album this year. Has commercial success changed your musical philosophy?
A. No, it hasn't. Commercial success was never my priority and would never be. I love performing live for cheering audiences where I receive a spontaneous response. They shower their love and affection in terms of appreciation. Coming up with recorded albums is just a way to reach out to my fans.
Q. Your fan base is really diverse. Do you have your target audience?
A. I don't think musicians can ever chart out an audience. If your music reaches out to someone, he or she is bound to lend their ears. When I sing, I sing for my Bebbe. This helps me connect with my listeners to a large extent.
Q. Is it true that you do not use a cell phone?
A. I am convinced that roti, kapda and makaan are the only necessities of human existence and further desires make you greedy and lethargic. I have never felt the need for a cell phone and I have managed just fine without it till date.
Q. Who are the musicians you admire?
A. I like listening to all kinds of music. I am extremely fond of Mann saab, Nusrat saab, and Sain Zahoor Ahmed. I really enjoy the Coke Studio productions too.
Q. Have you been offered any exciting roles in the Punjabi film industry yet?
A. Yes, I do get many offers. But I am quite firm when it comes to some decisions. I like performing live and I am happy with my music for now.
http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/the-sufi-singer-who-renounces-any-label-grewal-a-his-musical-sojourn
|
No comments:
Post a Comment