This musical performance in Mumbai will shed light on the works of Sufi saint Madho Lal Hussain

(From left) Vinayak Netke, Radhika Sood Nayak, and Neil Mukherjee at a previous performance at a venue in Juhu. Pic Courtesy/Urvi Desale

In an age where authenticity is judged by one's followers count first and work second, Radhika Sood Nayak reminds us of a Sufi saint who not only renounced the idea, but went on to shun his followers. "Madho Lal Hussain was a malamati sufi saint. He didn't wish to be held in high esteem; for that would have led to worldly attachment," the vocalist shares. This is perhaps why widespread recognition seems to have eluded the 16th century saint. Mela Chiraga'an, Nayak's musical performance this weekend will aim to change that.

Radhika Sood Nayak

Along with guitarist Neil Mukherjee and percussionist Vinayak Netke, Nayak will present the saint's verses through music, poetry, and storytelling. "Hussain took on many voices through his poetry. ‘Saalu', for instance, talks about a bride's shawl as a metaphor for human life. In another poem Buriyaan, the saint speaks as a prostitute to shed light on their lives. I will recite these poems to the best of my understanding," Nayak reveals, adding that understanding here refers not only to the nuances, but the text itself, which exists largely in Gurmukhi (a Sikh script).

A miniature painting of Madho Lal Hussain. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

While the words are as old as time, Mukherjee reveals that the music takes a fresh approach. "We wanted to take a detour from traditional Sufi performances; those popularised by greats like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, for instance. The modern electric guitar paired with the tabla will shape a minimalistic, yet layered soundscape that will allow the words of the saint to take centrestage," he notes.

Before signing off to head back to a rehearsal, the trio reminds us that the 90-minute-long presentation is more than just a performance. "The title itself takes from a three-day celebration of lights, poetry and devotion in Lahore that marks the saint's death anniversary. It brings together Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus in great numbers; united by the idea of oneness in the eyes of God. It might be a good time to revisit this idea," they suggest.

ON June 8; 7.30 pm
AT The Royal Opera House, Matthew Road, Girgaon.
LOG ON TO insider.in
ENTRY Rs 499 onwards