Pyarelal Wadali, one half of the Wadali Brothers, on the qawwali genre's popularity among Gen-Next
(From left) Pyarelal and Puranchand Wadali
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These days, most don't know the meaning of qawwali. Back in the day, people trusted the messages that qawwalis gave because learned men penned them. We are grateful to our gurus for blessing us with the skill to do justice to the genre," says Pyarelal Wadali, one half of the celebrated Sufi duo, Wadali Brothers.
This Friday (April 28), he and Puranchand Wadali will enthral music aficionados at High Street Phoenix's Awestrung.
While the older generation is fond of their music, do youngsters also drop in at their shows? "Bahut youngsters humare concert mein aatein hain, humein sunte hain.
We also perform at several colleges. We have introduced a new way to grab the interest of young listeners. We take breaks while singing the qawwalis and explain their meaning in the form of stories. The conversation helps us bond with them," says Pyarelal.
The Wadali Brothers have crooned Aye Rangrez Mere (Tanu Weds Manu, 2011), Ik Tu Hi (Mausam, 2011) and Waris Shah Nu (Pinjar, 2003), but it has been a while since their songs featured on a Hindi film soundtrack. "We are singing for a Bollywood film, but can't discuss it right now. The song has been composed. We'll record it this week," he says.
But Pyarelal admits they don't keep track of Bollywood music, and he hasn't heard of Arijit Singh.
"We don't listen to film songs that are made nowadays. Our interest lies in classical music. Aaj kal bahut composers gaanon ka beda gart kar dete hain (many new composers ruin the songs)."
The Tu Maane Ya Naa Maane Dildaara singers released a new single, Rab Da Deedar, last month. "We are working on a new album that should be out in November. We are yet to finalise the name," says Pyarelal.
They believe their four-decade-old legacy is in safe hands. "My three nephews are skilled. Lakhwinder Wadali has already earned recognition with his work. His younger brother, Satwinder Wadali, is now set to debut as a singer. His album will release soon."
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