The baithak era revived

This weekend will see a one-of-a-kind Sufi performance with a contemporary twist

Centuries ago, Mirza Ghalib, the official bard in the court of Bahadur Shah Zafar, used the gift of his poetry and music in the royal baithak to capture the essence of his time. This immortal spirit of a baithak is being brought to the spotlight in Haroof, organised by ALSO in association with G5A Foundation of Contemporary Culture.

With a modern twist for today's viewers, the first edition of Haroof will introduce popular vocalist Radhika Sood Nayak accompanied by Ranjit Nayak (on flute), Akshay Jadhav (tabla and dholak) and Amin Hasan Khan (guitar). The aim is to bring together classical music lovers through events that honour saaz-o-mausiqui, which translates to music from the soul.

According to Nayak, "Haroof is giving artistes like me a chance to present Punjabi Sufi music kalaam to an audience that is open to new musical experiences." The informal and intimate setting will help listeners connect with the complexity of the poetry form. It is through music that the metaphor of the deep connection between man and God will be told in the eternal story of Heer and Ranjha.

Even though the first show will display Sufi poetry, listeners can also expect elements of Hindustani classical music like thumri, dadra, qual, anhad, ghazal and folk. Alleyah Asghar, founder of Haroof, says, "The patronage that vocalists experienced in the times gone by deserves to be revived and celebrated."

On: August 4, 7.30 pm
At: G-5/A, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi West.
Call: 8879208475
Entry: Rs 1,770

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