The Nizami Bandhu, who performed at the Jashn-e-Rekhta—the largest festival celebrating various facets of Urdu—in Delhi early this month, boast a 700-year-old legacy. They hail from the legendary Sikandra Gharana. Medha Dutta gets up close and personal with Ustad Chand Nizami, Shadab Faridi Nizami and Sohrab Faridi Nizami, who are carrying the legacy forward.
Tell us about the origin of qawwali.
Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that originated in India and gained popularity in East India, Central India, Punjab, Sindh, and regions of Pakistan and Bangladesh. It was initially performed at Sufi shrines or dargahs. However, it became a part of mainstream music in the 20th century, and now one can see it as an integral part of Bollywood music industry.
When was the first time the three of you performed together?
It was only after the death of Ghulam Farid Nizami in 2003 that we started performing on stage. We have poured our heart out to take this music forward.
How has the journey been?
The journey by far has been magnificent. It is great to see that people still love this form of music. We feel that qawwali in its original form depicts the best style of music. Also, with time, art evolves. Earlier, we used to perform with only the tabla and harmonium, but now we have started using the keyboard also. Besides, people have moved on to commercial qawwalis from Kabir ke dohe.
In the last decade or two Sufi music has taken over the globe.
Yes, Sufi music is now starting to gain global recognition. We find many people embracing this form and showing willingness to learn.
Do you think Sufi music is getting over-exposed?
Yes, many people are coming forth as Sufi singers, but not all of them are able to sing it with the same zeal.
Your views on music reality shows.
It’s good that people are getting an excellent platform to showcase their talent. We feel that reality shows can bring real talent to the forefront.
Which is the one song you always love to perform?
Anything that depicts the soul and inner voice is our favourite. We respect Hazrat Amir Khusro and all the kalaams written by him. It would be unjust to choose one from them.
How has your Bollywood journey been?
We were overwhelmed that we shared screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar. When AR Rahman visited the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia dargah, he was fascinated by Ghulam bhai’s voice. He wanted to use his voice in one of his films, but, things didn’t work out. However, while composing music for Rockstar, Rahman convinced us to share screen space for the song Kun faya kun.
Which Indian composer do you admire the most?
Definitely, Rahman. His music has soul and intensity. Sufi music can be best sung by a person who has a pure soul.
Is there any difference in performing in India and performing abroad?
Music is universal. It’s something which is sung from the soul and reaches the soul. All you need is a pure heart.
Lastly, why are there so few women qawwals?
We do have a few women qawwals and hopefully in times to come, we will see more.
Sikandra Gharana: A musical journey
The singers have participated in various musical events at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia dargah as court singers. They are known to perform qawwali, which was written by the famous poet
Amir Khusro himself in honour of Hazrat Nizamuddin.
Awards & Accolades
The band has been awarded the prestigious Indian Icon Award and the Rajiv Gandhi Global Excellence Award. Their music has been well received in many international concerts held across the US, Germany, France, Canada, West Indies, Morocco, England, and Tanzania.