Sama’a – Screening of Sufiana compositions

Screening of Sufiana compositions by Wadali Brothers & group

Revisiting one of our memorable performances of the past, we present a video recording featuring Sufiana compositions performed at the NCPA on 12th November 2011 by the renowned singers, Puranchand and the late Pyarelal Wadali (d. 2018).

Born in Guru Kki [VP1] Wadali, a village known as the birthplace of the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind Rai, the Wadali Brothers represent the fifth generation of musicians devoted to singing messages of Sufi saints. The elder of the duo, Puranchand Wadali, was initially trained by his father, Thakur Dass, and later, by celebrated masters like Durga Dass and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan of the Patiala gharana. He, in turn, mentored his brother, Pyarelal.

Their repertoire included the poetry of Amir Khusrau, Baba Farid Sahib, Bulleh Shah, Shah Hussain, Shiv Kumar Battalvi as well as folklore of the Sindh-Punjab region such as the stories of Sassi-Punnu, Laila-Majnu and Heer-Ranjha. They specialised in genres like gurbani, heer, kafi, ghazal and bhajan and have numerous albums to their credit. With their vibrant and full-throated voices mixing rustic Punjabi expressions with the idiom of classical music, the Wadali Brothers created a niche for themselves in the world of Sufi music. They also made a foray into Bollywood with memorable songs, such as ‘Darda Marya’ and ‘Waris Shah Nu’ (Pinjar, 2003), and ‘Hey Rangrez Mere’ (Tanu Weds Manu, 2011). Decorated with numerous honours, the duo spread the message of Sufi mystics throughout the world with their soulful music.

This screening will feature select Sufiana compositions from the Wadali Brothers’ 2011 performance.

Entry free on a first-come-first-served basis.