Eternal Euphony

Her journey to connect with the one, who reigns over the celestial kingdom, began at a time she was just learning to walk. And what could be a better way than Sufi music, which in itself is never just an entertainment, but more about spirituality. Sufi-Ghazal singer Kavita Seth has done just that. Kavita’s self-composed debut solo Sufi song ‘Maula’, starring Amisha Patel in Satish Kaushik’s film ‘Vaada’, got her nominated for the Best Fresh Voice of The Year at the Sahara Sangeet Awards 2005. And with this the industry was introduced to an emerging voice in Sufi music. “Sufi music is all about singing for the almighty (Khuda), and singing Sufi only facilitates the journey towards God,” says Kavita, amidst soul stirring Sufi music played at the background at her Vile Parle residence. Her next major break came in the form of Mahesh Bhatt’s blockbuster Gangster in 2006, with ‘Mujhe Mat Roko’. Written by Sayeed Quadri, a cry of pain and anguish was best brought out by Kavita through this song depicting the sorrow of a female longing to get close to her beloved.

Kavita, who has been trained in Hindustani and classical music, has a fresh voice, which is rather unique as compared to the other voices dominating the industry. “While training in Hindustani and classical music, I got inspired by the Sufi style of singing, because of its seraphic purity,” she states. Kavita has also been instrumental in forming two Sufi groups, ‘Maula’ and ‘Karavan’, with musicians on drum, guitar, duff, dholak, keyboard, violin, tabla, harmonium. Mother of two equally talented kids, Kavish and Kanishk, she traveled through the entire length and breadth of India, many times, enthralling the audience with her melodious renditions of Sufi, Geet, Ghazal and Folk. She has given live performances in a number of locations such as London, Birmingham, Scotland, Berlin, Olso, Stockholm and San Francisco.

Even today, not everyone can understand the lyrics or the spiritual significances of Sufi music. “In an attempt to spread this form of music, I try to seek a new dialogue with my audience each time I perform with my troupe,” says Kavita. She claims that Sufi music is more about spirituality, rather than entertainment, “Its powerful lyrics talk about reaching the divine by spreading love and harmony. With tension and turmoil all around today, the works of Sufi saints and mystics are more relevant than ever,” she avers. Ask her about the changes that this music has brought about within her, and she relates it to a maxim of Helen Keller, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart.”

This talented singer, who is currently singing for renowned producer and director N Chandra’s forthcoming film ‘Breaking News’ likes to conclude by saying, “Music, including Sufi, helps in breaking down the narrow boundaries of cast, creed, religion and nationality. In return, giving you an awareness, and uplifting of consciousness, teaching you that there is no better way to reach closer to God then through music.”

Mumbai Mirror