HYDERABAD: The essence of Sufi music that talks of peace, love and brotherhood found itself resonating in the hearts of audience gathered at CCRT, Hyderabad for the recent Krishnakriti festival. Rooh, the Sufi ensemble lead by Dhruv Sangari, established nearly a decade ago focused on popular compositions by veterans leaving the audience spellbound.
The programme began with Jaano Imaano Dil whose lyrics talked of the purity of a noble heart was a delightful symphony of the higher swara sthanas laced with more melody than pace, the harmonium by Salaamat Ali lending an authentic Sufi signature to it. While the strength of Dhruv gave an authority to the song, it was equally in place because of Salaamat's intermittent vocals bringing it some softness, especially during the lines ‘ Main Toh Haari’ and ‘ Ban Gayi Mein Toh’
This was followed by Chaap Tilak Sabi Cheeni , an Amir Khusro composition that's considered a must in Sufi concerts. The lines revolving around how a mere glance from the king made her his bride, dedicating her existence to him is laced with beautiful poetry. Siraj Khan was the star performer here, following Dhruv's vocals seamlessly, that also made one neglect the glitches of the sound system. Besides, the little tale narrated by Dhruv of how Amir Khusro became a disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya set the mood perfectly.
The performance of the Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan composition, Je Tu Rab Manauna was another that tells the need to adore your immediate friends and beloved before God, as the former only facilitates the latter. Dhruv was joined by Salaamat and Faraaz Khan on the vocals for this Punjabi composition in raag Bairag with haunting Sufi chants. Another Fateh Ali Khan composition Shahe Mardaane Ali , the ensemble had performed on MTV's Coke Studio too, was greeted with utmost cheer. Dhruv was at his with quotes of legends including Maulana Rumi, his love for a music-loving Hyderabad crowd. The two-hour performance culminated in the energetic Dama Dam Mast Kalandar .
