This path to God that Sufis walked made him a sweet singer. Love trickles from his honey-dipped voice; if the fence had heart, it would fall.Pakistani singer Ustad Khadim Hussain Warsi, famous for his soulful presentation of ‘Heer Waris Shah’, is in India for a series of live music concerts. He shared his views on singing and peace with HT City during his visit to Patiala for a live Sufi music concert at Harpal Tiwana Centre for Performing Arts.
This is his fourth visit to Patiala, and his message, “love and peace”, is what the Sufis saints have preached for centuries. “I arrived in the Indian part of Punjab on March 27 and, so far, have performed in many places in the state that is like second home to me, where I have received immense love from people,” said the ustad.
The Patiala audience was in for a treat, of meaningful Sufi poetry in a magical voice. Besides Heer, Ustad Warsi sang the verses of Bulleh Shah and Sultan Bahu. His interpretation of “Heer” uncovered its spiritual meaning beautifully.
Later, talking about the contribution of Sufism to India-Pakistan relations, he said: “Music, like cricket, has the power to bring people closer.”
“The supremacy of Sufism in music will remain forever, as it has a rich past and a purpose in present and future. Sufism is pure,” said the singer, encouraging the young generation to love and follow the Sufi culture.
{{/usCountry}}“The supremacy of Sufism in music will remain forever, as it has a rich past and a purpose in present and future. Sufism is pure,” said the singer, encouraging the young generation to love and follow the Sufi culture.
{{/usCountry}}He accepted there were hurdles for Indians and Pakistanis who wanted to visit each other, and called for relaxation in the visa rules “so that there can be exchange of art and culture for the good of society”.
Optimistic about the future, he says: “We will carry on our work of spreading peace and love among the people on both sides, in spite of all difficulties, in the true spirit of Sufism.”