Bulleya: concert on Bulleh Shah

Sarod player Soumik Datta, dancer Sumeet Nagdev and percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger — will showcase a unique act that combines the arts they represent. Titled Bulleya, the performance has been inspired by three poems by Bulleh Shah.

One of the most celebrated Sufi poets of all time, Baba Bulleh Shah’s writings have been turned into songs, plays and paintings by many artistes over the years.

In yet another interpretation of his work, three performers — sarod player Soumik Datta, dancer Sumeet Nagdev and percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger — will showcase a unique act that combines the arts they represent.

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“You often hear of Rumi or Rabindranath Tagore, but rarely of this philosopher-poet. Shah’s verses dig deep and our world could take a page out of his book. Sumeet is a poet and he introduced us to his work. Bernhard and I were instantly drawn to his existential verse that resonates with our music making,” says Datta, a British-Asian musician, who invented his own electric Sarod and has scored the soundtrack for feature films, like Life Goes On (2010) and Tooting Broadway (2011).

Titled Bulleya, the performance has been inspired by three poems by the 17th century bard.

“We chose a mix of well-known and obscure ones. But we finally shortlisted three themes — focusing on love, joys of learning and letting go of the ego,” explains Datta, about the collaborative act that is supported by the British Council.

Catch Bulleya on April 28, 7pm onwards at St Andrews Auditorium, Bandra (W).
Tickets available at Rhythm House, Sumeet Nagdev Dance Arts Studio in Dadar, and the venue.
For enquiries, call 2436 6777