Pop singer Rabi Pirzada fails in sufi attempt

Published October 31, 2014
– Screenshot from the video 'Bullah'.
– Screenshot from the video 'Bullah'.

Many singers have tried their luck at different renditions of the famous Sufi poet Bulleh Shah's kalaam. Abida Parveen and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan did it justice; Junoon's 'Bulleya' was a monstrous hit and Noori and Saieen Zahoor's version of 'Aik Alif' lit the Coke Studio stage on fire.

Pop singer Rabi Pirzada's rendition, 'Bullah', on the contrary leaves a different aftertaste.

`

`

Regarding the rendition, the singer posted on her official Facebook page, saying: "In this time of item songs I have released Bhullay Shah's kalaam. I made this video so everyone should see and share. There are some deep meanings hidden."

Shot at the legendary poet's mazaar, the video opens with men and women trying to imitate the Turkish raqs on a discordant pop beat.

The artist also seems caught up in the confusion of walking on the ramp and on the streets and has her own unique way of responding to the "love for all" aspect of Bulleh Shah's poetry where she donates her classy wedge heels to a young girl begging on a street.

 Screenshot from the video
Screenshot from the video 'Bullah'.

Peerzada has failed in an attempt to create a soulful song and her rendition in fact comes off as disingenuous and contradicting the essence of Bulleh Shah's beautiful poetry.

Opinion

Editorial

ICJ rebuke
Updated 26 May, 2024

ICJ rebuke

The reason for Israel’s criminal behaviour is that it is protected by its powerful Western friends.
Hot spells
26 May, 2024

Hot spells

WITH Pakistan already dealing with a heatwave that has affected 26 districts since May 21, word from the climate...
Defiant stance
26 May, 2024

Defiant stance

AT a time when the country is in talks with the IMF for a medium-term loan crucial to bolstering the fragile ...
More pledges
Updated 25 May, 2024

More pledges

There needs to be continuity in economic policies, while development must be focused on bringing prosperity to the masses.
Pemra overreach
25 May, 2024

Pemra overreach

IT seems, at best, a misguided measure and, at worst, an attempt to abuse regulatory power to silence the media. A...
Enduring threat
25 May, 2024

Enduring threat

THE death this week of journalist Nasrullah Gadani, who succumbed to injuries after being attacked by gunmen, is yet...