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

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...