As a teen, I enjoyed Sufi music and ghazals the most. But as my career began, I drifted off to playback and other streams over the years.
When I began competing with the other artists in New York, I discovered classical North Indian music.
I can't escape crooning the 'Mitwa... Kahe Dhadkan Tujhse Kya' number wherever I perform. Basically, I am a classically rooted musician.
These three elements are called Qawwali, and they've got to be there.
There is no dogma that the organ or harmonium can be used in church, but not the drum.
Punjabi music is loved across the globe.
The people of Halifax also invented the harmonium, a device for castrating pigs during Sunday service.
I play the harmonium. I had learned to use the guitar for a bit before becoming a part of the music industry, but unfortunately didn't pursue it fully. I would love to learn to play the piano because it holds a unique connect for me in terms of rhythm.
Indian classical music was born when time barely existed. It developed further within the structures of royal courts and a system of patronage where the ruler or the feudal master determined all.
Talking about the all night concerts, I did some of the first all night concerts back in the 60's with this little harmonium, and I also had saxophone taped delays.
My mother's brother is a very good singer. My grandfather took up classical singing lessons and learnt to play the harmonium.
Indian classical music is charming and currently there are a wide range of musicians who bring great classical tunes to the Bollywood industry.
