This story is from September 1, 2007

Kailash' sufiyana touch

REETU JOSHI / TNN / Sep 1, 2007, 00:00 IST

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Kailash Kher, who is performing in Hyderabad today as part of the Times Youthopia Festival enchants everyone alike.

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Kailash Kher (TOI Photo)Simply Sufi.
His singing has a Sufiyana touch that goes beyond the ears and touches the soul. It is Sufi singing with just the undertone of the electric guitar, and bass-propelled western beats – that's Kailash Kher's inimitable signature style.
The singer, in a heart-to-heart talk with Hyderabad Times, explains his penchant for Sufi music, his musical journey so far and why Hyderabad is so special to him
In an age of remixes and fast and racy tunes, you're determined to invigorate Sufi music.What made you stick to this classical genre of singing?

Sufi music stirs our soul. It acts as a soothing balm. Since my childhood days, I was deeply inclined towards classical singing.
And, so I decided to take up this genre of music. But it's not pure classical music, it has a dash of modernism that even the younger generation relates to.
My albums like Jhoomo Re and Kailasa have songs that have a Sufiyana touch with a tinge of western music.
And that's why these albums are topping the charts. My Bollywood songs, like O Sikandar from

Corporate, too is fast paced and is done in pop music style. Experimentation is a must. Just like you can't have dal-chawal everyday, you can't listen to one particular kind of music all the time.
Do comparisons with the late maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan bother you? Many of your fans claim that your voice reminds them of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Yes, it bothers me sometimes because you can't compare a legend with a budding singer. It's like comparing chaand and zameen. It puts me under a lot of pressure.
Allah ke Bande made you a household name but you were not sure whether this song would be retained in the movie or not?
I thought that it was a con job. First the title of the movie, Waisa Bhi Hota Hai - Part II, put me in doubt. Then I was told that I have only the guitar for musical accompaniment. If you are singing for a Hindi song, which usually have large orchestra, how would you feel? But I'm glad that since there was no musical instrument, the range of my voice got full expression.
Right now your focus seems to be on live performances.
I cater to what people demand. They love watching me perform live. Your voice reaches out to your fans. What more can an artist want?
Hyderabad holds a special place in your heart, My most popular songs Teri deewani and Tauba tauba were shot in Hyderabad. I had sung for Chiranjeevi, Prabhas and many other actors. I love Urdu and Hyderabad is known for its tehzeeb. But the most striking thing about Hyderabad is that it keeps artistes on a higher pedestal, regardless of their religion. Anyways, I feel that music is the biggest religion. After the recent terror attack, I'm dedicating my concert to the blast victims.
What’s next?
Bollywood projects like Aaja Nach Ley, Sarkar Raj and Manorama. I, along with musician-brothers Naresh and Paresh, will be venturing into music direction.

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