Mumbai, April 25: Renowned playback singer Mujtaba Aziz Naza, known for his powerful and soulful voice, hails from a prestigious musical lineage. In an exclusive interview, he discussed the changing landscape of Sufi music in the Indian film industry.
Naza expressed concern over the diminishing scope of Sufi music, noting that it has become limited to emotional scenes or specific situations in contemporary films. “There was a time when every movie featured a qawwali. That era has changed,” he stated. Today, the use of qawwali and Sufi songs is dictated solely by the narrative’s requirements. The essence of Sufi music lies in its depth, which is increasingly challenging to preserve in today’s fast-paced digital age. People tend to scroll through songs rather than listen, while Sufi music demands patience and tranquility.
Discussing live performances, Naza emphasized that qawwali entirely depends on the atmosphere and audience energy. “We prepare a setlist, but once we hit the stage, the audience’s enthusiasm changes everything. We often adjust the songs on the spot. This spontaneity is the true strength of qawwali,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that having a prominent name associated with him raises expectations. “Initially, I was unaware of that responsibility, which made the journey seem easier. However, over time, I realized that the real challenge lies in meeting those expectations and carving out my own identity. I embraced these challenges and focused on honing my craft. Thankfully, I have reached this level today,” he added.
Mujtaba Aziz Naza has made his mark in significant films like Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Bajirao Mastani” and “Padmaavat.” He described working with Bhansali as a “life-changing” experience. “Sanjay sir is a perfectionist. He goes to great lengths for his art. Projects like ‘Bajirao Mastani’ are not just films for me; they are learning experiences. Even though I wasn’t the lead, being part of that music was an honor. There were never any creative differences because his vision inspires artists to give their best. Sometimes, compositions came together so quickly that those moments became magical,” he shared.
–
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment