Exclusive! ‘If things didn’t work out today or tomorrow, one day it will happen.’ Sensational singer Bismil being candid about his journey into Sufi music

Bismil becomes a driving force by bringing reincarnation to Sufi music. Being a big fan of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Bismil makes it nostalgic and soothing for his listeners by singing the songs of the veteran. The interaction of his audience with his shayaris has been a remarkable thing that has made them cheer even more. We got in touch with him and he shared his passion for music and roots of Sufi music which made him an inspiration for many budding singers.

Bismil, please tell us how did you end up taking Sufi music since the youth of the country is into Korean and Western music?

Actually, I started learning classical music when I was 5 but before I started Sufi I use to do Bollywood and Sufi mix. Later, I that I should take this Sufi music forward as my root.

It was actually my manager’s idea; to have that sit-down setup like a Baithak, later people started liking it, and it’s not only Sufi, its a fusion of both Sufi and western instruments which people have actually liked.

So as we knew that you are a Nushrat Fateh Ali Kham fan, so what made you take up Sufi? What song inspired you to do Sufi setups and take up this music genre?

The song Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai really got to my core. This song has something in it; as the latest version of this song is also quite popular but I only enjoy Nushrat Sahab’s version. It’s some another level. This is what inspired me to take up Sufi songs.

Performing in front of thousands of people; don’t you have cold feet before performing?

No, I don’t usually get cold feet as I have been performing for 8-9 years now so not nervous at all. I’m learning classical music to showcase my talent to people and what I’ve learned. It feels amazing that people are really admiring my songs, yelling for me. It feels absolutely amazing that people love it; the Sufi music and moreover what I sing.

So is there any song of yours that you are doing a collab with another singer or music director?

Well, I’m actually coming up with my own songs. The label is not signed yet. Soon I will be collaborating with artists. It’s on our plan list. Nothing is confirmed yet but with god’s grace very soon.

Apart from Nushrat Sahab, is there any other singer that you admire?

Absolutely!!! I’m not an absolute Sufi lover, I’m also a Bollywood lover. Rafi Sahab, Kishore Kumar, if I talk the old song singer. The new ones are Sonu Nigam, KK. I love every genre of music, sometimes I listen to house music, vibe on techno, etc. Music has no boundaries.

As you mentioned that you do a hybrid of Sufi and western, so don’t you think that it might cause a little stir among people? Did get such comments from people?

No, keeping all those things in mind, I will not disturb the original composition. So all that is taken care of beforehand only and music is created and structured so people don’t feel that this is absurd. The music is created like the guitar is a western instrument, bass guitar, and drums, so every time we can’t have the sit-down setup of an authentic Sufi setup but it enhances the Sufi music. We have to do and work with time also. The mehfil is the same but the vibe is different with the exact Sufi touch.

You are traveling in India for concerts, so will there be an international concert for people who love Sufi intentionally?

yes, I had just returned from Dubai, a Sufi concert. Next will be in November and then I’m going to Thailand in November as well but the India tour is on. I’m very excited about my India tour as well.

Lastly any message you want to give to your fans.

I want to thank everybody for loving my song. Without them, the journey would not have been possible. I reply to each and every person’s message as I can. I’m, not an expert I’m also learning but I want to give a piece of advice that keep doing what you love. I’ve a saying that I believe in most which is- If things didn’t work today or tomorrow, one day it will happen.

People back out when things don’t go accordingly and leave it in the midst but one must keep doing that if they have that spark in them.