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.
There is no dogma that the organ or harmonium can be used in church, but not the drum.
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.
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.
