Pop singer Rabi Pirzada fails in sufi attempt

Published October 31, 2014
– Screenshot from the video 'Bullah'.
– Screenshot from the video 'Bullah'.

Many singers have tried their luck at different renditions of the famous Sufi poet Bulleh Shah's kalaam. Abida Parveen and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan did it justice; Junoon's 'Bulleya' was a monstrous hit and Noori and Saieen Zahoor's version of 'Aik Alif' lit the Coke Studio stage on fire.

Pop singer Rabi Pirzada's rendition, 'Bullah', on the contrary leaves a different aftertaste.

`

`

Regarding the rendition, the singer posted on her official Facebook page, saying: "In this time of item songs I have released Bhullay Shah's kalaam. I made this video so everyone should see and share. There are some deep meanings hidden."

Shot at the legendary poet's mazaar, the video opens with men and women trying to imitate the Turkish raqs on a discordant pop beat.

The artist also seems caught up in the confusion of walking on the ramp and on the streets and has her own unique way of responding to the "love for all" aspect of Bulleh Shah's poetry where she donates her classy wedge heels to a young girl begging on a street.

 Screenshot from the video
Screenshot from the video 'Bullah'.

Peerzada has failed in an attempt to create a soulful song and her rendition in fact comes off as disingenuous and contradicting the essence of Bulleh Shah's beautiful poetry.

Opinion

Editorial

Middle East carnage
Updated 21 Apr, 2025

Middle East carnage

It seems that to many in the world, people of Yemen and occupied Palestine are not human.
A new page
21 Apr, 2025

A new page

FOREIGN Secretary Amna Baloch’s trip to Dhaka has breathed new life into Pakistan’s long-dormant relationship...
No stone unturned
21 Apr, 2025

No stone unturned

WHILE the absence of new polio cases since Feb 10 is welcome news, this pause in transmission must not breed...
Canal politics
Updated 20 Apr, 2025

Canal politics

The consequences of the state taking decisions without regard for its people can be seen yet again in the form of widespread restlessness and anger.
Lesser citizens
20 Apr, 2025

Lesser citizens

CAN the state ever turn the dream of communal harmony into reality? A slew of injustices torment Pakistan’s...
Winning spree
20 Apr, 2025

Winning spree

AFTER sealing qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana immediately set her sights...