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.

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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.

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