Nov 26, 2024 03:15 PM IST
Master Saleem’s Musical Journey: A Heartwarming Tribute to His Father’s Strict yet Loving Guidance
Singer Master Saleem, who recently enthralled the audience with his performance at the Deshaj event in Lucknow, took a trip down memory lane to share the pivotal role his father, Sufi singer Ustad Puran Shah Koti, played in shaping his musical career. Master Saleem’s nostalgic recollections offer a glimpse into the rigorous training and unwavering dedication that have contributed to his success as a popular singer today.
Master Saleem during his performance at Deshaj in Lucknow(Deepak Gupta/HT)
Delving into the rigorous training sessions with his father, Master Saleem fondly recalled, “I vividly remember a particular instance when I was performing on stage, and my sur went awry. My father pointed out the mistake in front of the audience. This happened again during the next performance, but the third time, he didn’t just correct me – he took a more drastic measure. He gently hit me with a stick on my back and cautioned, ‘Sahi gaa, warna achha nahi hoga!’ (Sing correctly, or else it won’t be good!). Although I was perplexed by his strictness at the time, I later realized that it was his way of instilling discipline and perfection in me. Today, I’m grateful for those lessons, and I attribute my success to his guidance. As it happens to be his birthday today, I wish him a long and healthy life, filled with love and music.”
Master Saleem and Malini Awasthi
Sharing his wisdom with the younger generation, Master Saleem emphasized, “It’s essential for the youth to respect their parents, maintain a distance from substance abuse, and cultivate a deep appreciation for music – be it tabla, sitar, or singing. These values have been instrumental in shaping my life and career, and I hope they will inspire the next generation of musicians and artists.”
This marked Master Saleem’s second visit to Lucknow, following his performance at the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi event earlier this year. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful city before, and I must say that it’s a treasure trove of culture and art. The people of Lucknow are warm and welcoming, and I’ve always felt at home here. Malini didi (Awasthi, folk singer-organiser) was an exemplary host, showering us with love and respect. I thoroughly enjoyed performing with her, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with the audience. My affection for the people of Lucknow has grown exponentially, and I look forward to returning soon – for as the saying goes, ‘Jahan pyaar hai wahan sansaar hai!’ (Where there’s love, there’s the world!).”
Master Saleem’s performance at Deshaj was a testament to his versatility, as he effortlessly transitioned between Punjabi folk, classical, and film songs, leaving the audience spellbound and yearning for more.
Deshaj: A Vibrant Celebration of Folk Culture
Nautanki on Sultana Daku by Padma Shri artiste Ram Dayal Sharma(HT Photo)
The two-day Deshaj event, held at the picturesque Lohia Park amphitheatre, was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse array of folk performances from across India. The festival was a melting pot of cultures, with each performance offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Marathi folk singer Nandesh Umap regaled the audience with his soulful renditions of Vithal Vithal and other classic songs. The Garudan Parava folk dance from Kerala and the folk theatre Bhaona from Assam, which depicted the Narshima avtar, were also major highlights of the event. Padma Shri artiste Ram Dayal Sharma’s nautanki on Sultana Daku was another standout performance that captivated the audience.
The festival featured an eclectic mix of folk performances, including Matki folk from Madhya Pradesh, Phag from Haryana, and Pai Danda from Bundelkhand. In keeping with this year’s theme, Mahakumbh songs from Prayagraj (UP) were also presented by a troupe. Singer and Son Chiraiya founder Malini Awasthi added to the festive atmosphere with her enchanting folk songs.
During Master Saleem and Umap’s performances, the audience was completely enthralled, with many fans gathering near the stage to sing and dance along with the artists.
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