Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Qawwal Shah Jee: Sufi spiritual sounds

THE supremely talented Najmud­din/Saifuddin Qawwal group have performed all over the world and carried forward the legacy of their late great legendary father Ustad Bahauddin Khan Qawwal.

The fabulous five brothers can trace the lineage to musicians who helped found the qawwali genre in the 13th century. Eastern Eye got one of the brothers, Qawwal Shah Jee, to select spiritual music by the group and their late father he loves...


Bharo Ghee Ke Diye by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This is naat shareef, which means in the prayer of the prophet (PBUH). This particular version by my father is a traditional rendition as opposed to the modern faster versions of the same composition and that is why I love it. It is simple, yet full of so much joy.

Guftam key Roshan Az Qamar by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: I love this version of the classic composition rendered by my fa­ther because it has a very unique structure. It is like a question and answer. Khusrow gave us a gift centuries ago and it remains with us still.

Mujhe Hosh Nahin by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This wonderful composition just has beautiful lyrics written by the legendary, Hazrat Jigar Moradabadi. The great Ustad brought it to life so wonderfully well, especially live in front of an audience.

Man Lago Yaar by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This composition is an illustration that great writing can stand the test of time. This was written centuries ago by Kabeer, but still has so much power today. This version by my father will be appreciated by genera­tions to come.

Aal e Nabi by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: Before this was released, these beautiful lyrics were only available in books and manuscripts. This great composition by Amir Khusrow Dehlavi, who is the founding father of qawwali, was recited in the very beginning in the presence of king Alauddin Khilji.

Tum Sang Mohan by Ustad Bahauddin Khan: This wonderful Sufi composition is basically a bhajan. It is a beautifully-written piece and I am proud my great father rendered it so well.

An-nal Isque by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: As a group, we like to spread a message of positivity through the compositions we perform. This particular one is a favourite because it has a message of love for all mankind.

Arzoo Daaram by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: I am sure eve­ryone has heard of the great Persian poet Jalal ad-Din Muham­mad Rumi, whose writing from the 13th century transcended time. There is such a nice message contained within this compo­sition, which we have delivered for everyone in our humble way.

Chamane Ke Ta Qayamat by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: This is another great kalaam of the great Rumi, who left wonderful words for generations of musicians who followed to build unfor­gettable compositions around, including our rendition.

Meri Naiya Laga Do Par by Najmuddin Saifuddin group: A re­quest to Maula Ali, this is a timeless composition that transcends time and one that will live forever. I always enjoy performing this song with my wonderfully -talented brothers.

More For You

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp's transformation in Day Drinker leaves fans stunned with a fresh, mysterious look

Lionsgate

Johnny Depp's dramatic new look in ‘Day Drinker’ sends internet into a frenzy

Johnny Depp is stepping back into Hollywood’s mainstream with a powerful new role in Day Drinker, his first major studio film since the defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard. With a fresh look and an intriguing character, Depp is ready to headline a movie that’s already got people talking.

In the first official image from the film, Depp appears nearly unrecognisable. Dressed in a deep navy suit, his long silver hair pulled back and a salt-and-pepper beard framing his face, he cuts a sharp yet mysterious figure. Holding a glass in one hand, he looks worlds away from the roles fans might remember, but that’s exactly what’s catching everyone's attention.

Keep ReadingShow less
Aimee Lou Wood

Aimee Lou Wood speaks out against SNL’s controversial ‘White Potus’ parody, calling out the mockery of her appearance

Getty Images

Aimee Lou Wood criticises SNL’s ‘White Potus’ parody for mocking her teeth

Aimee Lou Wood, star of The White Lotus, recently found herself at the centre of controversy after a parody of her character aired on Saturday Night Live (SNL). The skit, a political spoof titled The White Potus, humorously exaggerated aspects of the show, but for Wood, it went too far. Comedian Sarah Sherman impersonated Wood's character, Chelsea, with oversized prosthetic teeth. For Aimee Lou, this portrayal hit a nerve, and she openly criticised it.

Taking to Instagram, the actress expressed her discontent, calling the parody “mean and unfunny.” She argued that while she understood SNL was known for satire, the skit could have been executed with more sophistication and less cheap humour. Wood, who has always been open about her unique appearance, especially her noticeable gap teeth, clarified that she doesn't mind caricatures or playful jabs, but felt this one crossed a line. “I have big gap teeth, not bad teeth,” she wrote, pointing out that the entire joke seemed to target her appearance rather than the content of the skit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hanumankind's Chenda Melam Fusion Shakes Up Coachella 2025

Hanumankind performs at the Mojave Tent during Coachella 2025

Getty Images

Hanumankind drops Kerala’s chenda beats at Coachella, redefining desi rap and Indian hip-hop

On a sweltering April evening in California’s Coachella Valley, something unexpected cut through the desert air, something thunderous: the rhythm of Kerala’s traditional chenda melam! Hanumankind, the Texas-raised rapper with roots in Kerala, showed up to the global music festival bringing a piece of home with him.

Dressed in black jeans and a ganji, Hanumankind commanded the stage with an energy that was impossible to ignore. But the most iconic part of the performance was the presence of Kochuveettil Beats, a traditional chenda melam ensemble dressed in crisp white mundus. As the drummers pounded out fierce rhythms, Hanumankind launched into Run It Up, his latest hit and the crowd packed with both die-hard fans and curious newcomers, went wild.

Keep ReadingShow less
Katy Perry

Katy Perry on solidKaty Perry ground after touchdown, smiling with emotion as she reflects on her journey beyond Earth

Blue Origin

Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, and Gayle King soar to space in a historic all-women Blue Origin flight

On Monday morning, six women including pop icon Katy Perry boarded a Blue Origin rocket in West Texas and took off on a short flight to space. The crew spent just over 10 minutes on the journey, experiencing those minutes of weightlessness before they safely returned to Earth.

What made this flight stand out, though, wasn’t just the celebrity presence. This was the first time in over six decades that an all-women team flew to space together. The last time anything close happened was in 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to orbit Earth, alone, on a Soviet mission.

Keep ReadingShow less
HBO confirms John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, Janet McTeer, and Nick Frost for the ‘Harry Potter’ reboot

John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, Janet McTeer and Nick Frost bring fresh energy to iconic roles in the upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ reboot series

Getty Images

HBO confirms John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, Janet McTeer, and Nick Frost for the ‘Harry Potter’ reboot

After months of speculation, HBO has officially revealed some of the key faces for its upcoming Harry Potter television series. Though the spotlight remains on who will play Harry, Ron and Hermione, a handful of major roles have now been confirmed.

Veteran actor John Lithgow will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore. Known for his work in The Crown and 3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow adds serious weight to the cast. British actor Paapa Essiedu, who rose to fame with I May Destroy You, is stepping into the role of Severus Snape, one of the franchise’s most layered characters. Although this casting has prompted heated discussion online, many are excited to see a fresh interpretation.

Keep ReadingShow less