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New Delhi
Spreading the message of love
| A painting exhibition on Sufism under way |
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit releasing Anita Singhvi’s album ‘Tajalli’. She is flanked by Anita and her husband, Congress leader Abhishekh Manu Singhvi.
NEW DELHI: The relationship between painting and music was brought alive at the inauguration of a 10-day painting exhibition at Art Junction in The Lalit Hotel here on Wednesday.
As the title “Sufism on Canvas” suggests, the show had works on the theme of Sufism by 18 artists. All the participating artists had derived inspiration from the noble teachings of Sufism.
Noted singer Anita Singhvi rendered a soulful Sufi recital in the presence of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and other high-profile visitors including Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala. Actor Farooq Sheikh was the master of ceremonies.
Speaking after her concert, Anita said though historians usually describe Sufism as the mystical core of Islam, it is the ultimate devotion to one’s God: “It transcends all religions. Sufism is the ultimate devotion to one’s own God through self-realisation. It guides a man to reach the Almighty. The pure form of Bhakti between the devotee and his God sometimes manifests itself in the form of verse, music or dance.”
Shedding light on her album, Anita said “Tajalli” means a light from heaven. “The light brings the essence of love and devotion to one and all. I am passionate about Sufism. Since the age of seven I have been singing. I was singing ghazals but metamorphosed into a Sufi singer four years ago. Sufism tells people not to hurt anybody’s feelings and promotes non-violence. The message of my album is to disseminate the message of love and peace among all in this strife-ridden world.”
The recital was followed by the release of her HMV Sa Re Ga Ma album “Tajalli”.
A visibly pleased Manisha Koirala complimented Anita for her moving recital. “I have some friends who are Sufi singers. Sufi songs are knowledgeable and enjoyable. They have been well represented in our film industry,” she said.
Seasoned curator Naresh Kapuria, who had put together the show, said each artist has given his or her interpretation of the subject.
The participating artists included Sheshadhar Pandey, Sabha Hassan, Feroza Aslam, Arshi Ahmed, Shamshad Husain, Sangeeta Gupta and Sandeep Shankar.
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