Sufi Ki Sultana promises a mystical night in Dubai

Harshdeep Kaur gives us a heads up on what to expect at her show tonight

There's something magical and mystical about Sufism. Known as Sufi Ki Sultana, Bollywood playback singer Harshdeep Kaur will be letting us in on some of the magic today at her show Noor - Sounds of Sufi that's taking place at the Johara Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah. 
Kaur made her debut in the Bollywood as a 16-year-old with the track Sajna Main Haari for the movie Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai in 2002. She has since won reality TV shows, recorded songs for films in various languages and recently bagged the IIFA Awards for Best Female Playback for her song Dilbaro from Alia Bhatt starrer Raazi. 
Kaur has established herself as a leading playback singer in Indian cinema and is credited with giving Sufi songs a wider appeal. 
City Times caught up with the Sufi queen ahead of her show in Dubai tonight.
Congratulations on your IIFA win! How does it feel, were you expecting to receive an award for Dilbaro? 
Thank you so much! It feels great. I have won so many awards for Dilbaro this year -  Star Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards, CNN Reel Awards, etc. So this one was expected too. This is really gratifying. 
Sufi songs used to have a niche section audience, but you are credited for making the genre more appealing and popular. How do you feel about it?
I love Sufi music. I have always tried to simplify it so that everyone can understand the genre and enjoy it to the maximum. I try to fuse modern music and arrangements with traditional lyrics. This way people from all age groups can enjoy Sufi songs. 
How do you keep your energy levels high during live performances? Do you feed off the energy of the audience or do you hone in on your skill and wholly immerse yourself in the act? 
I think it's always the love of the audience that keeps the artist going! When I sing on stage, I interact a lot with the audience and make them sing along too! Their love and enthusiasm gives me a lot of energy. 
Looking back at your successful career of over a decade, is there anything you'd do differently if you had a chance to relive those days again? 
I feel I have had an amazing journey until now, and I deeply cherish every experience that I have gained. I've learnt a lot over the years and I always try to become better. 
What are you most looking forward to during your Dubai visit? What can fans expect from your show? Do you have any pre-concert rituals?
I have prepared a beautiful Sufi set with my band and I'm sure the audience will love it. 
As a singer I do a lot of stretches before I go on stage along with some vocal warm-up exercises. I also drink hot water and honey before singing.  
Is there a song you have heard currently by another artist, that you wish you had sung? 
It's Dil Diyan Gallan - a beautiful song.
Reality shows are all the rage today with children as young as 5 and 6 getting a chance to showcase their talent. There are some who feel because of these shows, the industry has become extremely competitive. As a coach on The Voice, what are your thoughts on it?
There are so many talented kids today and everyone wants to become famous quickly. But I feel they should never stop learning and should work at getting better constantly. Parents should make sure children are also enjoying what they're doing and make sure their studies are not being affected. 
Your identity as a Sufi singer, from your costumes to of course your singing style, is so unique. What made you turn to Sufi music?
I'm a huge fan of Sufi music. Whenever I listen to or sing Sufi music it takes me to another world. There's a lot of peace and calm in soulful music. 
You have performed in concerts worldwide and regularly sing in Dubai too. What makes the audience here stand out?
Dubai has a beautiful mix of audience belonging to different cultures and countries, yet the love for music binds them together. It is definitely a music loving audience.

Five of Harshdeep's all-time fav songs 
*Rehna Tu from Delhi 6
*Sanson Ki Mala by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan 
*Pashmina from Fitoor
*Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum by Jagjit Singh
*Ik Onkar by Harshdeep Kaur
Event details
Harshdeep Kaur and Javed Ali will be performing at Noor - Sounds of Sufi, presented by Colors Live, at 9pm tonight at the Johara Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah. 
 
 
 
 
neha@khaleejtimes.com 

• Dubai