Abhijeet Sawant
He struck a chord with Junoon but got lost somewhere down the line. His third studio album titled Farida under Universal Music India, explores the fakir side of Sufism, the singer tells Deebashree Mohanty in a chat
‘life has been a long struggle’
Farida has come after a long break. Tell us about it.
Yes, it has been a long time since my last album but I am happy with how Farida has shaped up. It is different in many ways. Every song explores a human emotion. It is modern Sufism but we haven’t broken away from the classic base. A lot of people helped me in making this album and I owe it all to their love and support. My audience will love the songs.
Why call it FaridaIJ
The title track explores the fakir aspect of Sufism which has not been showcased entirely by other musicians in India. I wanted to do something refreshing and this was my chance. Farida emanates from an original kalaam by Baba Farid, a reputed name in the Sufi world. Hence the title. Once you hear the song, you will know the meaning of the kalaam.
In the age of Youtube, why have you not considered releasing your album onlineIJ
The thought of this album was born only because of this trend catching up in India. We saw how Psy’s Gangnam Style and how Norah Jones’ songs made waves after a lot of people heard and saw them online. We wanted to recreate that magic with a Sufi album. The plan is to release it online and then go in for a formal launch. Just to assess how well the song is being received by younger generation, the album will be released online first.
How has your journey since Indian Idol beenIJ
It has been a struggle all through. I had to start all over again after Indian Idol. That was the most difficult phase of my life. I won’t say I have achieved everything I had dreamt of but I have made a start and I am not going to look back. There is a plan that I follow and I am hopeful that it will work in my favour. All this while that I haven’t been recording songs in the studio, I have spent learning many things about the art of music. I have utilised my time to the best possible way. I don’t repent anything that I have done.
Your cousin has also composed for this album...
Amit Sawant is a music buff and a very learned person. He knows the taur tarike by heart. He will make a great composer one day. I have only given him a small chance to showcase his talent and he has done a wonderful job. There are three other composers for the album.
What has changed in Indian Idol since you won the crown in 2005
A lot has changed in the format and the concept. I would say the change is for the better. Earlier, Indian Idol was pegged as a platform for pop singers. Now they are fine with the classical bent. It is more about raga and sur taal now and less about overall performance which is good in one way.
What about projects in BollywoodIJ
They are very hard to come by. It is not easy to make a start in this line without having a godfather. I have struggled all the way till here and am willing to do so.