The Nooran Sisters performing live in Pune

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There was a fleet of cars lined up outside Waikiki – the venue for the evening. I, in a saree which I am not so used to wearing, had to walk a distance to cross the line of cars. I stepped on stones and rubble trying to save my new shoes. But I didn’t mind. After all, the reason was motivation enough. I was about to listen to the Nooran Sisters!

Live Performance in Pune
Vinay Aranha and Vijay Darda

The Nooran Sisters had traveled the distance to entertain us Puneites who had been waiting expectantly for this treat. The Presenter, Mr. Vinay Arhana, and LokMat had not left a stone unturned that evening to entertain their well-regarded guest list who reciprocated the invite with tasteful ensembles and star-struck enthusiasm.

On stage, under the glaring lights, the sisters took their mark with their crew. I had lost about 10 minutes of their performance. But what I listened to along the way more than made up for the loss. Like any other pundit, they kept sinking deeper into their craft with every song- the enthralling intensity and an energy almost tangible. Everywhere I looked I saw a hypnotized audience trying to capture the Nooran sisters into their smartphones. Well, who doesn’t want a memory of something so magical?

A little know-how about the Nooran Sisters

Jyoti Nooran and Sultana Nooran – are a Sufi singing duo from the Sham Chaurasia gharana of classical music from Jalandhar. Devotional music inspired by the work of great poets such as Rumi, Hafiz, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow and Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Sufi music has many sub-genres; Qawwali being the most popular. Hailing from a well acclaimed musical family, it was only a natural progression for the girls. What started in jest when they sang a famous poem they had heard their grandmother sing, turned into a defining moment as per Ustaad Gulshan Mir – their father.

They, the Nooran Sisters are happy that they have a darbar at home and a father who stood by them and supported them at a time when people looked down upon girls singing.

For the Nooran Sisters music is worship, and the songs have to connect to their soul and the Almighty.

Iqbal Mahal, a Canadian music promoter, discovered the sisters in 2010. He played a big role in their success. They also shot to fame recently with ‘Patakha Guddi’ in Imtiaz Ali’s movie ‘High Way.’

Soulful Rendition by the Nooran Sisters
Prajakta Albuquerque and Vijay Darda

The song Allah Hoo was a hit not only on youtube but the crowd at Waikiki also just loved it. Parde Mein Rahne Do was a superb hit from the movie Shikar. The twist that the Nooran Sisters gave it left the audience invigorated. Mast Kalandar lifted the mood, made you more alert and one felt exhilarated enough to want to dance away on the ground they had planted their feet firmly, not desiring to move from there. Jugni led one into a trance.  Tere Bin Nahi Lagda Dil Mera Dol Na left the crowd ecstatic and participating in the performance.

The Nooran sisters certainly left the crowd emotionalized!

The crowd listening to the Nooran Sisters at Waikiki.

As the Nooran Sisters began to leave the applause was deep and long.

The crowd began to mingle among themselves. Drinks and food flowed.  The bearers were alert and prompt, being courteous at all times.

The DJ mixed some beautiful numbers. There was a mix of Western and Bollywood. Towards the end, as the crowd had eaten well and danced to the beat of the music well into the wee hours of the morning, it was time to say ‘Alvida’ to a beautiful evening.

 

 

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