- HOME
- TRENDING
- PEOPLE
- COMMUNITY
- LIFESTYLE
- OUR PUBLICATIONSOUR PUBLICATIONS
- MASALA RECOMMENDS
- MASALAWEDS
Music is an incredibly powerful tool that connects people across generations, cultures, and continents. There is a language composed entirely of notes, ragas, and scales that has the ability to touch hearts, even if the lyrics are in a completely different language.
As Indians, we may have come across Sufi music through our grandparents’ old cassettes, drifting in and out of sleep in a car during a family trip, or even the reworked Bollywood versions. If songs like “Kun Faaya Kun” from Rockstar (2011), “O Re Piya” from Aaja Nachle (2007), or “Bhar Do Jholi Meri” from Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) are on your Bollywood playlists, then you are familiar with the framework of the Sufi genre.
At its heart, the genre seeks to connect with the divine through lyricism, poetry, and devotional longing. Born Mohd Asif, Bismil began his musical journey at the age of five. Drawing deeply from his own personal experiences of love, longing, and self-discovery, his music has a way of touching the soul.
Bismil weaves a tapestry of Sufi poetry, qawwali, and ghazal with contemporary musical forms to create something that feels both fresh and comfortingly familiar. He has taken his act, Bismil Ki Mehfil, to stages across India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
Ahead of his anticipated performance in Bangkok this month, Masala caught up with the singer to learn more about the man behind the poetry.
What drew you to Sufi music as opposed to mainstream genres like pop or Bollywood?
Of all the genres like pop, Bollywood, or rock, Sufi is the one that connects me to the Divine. This particular genre has always had a draw for me. I have been trained in Indian classical music since my childhood and that foundation naturally led me to blend those techniques into Sufi music.
It creates such a powerful connection for me, especially with the depth of the lyrics and their meanings. That is why I feel so connected to Sufi music.
Tell us a little bit about the person behind the performer. When did music first become such an important part of your life?
Away from the spotlight, I am just a simple, grounded guy who tries to stay honest in his craft. My grandfather taught me discipline, daily riyaaz (practicing of the arts), and somewhere along the way music settled right into my heart.
That was when I started giving music my all. I like experimenting, learning, and, yes, I am also a little bit mischievous with a playful sense of humour.
I mostly keep to myself; I do not interfere in anyone else’s business; and, I genuinely do my best not to hurt anyone. I prefer to do my work quietly and with sincerity.
Was becoming a professional singer always the plan?
Music was, and still is, the only plan. There is no Plan B, C, or Z. I focus on practicing every day, honing my craft and finding peace through it.
That is what really centres me and it is what I keep coming back to. That kind of clarity offers everything. No distractions, just craft, discipline, and a sense of peace that you can only get from the music.
You have quite the large following. Has becoming viral ever felt strange or surreal?
It has been a long road. 15 years of steady work and only recently has it all started to click. It is beautiful and honestly, yes, a bit surreal.
Sufi music, in particular, transcends age and religion. It speaks to something universal, connecting people, bridging gaps, and pointing people towards something higher.
The lyrics and feelings reach straight into one’s soul. And for me, that is the most rewarding part: to know that music can heal and bring people together.
You’ve performed across several stages in different continents. How does Bismil Ki Mehfil keep its intimate atmosphere with large crowds?
For me, the heart of Bismil Ki Mehfil is the connection. Not the size of the venue. We’ve played on big stages across continents, but the idea of Bismil Ki Mehfil always remains the same.
To heal people. We carry that intimate and authentic Sufi spirit into a modern sound. I believe whatever comes from the heart reaches the hearts of others.
Are there any differences you’ve noticed when performing to crowds in the U.S. versus in India?
The energy is different but the emotion is surprisingly similar. In India, there is a familiarity with the language and the tradition.
In the U.S., I have often felt an even stronger sense of nostalgia and connection from people who may be far from home. At the end of the day, the audience who loves me is my home.
As we come up to your performance in Bangkok, this will be the first time some members of the Thai-Indian community will have an authentic Sufi experience. What should we look forward to?
They can expect an evening that is more than just a concert. It is a rollercoaster of emotion, power, and dance.
I am really looking forward to experiencing that connection with the Thai-Indian community in Bangkok. There will also be a lot that will feel fresh and different. I am sure that the night will find a place in their hearts.
The Sufi genre is soulful, poetic, and sometimes mysterious. Are you as introspective as your music or is there a difference between who you are on and off the stage?
I think there is a little bit of both. I am naturally quite reflective, but I am also very easy-going and playful off-stage. I think the stage brings out more emotional side of me.
Who has been your biggest influence outside of music? Is there anyone who has particularly shaped the person you have become?
My family has had the biggest influence on me, especially my father and my gurus. Growing up around musicians has taught me discipline and respect for the art and that belief continues to shape me.
What does an ordinary day look like for you when you are not travelling or performing?
A normal day usually revolves around riyaaz, music, planning, and some downtime. I try to keep things simple when I am not travelling.
I spend time with family, chill with friends, listen to music, and recharge.
What do you think this stage of your life has taught you about ambition, success, and who you want to become?
It has taught me that success is less about one big moment and more about consistency. I am still figuring things out but I know I want to keep growing as an artist without losing the honesty and connection that has brought me here in the first place.
Is there a Sufi composition you never tire of performing?
“Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande”
Who would be your dream musical collaboration?
A.R. Rahman
Favourite city to perform in?
New Delhi
Big concerts or intimate mehfils?
Big concerts
First thing you do after a performance?
Sit in a silent place, so quiet you can hear a pin drop.
A Bollywood song that deserves a Sufi makeover?
“Agar Tum Saath Ho” by Arijit Singh and Alka Yagnik from Tamasha (2015)
First Sufi song you fell in love with?
“Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor”
Describe Bismil in one word.
Mohabbat (love/emotional devotion)