Bollywood & Ghazal Reimagined on Sitar
I love giving a new voice to the melodies that define our stories. Here are my sitar interpretations of your favourite Bollywood classics and soulful ghazals.
Here is the sargam from "Mere Dholna" played at 1.4x speed. This iconic Bollywood song is a technical masterpiece, and it's a fun challenge to play its intricate patterns on the sitar.
As promised, here is the soulful version of "Mere Dholna 3.0." I loved the subtle melodic additions in the remake and wanted to interpret its beauty on the sitar.
Playing "Phir Le Aya Dil" from the movie Barfi, shot on the steps of a historic building in Vienna. The timeless melody felt like a perfect match for the classic, romantic atmosphere of the city.
My sitar rendition of "Vida Karo" from the film 'Chamkila.' The song's beautiful, haunting melody stuck with me, and I wanted to express its simple complexity through my instrument.
This is a cover of "Bolo Na" from the movie '12th Fail.' It's a special song for me as I also played sitar on the original soundtrack. It feels like coming full circle to create my own interpretation of it.
A studio performance of the classic Bollywood song "Piya Tose Naina Lage Re." I enjoy taking these old melodies and giving them a fresh voice on the sitar for today's listeners.
On Independence Day, I played this tribute to the sons and daughters of India. This is my sitar cover of "Luka Chuppi" from 'Rang De Basanti,' a song that carries so much emotion and love for our country.
I recently discovered this beautiful OST, "Tera Mera Hai Pyar Amar," and was captivated by its minimalist beauty. This is my humble attempt to play this soulful Pakistani drama theme on my sitar.
A collaboration with the wonderful singer Priyanka NK on the Malayalam hit "Aaradhike." The split-screen format shows how two artists can connect through music from different locations, blending voice and sitar.
A fusion rendition of the Tamil song "Aasa Kooda." I love the vibe of this track and enjoyed bridging its modern melody with the timeless charm of the sitar.
About Bollywood & Ghazal Reimagined
Reimagining a vocal track like 'Mere Dholna' or 'Phir Le Aya Dil' for the sitar isn't just about playing the notes; it is about translating the 'gayaki' (vocal style) of the original singer onto the strings. When you hear these covers, you are hearing the result of careful study where I try to capture the exact inflection of the voice, turning complex Bollywood compositions into instrumental narratives that maintain all their original emotion.
My approach to Bollywood and Ghazal on the sitar is rooted in the idea that a melody should transcend its original format. When I sit down to adapt a track, I look for the 'soul' of the composition. Whether it is the haunting simplicity of 'Vida Karo' from Chamkila or the intricate patterns in a fast-paced Bollywood number, the goal is to make the sitar sound like it is singing the lyrics.
I have performed these pieces everywhere from intimate gatherings in Kolkata to historic building steps in Vienna. This flexibility makes these sets perfect for events where you want music that is recognisable and nostalgic, but with the added class of live Indian classical instrumentation.
If you book a session from this collection, you are not just getting a background musician. You are getting a performance where I personally curate the setlist to match the mood of your event, be it a quiet evening of ghazals or a high-energy fusion set. I provide my own instruments and specialized pickups to ensure the sound quality is top-notch, regardless of the venue size. Let’s create a musical experience that feels both timeless and fresh for your guests.
Mehtab Ali Niazi
I am Mehtab Ali Niazi. Music is in my blood, passed down through seven generations, and I believe the sitar is the most expressive way to tell a story. Whether I am playing a classic ghazal or a modern Bollywood hit, my goal is to make the music speak directly to your heart.
Find the right music for your event
Looking for a different musical style for your occasion?
More from World Music & Fusion Concerts by Mehtab Ali Niazi
More services by Mehtab Ali Niazi