Hans Raj Hans popularising the soul of Sufism via music

Born in a Sikh family of farmers in Shafipur Village near Jalandhar, the popular singer Hans Raj Hans drew inspirations from street musicians and singers at holy shrines.He learnt music under the stewardship of Ustad Puran Shah Koti who motivated him.

By Karan Kapoor

Jalandhar, Nov.19 : Born in a Sikh family of farmers in Shafipur Village near Jalandhar, the popular singer Hans Raj Hans drew inspirations from street musicians and singers at holy shrines.He learnt music under the stewardship of Ustad Puran Shah Koti who motivated him.

Today, Hans Raj Hans is known all over the country as a famous Sufi singer who has popularised Sufi and folk music, taking them to drawing rooms and parties in a distinguished fashion.

"Sufism is a religion which all religions greatly venerate. Sufism's advantage is that it is dear to all religions. It is possible my personal religion may or may not be liked by some people. But Sufism is liked and accepted by all religions because it is the path of love and music," said Hans Raj Hans.

"Be it by singing or dancing, spreading the message of peace and reunion of people of all faiths is Sufism," he added.

"I could not imagine that Punjabi music would grow to such a level. It's fortunate that it is popular around the world. Even if the Punjabi language is not spoken everywhere but the Punjabi music is listened all around," said the legendry Sufi musician.

Music influences our lives. Our life is reflected in our folk songs. Sometimes I get worried with the way life that is changing; our lifestyle is changing so as the songs. The hope is alive and we have to save our tradition, he says while adding Bollywood's Hindi films having influenced of Punjabi folk are popular.

Asked about how much comfortable he considered himself with his success as a famous Sufi singer, Hans Raj Hans said: "My achievement has been that I live with my own people in the city I belong to."

"I meet and play with my friends and relatives. I may have well-settled in Mumbai or any foreign country, but it's my achievement that I controlled these emotions and I live with my own people and on that land where I have earned everything," he added.

ANI