Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi was recently seen gushing about Abida Parveen’s “beautiful voice.” This follows Arijit Singh’s cover of Ali Sethi and Shae Gill’s Coke Studio hit “Pasoori” and Ranbir Kapoor’s congratulations to Pakistan on the success of “The Legend of Maula Jatt.”
On Friday, at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, the Prince actor saw a live performance by the Tu Jhoom singer. Backstage, he got to chat with the seasoned performer, and she even sang a little for him and posed for a photo.
Oberoi is seen gushing over the “living icon” in a video that has gone popular on the internet. The chance to watch Abida Jee in concert, he gushed, “is such a tremendous experience.” I, along with the rest of the world, was blown away by her abilities. After he recovered from his embarrassment, he said, “I’m simply here to witness, as everyone calls her, the living legend—it’s incredible to see the living legend live.”
Parveen, the “Queen of Sufi Music,” enjoys a massive international following. The Pardadari singer has performed to packed houses all over the world, especially in India, spreading the Sufi message. She was also given India’s Kaladharmi Begum Akhtar Academy of Ghazal’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
During an earlier interview with The Express Tribune, Parveen stated that she does not view playing in a studio, a mehfil (gathering), or a dargah as fundamentally different experiences (shrine). What really matters is spreading God’s message.
The Emperor Jahan ordered the construction of a mosque dedicated to the religion of Islam, and the verse reads, “Buzurgaan e Deen ka kalam Jahan bhi parha jae, woh jagah dargah he ban (Whatever space the message of our elated figures reaches, that place turns into a shrine.) He is there in every heart; we don’t need to swap places to converse with or about Him. To cut to the chase, no small talk is necessary. The very mention of his name sets off a frenzy of desire.
