#Name the famous Qawwali singer in India.

 

The Legendary Qawwali Singer of India: Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Others Who Carried the Flame

Qawwali, the ecstatic devotional music rooted in Sufism, has held an unshakable position in the Indian subcontinent’s musical and spiritual landscape. While the origins of Qawwali trace back to 13th-century Persia and the Indian Chishti Sufi order, the art form blossomed in India through the efforts of various saints, musicians, and families. Among the greats who carried Qawwali into the hearts of millions, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan stands out as the most internationally acclaimed. Though he was born in Pakistan, his influence on Indian audiences and Indian Qawwali singers is unparalleled. India, too, has produced legendary Qawwals who have graced this spiritual tradition with passion and brilliance.

Let’s take a look at some of the most famous Qawwali singers in India, with a special focus on Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's influence, followed by other legendary Indian Qawwals.

1. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: A Global Icon of Qawwali

Although a Pakistani national, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's musical legacy has left a massive imprint on Indian audiences. Born in Faisalabad in 1948, he hailed from a 600-year-old family tradition of Qawwali. His powerful voice, emotional range, and ability to bridge classical and contemporary music earned him titles like “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali” (The Emperor of Qawwali).

Nusrat's performances in India, particularly in Mumbai and Delhi during the 1980s and 90s, were met with overwhelming admiration. Collaborations with Indian artists like A.R. Rahman and Bollywood filmmakers brought Qawwali to mainstream Indian cinema. Songs like Afreen Afreen, Piya Re Piya Re, and Kinna Sohna Tainu remain timeless.

Though Pakistani by origin, his spiritual message transcended borders. His voice is still heard in Indian homes, on radio stations, and at Sufi shrines, uniting people beyond religion and nationality.

2. The Sabri Brothers: A Tradition Carried Forward in India

Originally from Pakistan, the Sabri Brothers also influenced many Indian Qawwali singers. But their Indian disciples and musical heirs have kept their legacy alive in India. Their style is marked by rhythmic handclaps, poetic spiritual lyrics, and intense vocal crescendos.

In India, singers like Aslam Sabri, a contemporary Indian Qawwal, have carried forward the Sabri-style renditions, captivating audiences with pieces like Bhar Do Jholi Meri, Tajdar-e-Haram, and more.

3. Aziz Mian Qawwal: Grit and Gravitas

Aziz Mian was known for his raw and rebellious style of Qawwali, challenging listeners with deep philosophical and often confrontational lyrics. Though he was Pakistani, Indian audiences embraced his music, especially in religious gatherings and shrines.

Many Indian Qawwals took inspiration from his lyrical boldness. In particular, Qawwals like Aslam Warsi and Haji Maqbool Sabri’s disciples integrated this fiery spiritual expression into their performances across Indian dargahs.

4. Indian Legends of Qawwali

Now, let's shift focus to the homegrown Qawwali singers of India who’ve left a lasting mark on the art form.

a. Aslam Sabri

Aslam Sabri is one of the most celebrated Indian Qawwals in recent decades. Hailing from Delhi, he has performed Qawwali both in traditional settings like Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah and on international platforms. His soulful rendition of Tajdar-e-Haram and Bhar Do Jholi has made him a household name.

His performances at Urs festivals and Sufi shrines embody the traditional Chishti Sufi style. With a deep, powerful voice and emotive delivery, he has become a guardian of India’s Qawwali heritage.

b. Nizami Brothers

The Nizami Brothers—Ustad Chand Nizami, Shadab Faridi Nizami, and Sohrab Faridi Nizami—are descendants of a 700-year-old Qawwali tradition at the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi. They have carried the torch passed down by Amir Khusrau, the spiritual founder of Qawwali, who was a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya.

They have performed at countless festivals, Sufi events, and even on international tours, representing India's rich Qawwali culture on world stages. Their renditions of Chaap Tilak, Man Kunto Maula, and Dama Dam Mast Qalandar continue to inspire younger audiences.

c. Warsi Brothers

Based in Hyderabad, the Warsi Brothers are another notable Indian Qawwali group. They belong to the Delhi Gharana and have received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for their contribution to traditional Qawwali music.

Their performances are characterized by classical precision, intense devotion, and poetic richness. They are regular performers at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Nizamuddin Dargah, and various international Sufi festivals.

5. Bollywood and the Revival of Qawwali

In the 1950s through the 1980s, Bollywood played a significant role in popularizing Qawwali. Playback singers like Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, and later Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam performed Qawwali-style songs in films that introduced younger generations to this genre.

Famous Bollywood Qawwalis include:

• Na To Karvan Ki Talash Hai – Barsaat Ki Raat

• Parda Hai Parda – Amar Akbar Anthony

• Tumhe Dillagi Bhool Jani Padegi – (inspired by Nusrat’s version)

Modern Indian musicians like A.R. Rahman have collaborated with Qawwals and incorporated Sufi themes in soundtracks such as Khwaja Mere Khwaja (Jodhaa Akbar) and Piya Haji Ali (Fiza).

6. The Future of Qawwali in India

The future of Indian Qawwali looks promising. Many young Qawwals are learning the traditional forms while integrating new instruments and styles. Institutes like the Sangeet Natak Akademi and various Sufi foundations in India are promoting Qawwali workshops and festivals.

Social media platforms and YouTube have become powerful mediums for Indian Qawwals to reach global audiences. Channels like Ruhaniyat, Sufiyana Qawwali, and Studio Nizami regularly publish performances from both established and emerging Indian Qawwals.

Conclusion

Qawwali is more than just music; it is a spiritual journey. In India, the tradition continues to thrive through the voices of passionate artists like Aslam Sabri, Nizami Brothers, and Warsi Brothers, who keep alive the centuries-old legacy of Amir Khusrau and the Chishti saints.

Though Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan remains a towering figure whose influence is felt deeply across India, the country's own Qawwals have sustained and enriched this sacred genre. From the echoing courtyards of Delhi’s dargahs to the grand stages of international festivals, Indian Qawwali continues to resonate with the timeless call of divine love and unity.