This music performance sheds light on the teachings of Kabir and Amir Khusro

Vipul Rikhi (centre) performs during an earlier edition of the baithak

The words and verses of saints and poets from centuries ago resonate with newfound relevance as we navigate the Maximum City, and the threads of love and devotion are intertwined with anxieties, egos and materialistic endeavours. Vipul Rikhi, musician and author, will bring to life the teachings of the mystic saint Kabir and Sufi poet Amir Khusro with a solo performance, Baithak-E-Rang, today.

Explaining the enduring relevance of the poets with a personal anecdote, Rikhi says, "The writings explore emotions of anxiety, worry, desire, loss, and sorrow that are shared experiences and transverse time and space. When I find myself carried away by desires, or notice my mind racing and rushing into decisions, Kabir's verses speak to me." He quotes, ‘Dheere dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoye, [Gently, O my mind, gently all things must go]', over a quick call with this writer.

Vipul Rikhi

Rikhi, who recently launched his book, Drunk on Love: An Essential Introduction to the Life, Ideas and Poetry of Kabir, reveals that it is the two poets' musings about love, albeit in different eras, that unites them and allows for a pleasing confluence. "Khusro talks of love in the words of a Sufi, whereas Kabir talks in terms of bhakti, but at the end of the day, they talk of the same kind of love - love for the beloved, for the gurus and for the divine," he remarks.

Armed with the humble tambura - a four-stringed Rajasthani folk music staple - Rikhi will deliver unplugged renditions. As he gears to perform his hour-long set, the musician adds, "Folk songs are simple and direct. There are no complex arrangements or instrumentations involved. However, the energy that the songs and poetry carry are immense. When I'm performing, I can feel the energy flow through my audience. Watching them fall in love with poetry is a gift that keeps on giving."

On: Today; 6.30 pm
At: Anaahat, New India Society, Juhu.
Call: 9870201485
Cost: Rs 999

Add to the playlist

>> Tu jhoom - Naseebo Lal and Abeeda Parveen
>> Airee sakhi - Kavita Seth
>> Yaar-e-man-beya - Dhaval Kothari
Log on to: Spotify