This Master’s Voice

To a layman,Master Saleem may be just another new kid on the block,but in the musical circles,this frail-looking singer with a powerful voice hails from an illustrious background,one which speaks of a renowned father,and Hans Raj Hans’ guru,Ustad Pooran Shah Koti. “My father always says,‘guru ek,shiksha anek’,and more than a son,I’ve been his disciple,” Saleem adds how his father stresses on the lafz. “Never get the pronunciation wrong for the lafz is sacred,” he says. So is sufiana kalaam. “That’s where my roots are. Sufism encompasses all things beautiful,it’s a treasure,a poet’s repertoire of emotions,” Saleem follows his eternal idol,the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Although he continues with his Punjabi albums,Saleem feels that Bollywood is the mecca of music industry. “Playback singing has made me famous in the remotest of areas,but I owe my success to Punjab too,” Saleem,however,is disappointed with the lack of guidance and appreciation in Punjab. “Here,whoever feels like singing and has the money cuts an album. Talent takes a backseat,whereas in Mumbai,talent is the front and only runner.” And his baritone is making musical waves here. “An artist is one who approaches his kala with sincerity,” adds Saleem,looking forward to his numbers in Toonpur Ka Superhero,Right or Wrong,Click,and another song,Maula “which is my style,my way of expressing my music for I don’t want to be typecast in dancing numbers.” Well,so far,so good. .