Interview with musician Madan Gopal Singh ahead of TCS Ruhaniyat 2025 in Bengaluru

The 24th edition of TCS Ruhaniyat will unfold on Friday evening, 24 January, at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel Lawns in Bengaluru. For more than two decades, this festival has been a pilgrimage for music and poetry enthusiasts.

Organised by the Mumbai-based Banyan Tree Events and presented in association with Tata Consultancy Services, Ruhaniyat has been a festival that attempts to connect centuries-old traditions with the questions and curiosities of the present day.

This year, the line-up features a spectrum of performances, from Avadhoot Gandhi’s soulful tribute to Maharashtra’s saints to Indo-Arabic collaborations and Qawwali. Another act that encapsulates the spirit of Ruhaniyat is Madan Gopal Singh & Chaar Yaar, a group whose work with mystical poetry and cross-cultural compositions has earned them a devoted following.

A journey of freedom

For Madan Gopal, Ruhaniyat is more than a performance space — it is a crucible for creativity. “We have been associated with Ruhaniyat for almost 15 years or so and have travelled extensively with them in India and abroad,” he says, “This platform has given us the freedom to work on new materials, face creative challenges, and collaborate on cross-cultural compositions. It has been a truly enriching journey.”

Ruhaniyat, unlike many festivals, encourages artists to step outside their comfort zones. He explains, “There are two kinds of platforms. One doesn’t require much experimentation — you perform and leave. The other allows for creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Ruhaniyat belongs to the latter. It has enabled us to experiment with different languages and styles, including Punjabi, English, and Persian.”

For Madan Gopal and his ensemble, this freedom is a lifeline. He adds that their work is not just music — it’s a dialogue that spans centuries, cultures, and emotions.

Mystic poets in a modern lens

At the heart of Madan Gopal’s performances are the verses of mystic poets like Rumi, Bulleh Shah, and Guru Nanak. Their words, timeless and universal, take on new life under his thoughtful interpretation. “The works of mystic poets like Rumi resonate a lot with today’s audiences,” he says. “For instance, when I’m singing Rumi, I often connect it with John Lennon. Just see the jump — Rumi is from the 13th century, and Lennon is from the 20th. This interplay of texts across centuries adds depth to the music.”

His affection for Bulleh Shah, the 18th-century Punjabi Sufi poet, is particularly evident. “Bulleh Shah’s idea of love is fascinating because it is inclusive, spanning multiple religions and even non-religious perspectives. His rebellious spirit and his ability to challenge regressive notions make him incredibly relevant today.”

But for him, these performances are not merely historical explorations. “We revisit historical texts with our contemporary anxieties, joys, and questions. Our music addresses themes like migration, ecology, and the multiplicity of languages, making it as relevant today as it was centuries ago.”

Akbar Nizami
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Bridging generations

In an era when tradition often feels at odds with modernity, Madan Gopal is optimistic about the younger generation’s engagement with mystical and folk traditions. “The younger generation today is far stronger than it was 20 years ago,” he says. “Many are deeply interested in critical inquiries and are doing commendable work. Artists like Bindu Malini, Shabnam Virmani, Parvathy Baul, and ensembles like the Raghu Dixit Project are not just producing music; they are creating a resonance with cultural and historical relevance.”

For Madan Gopal, music is more than an art form; it is a tool for navigating life’s complexities. “The first and foremost thing is that I must address my own anxiety in order to engage with the larger anxieties of life,” he says. “I do that as a musician, poet, thinker, writer, and as an ordinary human being.”

On January 24, 6.15pm onwards, at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel Lawns. Tickets available on BookMyShow.com. For media queries and further information, contact 9223231359 or write to office@banyantreeevents.com