In a chat with Us, the DJ talks about the creation of this reinterpretation and his experience of performing in Pakistan and abroad....
IN TUNE
Shahrukh Sheikh, a.k.a. DJ Shahrukh, has been busy merging Eastern sonics with Western vibes, creating fusion music and performing around the world. The Stockholm-based DJ’s latest project is ‘Gorakh Dhanda’, a collaboration with DJ Mino and singer Pooja Gaitonde that reinvents a timeless Sufi piece by mixing its soul-stirring Qawwali essence with EDM (electronic dance music) grooves.
In a chat with Us, the DJ talks about the creation of this reinterpretation and his experience of performing in Pakistan and abroad.
Us: What inspired the creation of your version of ‘Gorakh Dhanda’?
Shahrukh Sheikh: ‘Gorakh Dhanda’ is a poetic masterpiece that delves into the complexities of the human experience, questioning the illusion of Divine Energy. The inspiration behind creating ‘Gorakh Dhanda’ was my appreciation for the timeless beauty found in Sufism and Qawwali, which is not just a genre, but also a window into the human soul. Qawwali is about love, devotion, and the search for meaning, and I felt a deep calling to reinterpret this tradition and bring it into a contemporary context, creating a sonic experience that would resonate with today’s global audience.
Us: Please tell us about the song.
SS: ‘Gorakh Dhanda’ is a musical journey that fuses together the vibrancy of EDM and deep house with the timeless charm of Qawwali vocals. Exploring the enigmatic nature of the Creator, it is a song that invites you to dance, to reflect, and to explore the intricate relationship between the spiritual and the tangible aspects of our existence that often escape our understanding. In essence, [it is] the quest for spiritual enlightenment; an invitation to surrender to the Higher Power and the journey within to seek deeper truths.
Us: How did this collaboration between you, DJ Mino, and Pooja Gaitonde come about? And how was the experience of working with Mino and Pooja?
SS: Mino and I have worked together in the past and we make a great team. While we are very close friends, when it comes to making music, we always take it seriously and keep a professional attitude. It had been a decade since our last collaboration, ‘Dillagi’, and we wanted to create something together again. We discussed many ideas and I produced some demos and unfinished tracks till we finally agreed on this track.
We auditioned many singers, and shortlisted a renowned Pakistani artist. Unfortunately, the artist was a no-show, twice, and we lost our hard-earned money on booking studios for her in London and Islamabad. After that we were quite demotivated, but still not giving up. Today’s technological advancements allow us to be able to collaborate with talent anywhere in the world. And this experience has been an exploration of those possibilities.
I came across Pooja who was a seasoned singer as well as very professional in showing up to studios on time. The song was recorded in Mumbai and sent to Stockholm where I prepared the initial mix. We sent the project to Ali Mustafa in Pakistan for completion which was later sent off to New York for the final mastering. The track took a total of ten months in the making with many challenges and hiccups, but it is finally here and we are quite happy with what we have achieved.
Us: How do you feel about the reception of the song?
SS: I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the response. Of course, as an artist, you pour your heart and soul into your work, hoping that it will touch others in a meaningful way. The positive feedback, the messages of appreciation, and the genuine emotional connection that people have shared with the song have been nothing short of amazing.
“It’s good. Let me see where this can be used” was a message that I received from the renowned film director Mahesh Bhatt, which was a testament to the power of music to unite, uplift, and transcend boundaries.
At the same time, it is also a reminder of the diversity of musical preferences out there. Some listeners have connected with the song on a spiritual level, while others simply love the fusion of Qawwali with electronic music. And that’s the beauty of music – it’s a universal language that speaks to each person in their own unique way.
Us: You have worked/performed in Pakistan, Sweden, London, Ibiza, the Gold Coast, Dubai, and several other places around the world. How does the experience of working in Pakistan compare with the experience of working elsewhere?
SS: Pakistan is a country where the roots of Qawwali run deep. It’s a place where the spiritual essence of music is palpable, and you can feel the weight of tradition in every note.
Being connected to Pakistan is a true privilege for me. We have incredible talent in the country, with many artists who are willing to collaborate and innovate.
Performing internationally is an opportunity to foster a global appreciation for our traditions. While the settings and audiences may differ, the essence remains the same – music’s ability to touch hearts, inspire, and bring people together.
Us: Do you have any other projects in the pipeline? What can we expect from you in the coming months?
SS: I’m working on a series of tracks of similar niche, with live performances as an immersive experience where the audience can feel the energy of my music in real-time. Exploring the beautiful tapestry of Pakistani music traditions and presenting them on a global stage is a journey I’m eager to continue.
I’m committed to using my music for positive change. I’m exploring partnerships with organisations that align with my values, with the aim of leveraging music to raise awareness on important social and spiritual issues.
The modern world seems to be heading in a peculiar direction, with many distractions, and today it is most important to reflect on the wisdom from our ancestors to keep us balanced in our mind and soul and recognize our true calling.
