KATHMANDU: The first time they met, they were getting ready for a journey — a journey to peace and harmony not limited to themselves. Their means for the journey — music and poetry.

Coming together for the first time, Nepali instrumental ensemble Sukarma and Indian Sufi poet Murad Ali not only discovered each other’s art but also gained a new perspective of their own form of art. As the trio — Dr Dhurbesh Chandra Regmi, Pramod Upadhyaya and Shyam Nepali — started creating musical notes, Ali imbibed the music and the words of 13th century Sufi poet Mowlana Rumi started flowing. They were rehearsing for a wonderful evening of music and poetry at Rabindra Puri’s Namuna Ghar in Bhaktapur on November 21.

“We are moving like a caravan with a message of peace and humanity and this journey engulfs everyone who is listening to us,” said Ali emphasising on the message of peace that is the crux of Rumi’s poems.

Talking about the collaboration with music he said, “Without music, poetry can’t fly. Poetry is the source, but it doesn’t carry people. So, in my opinion, to take people on this journey, to take Rumi’s poetry to the hearts of people, I need music.”

His words echoed Dr Regmi’s thoughts who said, “Music is open and can embrace anything. This time we will carry the poem’s sentiments.”

Ali who got introduced to Sufi at the age of six when he moved to Nizamuddin locality in Delhi said that Sufi was more of a call. Going back to that time he narrates, “I know he called me at that time. My life was in ruins then, it could have been completely destroyed had he not lifted me from that situation. There must have been something between God and Sufism in saving me. Maybe

it was Nizamuddin himself;

Sufis are friends of God and they have an area allotted so when you visit any dargha these friends of God will watch over you.”

Ali was taken to Dargha Sharif in Ajmer by his father in the 80’s. Ali, who is also a photographer added, “I started taking pictures like a anything there.” And on this road to Sufism, Rumi has been a huge influence on Ali.

“I have realised that the best way to deal with Rumi is to bring his poetry to action

in life. He says, ‘Use me to get into what your heart wants, keep me for something more important’.”

Ali who had also forayed into acting with movies like Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Iss Raat ki Subha Nahi and Haasil, also says that this “small talent” of his is just another dimension of portraying Rumi as character.

Ali simply adds, “Rumi has always been preaching to stop your brain from thinking and use your heart. He gives me wings to fly.”