The Wadali brothers Puranchand and Pyarelal who was the younger got the world to notice them when they recomposed and introduced the kafis and qalams of sufi saints Baba Farid, Bulleh Shah and Amir Khusrau and the poems of Amrita Pritam on the proscenium stage.
They debuted as musicians in their 30’s, they became famous only in their 50’s. The duo stirred up the wistfulness of gazal in Punjab and took soulful shabads and gurbani far and wide, apart from being ace sufi gayaki singers. In a blow to sufi gayaki lovers, the younger Wadali, Pyarelal, passed away on Friday due to a cardiac arrest.He was 75.
The Wadali brothers found packed houses for their performances in India and abroad, and also especially in Pakistan. Puranchand who is 77 trained under legends like like Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan of Patiala gharana and Pt Durga Das. He was an expert in elaborate improvisational techniques’, and had a relatively coarse voice to go with his training.
Pyarelal, who trained under his elder brother had a crystal clear timbre. The two voices made for a delightful melodious combo of songs and sufi poetry which was soul stirring…
Their claim to fame came with their popular songs like Rangrez and Tu mane ya na mane, which also became touchstones of sufi mausiqi, due to their intelligent and creative writing and rendition. Recently, in the past few years, Puranchand also began performing with his son Lakhwinder Wadali.
The Wadali brothers are stuff of a legend. Their energy, enthusiasm, intelligence and creativity were unmatched and their songs will remain with the audiences forever. Although Pyarelal has passed away. Puranchand is intent in continuing the legacy of sufi mausiqi and continue singing with his son Lakhwinder Wadali.
Sufi music will never be the same without the genius and the skill of the Wadali brothers.
