Shabnam Virmani

Singing was an unexpected outcome of my travels as a filmmaker. For the courage of this transgression, I thank Prahlad Tipanyaji & Kaluram Bamaniyaji who gave me the heart to sing. To the folk gurus from whom I heard these songs, sang with them, discussed meanings over endless road journeys - Mahesha Ram, Mukhtiyar Ali, Parvathy Baul, Mooralala Marwada and many others. To countless singers, alive and past, who keep this great body of poetry alive and kicking. What a wonder that I can add my voice to this grand project, keep its cogs oiled through my singing! To those weaving their voices with mine, for those moments when the songs lit up our eyes together - Tara, Dipta, Namrata, Gopal, Vipul, Swagath, Shreeparna & Srishti students. To Kabir and all the dead poets who draw us towards love, rigour, sanity.. slapping us awake or stroking our hair or lighting a fire in our hearts. With my salaams, www.kabirproject.org & www.ajabshahar.org are also an offering. www.shabnamvirmani.com