Flautist makes mark on world stage

Salman Adil urges govt to grant greater patronage to artistes


APP July 10, 2018
Photo: Express Tribune/Muhammad Javaid

ISLAMABAD: Music is considered to be a universal language. What better use can a universal language have than bridge international barriers?

This is precisely what young Rawalpindi native has managed to accomplish.

But the journey, from a boy, shunned for his talent, to the world stage was not an easy one.

“I never imagined that the sound of my flute will reverberate on some of the biggest art platforms, and diplomatic missions of Pakistan by breaking all traditional barriers and restrictions, earning immense recognition," says the budding flautist Salman Adil.

Adil grew up in Rawalpindi but was not born in a musical household with his father a journalist. Indeed his musical journey started as attempts to chase away boredom.

“[I picked up] piece of rough flute from my cousin, considering it a toy,” Adil says.

However, at 15-years-of-age, he managed to memorise how to play the traditional Punjabi song ‘Lathey Di Chadar’.

“I practised that song day and night just for the sake of fun for many days," he recalls.

However, he never received any encouragement for it.

"All my relatives and friends were habitual of criticising me for playing a musical instrument, called me a `Miraasi’ (street musician),” he said with a twinge of anguish visible on his face.

"I used to play with my flute while sitting in a closet in my room with the doors shut owing to the rigid religious environment of my home. I faced criticism from my family and relatives but I never gave up," he said.

My family was not supportive during the initial stages as they were more concerned about what the people would say, but after realising my talent, they started encouraging me.

“Now they eagerly listen to my music and attend musical events where I am performing," he says.

Adil has gained a large following over the years and is invited to most musical events in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. They have also earned him foreign tours, especially those sponsored by the government.

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"I cannot fathom how my fingers discovered different sounds and tunes from just the six holes punched in this piece of wood," Adil said.

The young flautist noted that while he may have some talent and creativity, it took a lot of hard work to hone his craft and polish his skills.

He paid tribute to his spiritual musical teacher, Ustad Babar Ali, who was a flute maestro himself and gained recognition by playing along with renowned singers such as Attaullah Khan Esa Khelvi, Madam Noor Jehan and others.

“I started practising different tunes and songs on the flute day and night and entered into a world of Raagas. I thoroughly studied the craft and learned many things by searching on the internet and tried my best to excel in my work,” Adil said.

The flautist notes that playing the instrument is no longer a means to end boredom, rather it connects him to spiritualism while taking him to another world of peace, love and humanity.

"It was the sound of the flute which I loved when I started playing it but then I realised its purpose was not just to attract and entertain people but also to transform the lives of people by ending frustration, hatred and prejudices," Adil said.

This, he claims, is what differentiates him from all the other flautists, including those across the border in India.

He adds that this element entered his music after he started following the elements of mysticism and the teachings of Sufi Poets such as Baba Bhulley Shah, Maulana Rumi, Fariduddin Ganjshakar, Waris Shah, Amir Khusro and others.

"My soulful musical performances carry the element of truthfulness, which I inherited from my (late) father who was a journalist and never compromised on truth and honesty. My profession, for me, is just like praying and I am playing my role to bring youth on the right track by educating them through my music," he revealed.

Having had to struggle, even in his own home to make a space for his music, Adil wished that the artist community in Pakistan is given greater respect and their due rights.

Even though he has received recognition, he observed that other artists have little to no future in the country.

“[Artists] entertain the people until their health permits and when their health starts deteriorating, nobody cares about them,” the flautists maintained.

He urged the government to give patronage to artists and take steps for their welfare so that they bring more laurels for their county.

Apart from playing, he is also passing on his craft, training a number of future flautists across the country and abroad all from the comfort of his home via social media.

He has represented his country through playing eastern and western music as well as instrumental fusion in France, Holland, Japan, India, China, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan.

Salman Adil has won many awards for his contribution in the music industry at home and abroad, including PTV awards twice.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2018.

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