This Tere Gully Mein episode stands apart from the rest. After all, we have none other than Sagar Bhatia, the talented voice behind Sagar Wali Qawwali! The incredible music sensation took us through the buzzing streets of Preet Vihar in Jamnapaar, Delhi, for scintillating plates of kathi kebabs, tangy chole kulche, mouthwatering sizzlers and more. Over lip-smacking food, Sagar shared why he chose qawwali as his career path and the logic behind the name, ‘Sagar Wali Qawaali’.
Sagar Bhatia Shares How He Found His Calling In Music
Our first stop on this Tere Gully Mein episode with Sagar Bhatia brought us to Jamnapaar’s Bobby Tikki Wala. Here, we ordered kathi kebabs and chole kulche with the qawaali veteran. While munching on the delicious treats, we had to ask Sagar what brought him to qawwali in the first place. The singer revealed that his musical journey started in the fifth grade, when his teacher noticed him tapping his feet to the beat and was impressed with his sense of rhythm. He was handed a conga and asked to try his hand at it.
That’s how his musical journey began. From there, he recollects being given a budget of ₹2400 by his parents and asked to enrol in a course of his choice. Sagar invested that money in guitar lessons. Then, he started playing the guitar in jagran or religious prayer meets. After many years of experience being a guitarist in jagrans, Sagar formed his own band in 2010.
Also Read: Live Qawalli with Sagar Wali Qawwali in Jamnapaar
From Guitarist To Lead Singer
During one of the band performances, the band’s lead singer needed to use the washroom, that’s when Sagar held the mic and took over the stage. His vocals impressed the audience to such an extent that the band declared him the lead singer from then on. Then, the singer revealed that he joined India’s Raw Star and emerged in the top 6. His “sangharsh” (struggle) continues as he transcended to being a qawwali singer. Now, he said, he is having a great time in his life. “I’m blessed that I’m a musician,” remarked Sagar Bhatia with a thumbs-up and his cheeky smile.
Also Read: Tere Gully Mein: Sagar Wali Qawwali Opens About Musical Influences, Fave Street Food In Delhi & More
Now that you know Sagar Bhatia’s incredibly inspiring musical journey, watch his interview on Curly Tales’s YouTube channel.
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal