This Bengaluru-based Music Ensemble Brings the Poetry of Kabirdas to Modern Audiences

In a fusion of tradition and innovation, The Sadho Project, a Bengaluru-based music ensemble, captivates contemporary audiences with the timeless poetry of Kabirdas. Scheduled to perform “Songs of the Seeker” at the Bangalore International Centre on September 30, the group leads listeners on an immersive musical journey that intertwines Indian folk traditions with modern soundscapes.

Background of The Sadho Project

Founded in July 2025 by Vivaswath Rao, The Sadho Project aims to bridge the gap between Kabirdas’s profound poetry and the sensibilities of modern audiences. “This project began as an experiment to bring together sounds from around the world,” Rao explains. Drawing inspiration from the natural world—its flowing rivers and chirping birds—the ensemble reinterprets Kabirdas’s poetic works through an experimental lens.

A Unique Musical Experience

The forthcoming performance, lasting 90 minutes, showcases a rich tapestry of Kabir’s verses layered with folk instruments, nature-inspired sounds, electronic textures, and dynamic percussion. Attendees will be invited to not only listen but also reflect and sing along to some of Kabir’s most cherished couplets, fostering a spirit of seeking and introspection throughout the evening.

Artistic Vision and Relevance of Kabirdas

When asked why Kabirdas was chosen as the focal point for their musical exploration, singer and member Kusumitha Vasanth remarked, “Kabir’s poetry is still relevant. What he said centuries ago will never stop being relevant. The metaphors he used are relatable even today.” This sentiment resonates deeply through The Sadho Project’s mission, as they strive to bring forth the timeless essence of Kabir’s words while contextualizing them within a contemporary framework.

Creative Collaboration and Production

The collaborative nature of the ensemble, comprising five talented musicians, enhances their production quality. With each member bringing diverse musical backgrounds in Indian classical music, Western genres, orchestration, and harmonies, the blend provides a unique flavor to their work. Vivaswath elaborates on the dynamic, stating, “We make it a point to meet quite frequently to discuss poetry, music, and instruments. We have the freedom of adding our own elements to it. I feel we all get the space to express ourselves.”

Roopini Ravindran, the group’s singer and sound manager, adds, “We try to recreate his world of poetry and philosophy in a more immersive form. We don’t add or alter the original works in any way but rather work towards bringing out the nuances of his poetry through sound and music.”

Experiential Elements

Aditi Bharatee, the ensemble’s pianist, highlights their commitment to experimentation, stating, “We do not hesitate to try different things such as poetry recitation with singing. For some compositions, Anirudh plays two tablas with different pitches. We try to keep an open mind about where our experimentation takes us.” Such creative liberties are indicative of their intention to present Kabir’s meanings in new and engaging ways.

Vivaswath believes that attending the performance is essential for experiencing the depth of their interpretation. “To find one’s own takeaway message, one must witness the performance firsthand,” he asserts. Following the show, the artists plan to engage with their audience, encouraging dialogue about the themes explored within Kabir’s poetry.

Event Details

The performance of “Songs of the Seeker” is set for September 30, commencing at 7 PM at the Bangalore International Centre. Admission is free, making this event accessible to all who wish to immerse themselves in the profound poetic legacy of Kabirdas, reimagined through the creative lens of The Sadho Project.

For more information, visit the Bangalore International Centre’s official website or follow The Sadho Project on Instagram at @thesadhoproject.