Mohammad Arshad

Mohammad Arshad is a middle aged folk musician from Malerkothla, near Patiala in Punjab. He specializes in Qawwaali music. He belongs to the ‘Rehmat Qawwaal’ Gharaana, and does his ‘riyaaz’ regularly and consistently, with full dedication. His interest in music was developed when he used to listen to his father and brother practising for long hours at home. The soothing melody of the ‘Kalaams’ of Qawwaali sung by them still echoes in his ears. Inspired by his elders, Arshad Ji also started his training to become a Qawwaali musician at a young age. He enjoyed singing and playing the Harmonium as well. Together with his father and elder brother, Arshad Ji practised different ‘Kalaams’, day and night to achieve the level he is at, in today’s time. His elders taught him around 68 different Arab ‘Kalaams’, along with many others. He sings the chorus with Anwar Ali Ji and also gives backing vocals. He owns a small shop of clothes in Malerkothla.