Who are Rooh-e-Noor? Everything about AR Rahman's new all-women band
What's the story
Academy and National Award-winning music composer AR Rahman has announced the launch of an all-women band, Rooh-e-Noor. The six-member group, led by his daughter Khatija Rahman, is part of his KM Musiq audio label. The band will make its world premiere at the Tanweer Festival on November 21 in Sharjah, UAE, when they open for Rahman.
Band composition
Meet the members of Rooh-e-Noor
The band comprises Khatija, Pooja Tiwari, Shaoni Mojumdar, Sana Aziz, Shifa Ruby, and Amina Rafiq. While Tiwari and Mojumdar are vocal trainers, Rafiq and Ruby will supervise music. The production team includes Aziz along with Sarthak Kalyani, and Nakul Abhyankar. The name Rooh-e-Noor translates to "Soul of Light" and signifies the transformative power of women's voices to heal and inspire.
Band's significance
Here's what Rahman said about the band
Rahman spoke about the significance of the band in a statement, saying, "Rooh-e-Noor isn't just a band, it's a light that connects hearts." "Each of these women carries the confidence of modern artistry. Their collective voice is pure, powerful, rooted and futuristic." Rahman had earlier shared a teaser of the band on his Instagram account.
Performance details
Band will perform whirling dervishes, reimagined classics
Rooh-e-Noor's debut performance will showcase a rich blend of reimagined classics, film compositions, and soulful spiritual pieces, all arranged to evoke deep emotion and a sense of connection. In the teaser, the band members are also seen performing the whirling dervish, a Sufi devotional dance form. Meanwhile, Rooh-e-Noor seeks to serve as a platform for female artists.