Every word of his name has a meaning - he was known as Hazrat ( prophet of GOD ), Lal ( he wore red robes or mothers fondly call their kids as Lal ), Shahbaz ( Shah - King and Baz - Falcon, king of falcons and an Iranian GOD who led them to victory, a divine spirit ), and finally Qalandar ( a qalandari - a sufi saint, poet, mystic, noble man ). This song is in the honor of Sufi mystic 'Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar'. What a fascinating and satisfying journey it has been. This and last week I spent looking for all the versions and answers to my questions. That, one song could be so popular amongst so many, I wondered, what this song is all about, what's its true meaning.
Many college bands have attempted this giving a rock flavour. Some of the known names who have lent their voice to this - Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Madam Noor Jehan, Wadali Brothers, Reshma, Sabri Brothers, Jagjit Singh, Runa Laila, Lata Mangeshkar, bands like Junoon and this list endlessly goes on. It has been a hot favorite with all singers, notably qawwals and these days the reality show contestants.
