Did you know that the legendary qawwali maestro Amjad Sabri once managed to captivate the hearts of a notorious gang of armed robbers during an unexpected late-night stop for tea in Jhansi, India?
As recounted by Sabri’s son, Mujadid, his father had concluded a marathon performance in Jhansi, extending well past its scheduled duration. This compelled Sabri and his entourage to venture out into the streets of Jhansi late at night, a time notorious for its prevalence of armed robberies.
“Locals had warned him against stepping out at such an hour in Jhansi, known for its high concentration of armed robbers,” Mujadid recalled during a recent podcast with Nadir Ali. “Despite the warnings, he and his team proceeded and stopped at a roadside dhaba for tea.”
Unbeknownst to Sabri, among the patrons at the dhaba were the very armed robbers about whom he had been cautioned. By chance, they were listening to a qawwali performed by Amjad’s own father, Ghulam Farid. Recognizing the qawwali singer, the gang members swiftly took action to ensure Sabri’s safety.
“They were armed and ready,” Mujadid continued. “But upon realizing my father’s presence, they approached him and insisted that it was unsafe at that hour. They pledged to accompany him and his team for their own security.”
True to their word, the armed robbers escorted Sabri and his crew for the remainder of their journey, ensuring their safety through the night.
This incident not only highlights the power of music to transcend boundaries but also underscores the unexpected bonds that can form even in the most unlikely of circumstances. Amjad Sabri’s encounter with the armed robbers of Jhansi stands as a testament to his enduring influence and the universal appeal of his family’s musical legacy.
