Music comes before everything: Kavita Seth

A young girl from Bareilly, who would accompany her father to Khanqah E Aalia Niazia (Dargah in Bareilly) to hear Sufi music, had no idea that music would become her life one day. "Music comes before anything for me", she feels.

Sharing her childhood memories, the singer further says, "At dargah, I would find myself lost in the musical trance. back then, I could hardly understand the technicalities or depth of Sufi music (or music in general), but nevertheless, it left an everlasting impression on my soul."

Before finding tranquility in Sufi music, Kavita explored various genres like Ghazals, Qawwali and Folk music. But there was always a void...a feeling of incompleteness that haunted her, until she got an opportunity to perform in 'Jahan-e-Khusrau' (annual concert organised by Muzaffar Ali). "There were Sufi singers from across the world participating in that event, and that's where I found the missing piece of my life. The charm of Sufi music took over me and I found serenity. Thereon, I started reading about Sufi saints and their writings," she says, adding,"There could be nothing better than singing for divine power. Jab Aap Khuda ki Shaan me Gaate ho, to Phir Kuch Aur Accha Nahi Lagta" she adds.

Recently, Kavita was in the Capital for a musical evening 'Anandotsav – A celebration of life'. Held at India Habitat Centre, the event was organised on the birth anniversary of her late husband K K Seth, whom she considers her friend, mentor, support system and guiding force.

"Every year I try my best to do something in his beloved memory and acknowledge his contribution to my success. Whatever I am today is because of him."

A successful and world acclaimed singer today, Kavita went through a long and difficult journey. "Like any other small town girl, I faced discouragement from my family when they came to know about my aspirations. They told me 'Shaadi ho jaaye, uske baad agar husband ko tumse gawaana ho toh gaana, We can't take you to places. Guarantee nahi hai ki success milegi' – they said. Soon after my graduation, they started looking for a suitable match and all I prayed for was to get married to a person who would support me and my dreams. And it was my good fortune that I found Mr Seth."

"From the day we met, to the day he died, he lived my dreams. The word 'Impossible' was not in his dictionary, and that's the reason I am so positive about everything. He changed me as a person. You won't believe but within 10 days of his death, I was doing shows. I didn't cancel a single concert because that's what he taught me – to be loyal towards work, to accept the changes, and move on with grace," mentions the singer who has sung chartbusters including 'Iktara', and 'Tum Hi Ho Bandhu'.

The time after her husband's death was the most challenging phase of Kavita's life, and being a part of the entertainment industry further added to the difficulties. "Working in this industry is nothing less than working like a soldier for BSF or CRPF. You have to hide your pain, look presentable, and be available all the time. There is no weekend for us."

However, despite all the drawbacks, the best thing about this industry is that people are very passionate about their work and that's the reason why working round the clock is not a headache for them, she feels.

In 2014, Seth got married again to a man who was equally supportive. "My husband helps in organising my events, my children are supportive and I have music in my life. What more can I ask for," she concludes.