Songs of the Seeker, by this Bengaluru-based music ensemble, brings back the poetry of Saint Kabirdas

“This project began as an experiment to bring together sounds from around the world,” says Vivaswath Rao, founder of The Sadho Project. “We take inspiration from nature, the sounds of flowing rivers and chirping birds.” . The group is scheduled to perform Songs of the Seeker at Bangalore International Centre on September 30. It is an experimental and immersive musical exploration of Kabirdas’ poetry.

The Sadho Project is a Bengaluru-based music quintet which was established in July 2025, and their work focuses on the philosophy and poetry of Kabirdas, but in a slightly different light, Vivaswath says. In their performances, Indian folk instruments meet modern-day electronic textures and percussion, making their take on bhajans and poetry experimental. Its members include Vivaswath, singer and composer Roopini Ravindran, singer Kusumitha Vasanth, pianist Aditi Bharatee and multi-instrument percussionist Anirudh Sharma.

The 90-minute event will have Kabir’s timeless poetry, blended with folk instruments, sounds from nature, electronic textures and unexpected percussion. Audiences are welcome to listen, reflect and sing along to well-known couplets and become seekers for an evening.

When asked what made them choose this poet in particular, Kusumitha says, “Kabir’s poetry is still relevant. What he said centuries ago will never stop being relevant. The metaphors he used are relatable even today.” The group bridges his works’ timeless antiquity and contemporary modernity through their performances.

Roopini, who also manages their sound effects, says, “We try to recreate his world of poetry and philosophy in a more immersive form. We don’t add or alter the original works in any way, but rather work towards bringing out the nuances of his poetry through sound and music.”

Being a five-member band adds to their production expertise. Anirudh says, “We make it a point to meet quite frequently, to discuss poetry, music and instruments. We have the freedom of adding our own elements to it. I feel we all get the space to express ourselves.”

The Sadho Project at a performance
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Special arrangement

Each of the singers and instrumentalists come from musical backgrounds that include Indian classical music, Western music, orchestration, harmonies and more, and their combined effort makes The Sadho Project unique.

“We take inspiration from folk music and work with electronic sounds. All of this comes together in our songs,” says Roopini. Aditi says, “We do not hesitate to try different things such as poetry recitation with singing. For some compositions Anirudh plays two tablas with different pitches. We try to keep an open mind about where our experimentation takes us.”

Vivaswath believes that one has to experience the performance firsthand to find their own interpretation or takeaway message. Post performance, the artistes will interact with the audiences.

Songs of the Seeker will be presented on September 30, from 7pm at Bangalore International Centre. Entry free. For details visit bangaloreinternationalcentre.org or @thesadhoproject on Instagram