Welcome
About The Event
“In the stillness between the verses, we remember the heartbeat of the Divine.”
Born from a vision to merge mysticism, music, and immersive space, The Sufi Dimension – Chapter II invites you into a sacred realm, where poetry becomes prayer and visuals become vessels of meaning.
Following our debut at the Aga Khan Museum, this chapter expands the journey: within the panoramic environment of Illuminarium Toronto, immerse yourself in a curated flow of sound, light, and soul—tracing the six stages of the Sufi path from Ibteda (beginning) to Baqa (eternal life).
This is not simply a show — it is a spiritual experience crafted for the heart, the ear, and the essence of who we are.
A Note from Ankita Nandawat
“Music has always been my compass, and tonight, that compass points inward.
With The Sufi Dimension, I wanted to create a space where the boundaries between audience and performer, sound and silence, form and essence dissolve.
Every note, every light, every whisper in this performance is offered with love, and with surrender. I invite you to arrive as you are — and leave changed.
Thank you for walking this path with us.”
— Ankita Nandawat, Artistic Director & Lead Vocalist
With The Sufi Dimension, I wanted to create a space where the boundaries between audience and performer, sound and silence, form and essence dissolve.
Every note, every light, every whisper in this performance is offered with love, and with surrender. I invite you to arrive as you are — and leave changed.
Thank you for walking this path with us.”
— Ankita Nandawat, Artistic Director & Lead Vocalist
The Journey Through Stages
The Six Phases of the Soul’s Awakening
Every note, verse, and visual cue in The Sufi Dimension is mapped
to one of the six states of a seeker’s spiritual evolution.
This is not simply a concert — it’s choreography for the soul.
Stage
Meaning
Artistic Expression
Ibtida (The Beginning)
The spark of yearning that awakens the seeker.
A serene invocation opens the night —
Wohi Khuda Hai and Kun Faya Kun —
performed by Ankita & Saad, enveloped in
desert-dawn projections. Narration by
Zeb Aur-Rang and Uppekha Jain
sets the tone of surrender.
Ishq (Divine Love)
The fire of love transforms longing into devotion.
Featuring Maria Beyroza’s interpretive dance against
the Jardin Garden visualscape. Songs
Faaslon Ko Takalluf and Man Kunto Maula
bring together Persian and Punjabi poetics with Urdu narration by
Saquib Zia.
Wajd (Ecstasy)
The moment the self dissolves in rapture.
Chaap Tilak performed by Ankita with full
ensemble, rhythmic tabla by Abhishek Joshi,
and expressive visuals of whirling galaxies — embodying
ishq ka nasha.
Sama (Union Through Listening)
The heart learns to listen; silence becomes music.
A minimalist recitation of Aik Alif led by
Saad Arif, accompanied by
Vishal Bedi’s flute and
Berkay Atalay’s oud.
Lighting drifts into indigo and gold — the sound of stillness.
Fanaa (Annihilation)
The ego dissolves into the infinite.
Arsh Walia’s narration flows into
Laal Meri Pat; the dhol and bass drive the release of form.
Projections crumble into particles of light — symbolizing dissolution.
Baqa (Eternal Life in God)
From the ashes of surrender, the spirit endures.
The closing performance Allah Hoo unites all performers,
dancers, and narrators. A visual bloom of gold and white engulfs
the space as the audience becomes part of the chorus.
“This is the Sufi path — not a doctrine, but a journey.
Not a demand to believe, but an invitation to feel.”
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The Journey Through Stages
The Six Phases of the Soul’s Awakening
Every note, verse, and visual cue in The Sufi Dimension is mapped to one of the six states of a seeker’s spiritual evolution. This is not simply a concert — it’s choreography for the soul.
| Stage | Meaning | Artistic Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Ibtida (The Beginning) | The spark of yearning that awakens the seeker. | A serene invocation opens the night — Wohi Khuda Hai and Kun Faya Kun — performed by Ankita & Saad, enveloped in desert-dawn projections. Narration by Zeb Aur-Rang and Uppekha Jain sets the tone of surrender. |
| Ishq (Divine Love) | The fire of love transforms longing into devotion. | Featuring Maria Beyroza’s interpretive dance against the Jardin Garden visualscape. Songs Faaslon Ko Takalluf and Man Kunto Maula bring together Persian and Punjabi poetics with Urdu narration by Saquib Zia. |
| Wajd (Ecstasy) | The moment the self dissolves in rapture. | Chaap Tilak performed by Ankita with full ensemble, rhythmic tabla by Abhishek Joshi, and expressive visuals of whirling galaxies — embodying ishq ka nasha. |
| Sama (Union Through Listening) | The heart learns to listen; silence becomes music. | A minimalist recitation of Aik Alif led by Saad Arif, accompanied by Vishal Bedi’s flute and Berkay Atalay’s oud. Lighting drifts into indigo and gold — the sound of stillness. |
| Fanaa (Annihilation) | The ego dissolves into the infinite. | Arsh Walia’s narration flows into Laal Meri Pat; the dhol and bass drive the release of form. Projections crumble into particles of light — symbolizing dissolution. |
| Baqa (Eternal Life in God) | From the ashes of surrender, the spirit endures. | The closing performance Allah Hoo unites all performers, dancers, and narrators. A visual bloom of gold and white engulfs the space as the audience becomes part of the chorus. |
“This is the Sufi path — not a doctrine, but a journey. Not a demand to believe, but an invitation to feel.”
Uppekha - Your Host
The warm and witty guide of the evening, Uppekha welcomes everyone into the Baatein Unkahi experience with open arms. As host, her bright smile and graceful charm tie each segment together, making the audience feel as if they’re part of an intimate living-room conversation. She is the night’s guiding star, lighting the way from one performance to the next with effortless warmth.
Host – Uppekha Jain: Click here
Zeb - Narrator & Poet
Zeb is the soulful narrator of the night – a poet whose words flow between the musical pieces like a gentle stream. His verses give context and depth to each segment, painting emotions in strokes of Urdu and Hindi poetry. With a voice both soothing and stirring, Zeb’s narrations bind the evening together, articulating the unsaid and guiding our hearts through silence, sorrow, and solace.
Narrator/Poet – Zeb: Click here
Ankita Nandawat
For Ankita, music is less about performance and more about expressing hidden emotions, connecting with souls and making a memory for life. Understanding the subtleties of ghazals and modern melodies alike, she pours raw emotion into every note. When Ankita sings, love and longing become tangible – her melodies can sweep you into heartache one moment and lift you into blissful hope the next. With rich, expressive vocals, she gives soul to words left unspoken.
Ankita Nandawat: Click here
Saad Arif Tauseef
Saad’s vocals add a resonant counterpoint to the musical tapestry. Equally at home in soul-stirring Eastern ballads and anthemic Western tunes, he brings versatility and heart to the stage. When Saad sings, his voice carries the ache of unspoken love as well as the promise of healing in its warm embrace. He lends depth to every duet and solo, ensuring the night’s melodies echo long after they’re sung.
Saad Arif Tauseef: Click here
Anna - Violin & Piano
On violin and piano, Anna adds a touch of classical grace to the evening. Whether her bow is drawing out a haunting strain of longing or her fingers are dancing across piano keys in a gentle lullaby, she paints the emotional backdrop in melodies beyond words. Anna’s instrumentals speak directly to the heart, echoing every sentiment from melancholy to hope.
Violin & Piano – Anna: Click here
Vishal Bedi - Flutes
The mellow sigh of Vishal’s flute fills the spaces where words trail off. His flute melodies drift through the air like golden threads of sound – sometimes joyful and lilting, other times as wistful as a distant breeze. With exquisite control and soul, Vishal’s playing adds a serene, almost spiritual layer to the concert, lifting each song into the realm of the sublime.
Flutes – Vishal Bedi: Click here
Dhairya Kapoor - Percussion
Dhairya provides the heartbeat of Baatein Unkahi on percussion. With palms on the dholak and fingers on the drums, he sets rhythms that make the spirit sway. In tender moments, his beats are a soft thump under the melody; in passionate crescendos, his drumming rises like a racing pulse. Dhairya’s rhythms connect every performer on stage, uniting poetry and song with the audience’s own heartbeats.
Percussion – Dhairya Kapoor: Click here
Meet The Team
Samar Kaushik (@synchopath) – Coordinator
Samar is the quiet conductor behind the scenes, orchestrating every detail so that Baatein Unkahi unfolds like a perfectly composed melody. He threads together lights, sounds, and schedules with calm expertise, ensuring no note or emotion is out of place. In the hush before the show, you’ll find Samar steady and focused, a gentle smile revealing the passion beneath his composed exterior. Imagine his portrait bathed in deep red and golden hues, reflecting the fervent energy and guiding light he pours into this night.
Meet Samar Kaushik (Coordinator): Click here
Vignesh Prabhu (@chefmeistervi) – Food Stylist
In the kitchen and beyond, Vignesh Prabhu conjures a culinary voyage that parallels the evening’s emotional journey. As our Food Designer, he treats flavors like musical notes – harmonizing sweet with savory, blending spices and aromas into an elegant composition on each plate. Every bite at Baatein Unkahi carries Vignesh’s artistic imprint, from playful appetizers to soul-warming mains and desserts that linger like a final sweet melody. Picture Vignesh’s portrait glowing in warm mustard yellow and rich red tones, echoing the creative zest and warmth he brings to our table.
Meet Vignesh Prabhu (Food Stylist): Click here
Hussain Jawa (@hussainjawa) – Sound Engineer
Hussain Jawa is the unseen maestro of the evening’s soundscape. As Sound Engineer, he balances each note and every whispered verse, ensuring the music and poetry wash over the audience in perfect harmony. From his console glowing like a night sky of tiny lights, he weaves an acoustic tapestry – tuning levels, banishing stray silence, and letting each performer’s voice shine. Envision Hussain’s portrait awash in cool indigo blue with touches of gold, mirroring the midnight hues of sound he orchestrates and the golden clarity he brings to every moment.
Meet Hussain Jawa (Sound Engineer): Click here
Tehmeena Sultani (@tehmeenasultani) – Social Media Coordinator
Tehmeena Sultani serves as the bridge between the magic on stage and the world beyond. With a phone in one hand and creativity in the other, she captures each sparkling moment of Baatein Unkahi – a heartfelt lyric, a shared smile, the glow of the stage – and sends it out for all to feel. As our Social Media Coordinator, her quick storytelling and keen eye ensure the night’s intimacy travels far and wide. Imagine Tehmeena’s portrait illuminated in radiant gold and deep indigo, reflecting the luminous energy she spreads and the midnight canvas where her stories unfold.
Meet Tehmeena Sultani (Social Media Coordinator): Click here
Our Collaborating Partners
SAADIO Foundation (South Asian Artist Development Initiatives Organization) is a grassroots Canadian nonprofit dedicated to nurturing South Asian voices through art, culture, and community. Founded on the belief that stories heal and expression unites, SAADIO supports emerging artists, curates inclusive creative spaces, and amplifies underrepresented narratives. From soulful concerts to poetry-driven dialogues, the foundation champions art as a bridge between generations and cultures. Rooted in Mississauga and inspired by the South Asian diaspora’s depth, SAADIO builds platforms where the unspoken is finally heard, and where creativity becomes both celebration and conversation.
Follow SAADIO Foundation: Click here
Madnetism Arts Inc. is a Toronto-based creative collective and production company dedicated to crafting immersive experiences through music, visual storytelling, and cross-cultural performance. Founded by artist-producer Saad Arif Tauseef, Madnetism blends South Asian heritage with contemporary artistry to create emotionally resonant narratives on stage and screen. From concept to curtain, the company curates bold, soul-driven projects—from original music videos to theatrical concert experiences like Baatein Unkahi. Rooted in collaboration and driven by passion, Madnetism Arts builds platforms for emerging voices while redefining how stories are told, heard, and felt in Canada’s evolving creative landscape.
Follow Madnetism Arts: Click here
Ahmed Entertainment is a premier event and talent management company specializing in South Asian arts, culture, and live experiences across Canada. With a passion for connecting communities through unforgettable performances, Ahmed Entertainment curates high-impact concerts, theatrical showcases, and cultural festivals that celebrate both tradition and innovation. The company has worked with internationally renowned artists while nurturing local talent, building bridges between generations and genres. As a trusted name in the entertainment industry, Ahmed Entertainment brings professionalism, creativity, and heart to every project—turning ideas into impactful, vibrant events that resonate long after the final curtain falls.
Follow Ahmed Entertainment: Click here
The Program
Segment 1: Silent Love, Silent Pain & Tears
Dil-e-Nadaan
A delicate ghazal that opens the night with the innocence of a heart yearning in silence. Sung by Ankita with soft piano undercurrents, every word lands like a teardrop in still water.
Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum
Timeless and haunting, this song drifts in like a memory you never let go of. The deep vocals and slow dholak rhythm echo across the stage like unanswered questions.
Duniya Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein
A duet that paints the ache of unrealized love. Ankita and a male vocalist bring together melancholy and melody, evoking the ache of loving in silence.
Fix You (Coldplay)
Saad’s soulful English rendition is a balm in the storm. Backed by delicate guitar and piano, his voice promises healing in a world filled with unspoken pain.
Medley: Tumse Milke Aisa Laga / Chaand Bhi Dekha / Baahon Ke Darmiyaan
Three romantic classics flow into one another like fading dreams, guided by flute and vocal harmony. A poetic close to a segment soaked in longing and memory.
Segment 2: Khamoshi (Unfinished Conversations)
Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein
Saad whispers a plea for tenderness – for slow, lingering words in a moment that begs to never end. The guitar gently weeps, and so do hearts.
Saanson Ki Maala Pe
A spiritual love song rendered as a heartfelt duet by Saad and Ankita. Each breath is strung with devotion, backed by the serene notes of flute and soft percussion.
Segment 3: Regret & Fear
Kyun Ishq Tha
Ankita unravels the aching question that lingers after heartbreak. Her voice floats over violin like smoke over dying embers – warm, fragile, fading.
Yeh Na Thi Hamari Qismat
A duet by Ankita and Zeb that carries the weight of Ghalib’s sorrow. The lyrics carve into the air, with the flute shadowing every regretful sigh.
Theatrical Act (Unspoken Regret)
A short wordless piece where movement replaces voice. Each step and glance tells a story of miscommunication and missed chances.
Tadap Tadap Ke
The climax of anguish. Saad and Ankita deliver this modern heartbreak anthem with raw power, as Zeb and Uppekha narrate in between. Every note bleeds.
Segment 4: Hope, Faith & Courage
Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin
From the shadows of pain, Ankita’s voice rises with quiet strength. With Anna on piano, this ballad is a soft sunrise after a long night of doubt.
Segment 5: Acceptance
Umraan Langiyaan
A Punjabi folk gem led by Ankita. Her voice, seasoned with grace, flows gently into the room like a river finding its way home.
Closing Poem & Remarks
Zeb offers his final words – a soft descent into stillness. Uppekha and Saad close the evening with gratitude, smiles, and a collective exhale from the heart.
Post-Event Coverage
