Kailash Kher Brings Soulful Energy to Toronto
Inernationally acclaimed singer-composer Kailash Kher and Kailasa bring their signature fusion of sufi, folk, and contemporary sounds to Meridian Hall, Toronto on August 23rd,2025 for a one-night-only performance that transcends borders and generations.
Audiences can expect more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of spirit, sound, and soul. In an exclusive conversation with Usha Pudukkotai, the maestro shared what makes this tour special, the essence of his music, and advice for aspiring artists.
USHA:
We are very excited and look forward to having you here in Toronto and your concert at Meridian Hall. Can you tell our readers, audience, and followers what excitement they can expect this year?
KAILASH KHER:
This year will be more exciting because Kailasa has come up with many new songs. We keep adding them to our live concerts.
Kailasa and Kailash Kher are more known for our non-film music than film music—although our film songs are just as much of a hit. We create a beautiful amalgamation of both.
So you’ll hear a mix of “film” and “ilm”—the deeper, more soulful songs. This time, we’ll make Toronto dance, laugh, and feel deeply—that’s what life is all about.
A true artist, or kalakar, is someone who shapes tomorrow.
USHA:
Wow, yes. You are so right. You have spirituality in your music—how do you combine that with contemporary styles so beautifully?
KAILASH KHER:
I believe in purity. I believe in truth. Whether it’s writing, singing, or speaking in interviews or podcasts, I don’t want to be superficial or artificial—not even for a second. When you are compassionate and a true believer in truth, that energy reflects in your music.
For example, when I write lyrics like:
Tu has has pighlati hai ri,
Hai mera ishq anokha hai ri,
Bas jataana nahi aata, haan bataana nahi aata…
These lines aren’t just poetry—they come from deep conviction. They reflect the intensity of what I feel. That’s not shallow entertainment—it’s soul-driven.
Look at songs like Teri Deewani, Saiyaan, Chandan Mein, Heri Sakhi Mangal Gauri, Albelia—these aren’t just for fun. They go beyond entertainment. They’re about enlightenment.
USHA:
So true. Now please tell us, what’s different about performing internationally in Toronto versus performing in India?
KAILASH KHER:
Yes, there is a bit of a difference. In Bharat, people are evolving. Earlier, there was hesitation in buying tickets for live concerts, but now people are more open—they have the spending capacity and the spirit to support independent music, not just film songs.
In contrast, I find the desi community abroad still compares artists a lot—like “Kumar Sanu is coming,” or “AR Rahman’s concert is next month”—and that causes confusion.
This attitude needs to change. If you genuinely enjoy an artist’s music, then support them. Don’t compare dal-chawal with gobi-aloo—everything has its own taste. Each one has its own unique flavor.
USHA:
That is so true, amazing. Thank you.
What advice would you give to upcoming singers—especially with so many reality shows and talented youth trying to break into the music industry?
KAILASH KHER:
Well, Usha, I usually charge a fee for advice 🙂 —but because you’re sweet and because it’s Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day, here’s my complimentary advice:
Listen to your own work.
Watch your own performances. Not like a biased fan, but with honesty. Be your own guru, your own disciple.
Listen 100 times. Understand where it’s raw. Fix it. The problem today is raw, unpolished work gets pushed out too quickly, and people think it’s a mountain when it’s still a hill.
Work hard. There’s no shortcut. And remember: there’s no one better than you to understand your own work.
As Guru Nanak Dev Ji said:
“Don’t wander outside. I am within you. I am ahead of you. I am your soul.”
Even a thief knows when he’s doing wrong—because his soul tells him so. Listen to that inner voice. That’s God.
USHA:
So beautifully said. Thank you for this heartfelt advice.
One other question—what will be your personal favourite song that you’ll perform here in Toronto?
KAILASH KHER:
Usha, honestly, my favourite songs are usually the ones I’m currently working on—and those are unreleased, so I can’t share yet!
But from the released songs, here’s one of my favourites:
Saheliya sajti hai,
Dharti se ambar sajta hai,
Aaj piya ghar aayenge…
Surma koi le aao,
Main kajal lagaoon,
Main uska chehra dekhoon…
Main prem mein hoon…
This is what I cherish.
USHA:
Wow, thank you so much. We are all looking forward to seeing you in Toronto soon!
Catch Kailash Kher live at Meridian Hall and experience the magic of music that moves the soul. For details, please visit: TO Live – Event Details Page – Kailash Kher 2025
