As the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), in collaboration with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025, presents the second edition of IPRS Stage, it continues its mission of providing a platform for undiscovered musical talent. This initiative is dedicated to celebrating India’s diverse musical traditions, ensuring that regional and folk musicians receive the recognition they deserve.
Among the featured artists at this milestone 25th edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is Desert KATS, an ensemble from Barmer, Rajasthan, known for preserving the rich musical heritage of the Langa community. Desert KATS brings the evocative sounds of Rajasthan to a larger audience, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions of folk and Sufi music.
RAGA2ROCK had a chat with Kasim Khan of the Desert KATS
How did you get the name “Desert KATS”? It’s quite an English-sounding name.
Kasim Khan: Yes, it does sound like an English name, but there’s a special reason behind it. The name is actually derived from the initials of our group members. My name is Kasim, so that gives us ‘K’. Then we have Aslam, which contributes ‘A’. Irfan Pathan brings in ‘T’ (we have taken that from the Pathan), and finally, Salim completes it with ‘S’. When you put all the initials together, you get KATS—hence, Desert KATS.
The idea for this name came from a very close supporter of ours who is based in Kolkata. He has been a great help to us, especially after COVID, when things slowed down for folk musicians like us. He not only encouraged us to form a group but also suggested this name. His vision was to create an identity that reflects both our roots and our ability to reach a wider audience.
Do you primarily sing Rajasthani folk songs or also explore other genres?
Kasim Khan: Our music is deeply rooted in Rajasthani folk traditions, but we are not limited to just one genre. We also perform Bollywood, Sufi, and fusion music, depending on the occasion and audience preference. For instance, our performance won’t feature folk songs but rather a Sufi mix. We adapt our set list is based on what our audience enjoys while staying true to our traditional roots.
Have you recorded any original compositions?
Kasim Khan: In the past, we performed on radio programs, but we haven’t had the opportunity to record and release personal compositions. Our primary focus has always been on live performances, where we connect directly with the audience.
Do you have any plans to record original music in the future?
Kasim Khan: Right now, our priority is to perform at major festivals and keep our folk traditions alive. While recording is an option, we believe that our strength lies in live performances. That’s where the real magic of folk music happens—when it’s experienced in the moment.
Many folk artists transition to Bollywood. Have you ever considered pursuing a career in playback singing?
Kasim Khan: Personally, Bollywood has never been my goal. While many folk artists from Rajasthan have made their way into the industry, we want to focus on building a lasting legacy. Bollywood is seasonal—trends change, and artists come and go. But folk music has been around for centuries, and our mission is to preserve and continue this tradition for generations to come.
What kind of music do you personally enjoy the most?
Kasim Khan: I have always been drawn to traditional Rajasthani folk music, but I also love Sufi poetry, especially the works of Baba Bulleh Shah. His words are deeply spiritual and powerful, and they resonate with our style of music.
Do you have a favourite Bollywood song?
Kasim Khan: Yes, one of my favorites is Ant Bahar Di Khabar Na Khayi, Rangi Rang Banaya, Mola Aadmi Banaya. This is actually Baba Bulleh Shah’s poetry, and I love performing it.
Who are your favorite singers in India?
Kasim Khan: In classical music, I really admire Shankar Mahadevan. In folk music, I have immense respect for our elders and traditional artists who have kept these art forms alive.
What about Punjabi music? Do you have a favourite Punjabi singer?
Kasim Khan: There are so many great Punjabi singers, but my personal favourite is Gurdas Maan. His voice and storytelling ability are unmatched.
And in Bollywood playback singing?
Kasim Khan: I have always admired Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi for their timeless voices. Among today’s artists, I like Neha Kakkar.
Is that because of her singing style or something else?
Kasim Khan: It’s definitely because of her voice!
What are your long-term aspirations as an artist?
Kasim Khan: I have been performing since childhood, and the journey has been beautiful but challenging. Before COVID, we had many opportunities, including international performances. But after the pandemic, things slowed down a lot for folk musicians. That’s when Koushik Dutta suggested that we form a group, and that’s how Desert KATS was born.
Now, our goal is to rebuild our presence and perform at major festivals, both in India and internationally.
One last question—what is your favourite place in India, apart from Rajasthan?
Kasim Khan: Rajasthan will always be home, but apart from that, I really love Punjab. I also have a deep connection with Kutch, Gujarat.
Have you ever performed at a festival in Kutch?
Kasim Khan: Not yet, but I have performed at several events in Gujarat.
What are some festivals you have performed at before?
Kasim Khan: I performed at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in 2017. Rajasthan also has many folk festivals, though I am selective about which ones I participate in.
Is there a particular festival that you dream of performing at?
Kasim Khan: Performing at international festivals is our dream.
Do you have a specific festival in mind?
Kasim Khan: Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is already very special to us, and we are honoured to be part of it again this year.
It was wonderful speaking with you. Wishing Desert KATS great success at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 and beyond!
Kasim Khan: Thank you! We are excited to share our music with everyone.
