EXCLUSIVE: Mujtaba Aziz Naza Reflects On His Father’s Legacy & Qawwali; Calls Sanjay Leela Bhansali 'Special'

Mujtaba Aziz Naza Exclusive: Qawwali runs in his blood, and his voice has carried forward a legacy shaped by centuries of tradition. In this exclusive conversation, Mujtaba Aziz Naza-son of the legendary Aziz Naza-opens up about preserving his father's iconic musical heritage while carving his own place in the world of contemporary Sufi and Qawwali music. From lending his powerful vocals to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's grand musical epics to bringing the soul of Qawwali closer to Gen-Z listeners, Mujtaba reflects on his journey with warmth, humility, and unmistakable passion in this exclusive interview with Filmibeat.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

1) You carry forward the legacy of your father, the legendary Aziz Naza. What is the biggest lesson from him that still guides your art today?

I was very young when he passed away, so I couldn't learn much from him directly. But my mother has always shared stories about him, and through her, I understood his values. The biggest lesson I've taken from him is to approach your work with 100% dedication and to choose a path where you can strive for absolute perfection.

2) Growing up in a family of Qawwals, when did you first realise that this was more than just music - that it was your calling?

My father passed away when I was just five, and by the time I was around seven or eight, I naturally gravitated toward music. Maybe it was because I missed him so deeply that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I would listen to his songs over and over, and slowly I realised that I not only wanted to sing but could also compose. Since childhood, I've devoted everything to music - it has always felt like my true calling.

3) Do you ever feel the pressure of living up to a legendary name, or does it encourage you to push your boundaries further?

Not really. After my father passed away, we moved to Kanpur, and those years were very challenging. I faced a lot of burden and pressure during that time, but it wasn't related to living up to his name-just the circumstances of life. When it comes to music, I've never felt that kind of pressure. In fact, my mother and grandmother have always supported and encouraged me. And now, my wife is also my biggest strength - she is truly my backbone.

4) You lent your voice to the powerful Qawwali portions of Ek Dil Ek Jaan in Padmaavat. What was that recording experience like?

It was a wonderful experience - truly one of those opportunities I will never forget. Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir is always special. Before Ek Dil Ek Jaan, we had collaborated on Deewani Mastani for Bajirao Mastani, and he loved that song so much that he brought me back for Padmaavat. Even though I only sang the qawwali portions, the audience gave immense love to the entire track, and the song went on to win several awards. We recorded the final vocal in just about an hour, but the preparation behind it was extensive - from the lyrics to the pronunciation of Urdu words to the overall adaayegi. After finishing the take, all of us sat in the studio and listened to the recording at least 15 times back-to-back. Everyone was completely involved. I'm truly grateful that I got to be a part of such a beautiful composition.

5) As someone deeply rooted in the Sufi tradition, how do you approach playback singing, which often requires a different style and structure?

I don't think anyone presents qawwalis to today's generation - especially Gen Z - in the way I do. My approach has always been to blend Sufi music with something fresh and contemporary. I love merging Western elements with traditional Sufi and qawwali styles to give them a new twist. That way, the essence stays intact, but the sound feels relatable and exciting for younger listeners.

6) You've worked on iconic SLB films like Padmaavat and Bajirao Mastani. What do you think makes his musical world so unique?

I've worked with many directors, but working with Sanjay ji will always remain special because of how deeply he is involved in the music of his films. What sets his musical world apart is his commitment to authenticity - he brings the true flavour of India to every composition, whether it's classical or folk music. He always places traditional and classical music at the core, and then gives it a beautiful, subtle Western twist. That balance of purity and innovation is what makes his music so unique and unforgettable.

7) Fans are already anticipating Love & War. Is there any chance we'll see you collaborating with SLB once again?

I haven't heard anything about it yet, but I would absolutely love to collaborate with him again. I'm always waiting for his call - it would be an honour to work with him once more.