Journey of RooHee

Roohee hails from a family that traces its origin to the classical age of India’s prolific heritage. Born on 1st October 1984, she is the granddaughter of Padmashree Sarangi Nawaz Ustad Shakoor Khansaheb and of Ustad Niaz Ahmed Khansaheb. Her father is Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khansahab, scion and vocalist of the present-day Kirana Gharana.

Inspite of having a pitch-perfect voice, Roohee chose the fingers of her hands to express the music in her. In her hands, the painting brushes become her Tanpuras and her imaginations spring to life. The stage for Roohee is the white canvas and her Ragas are the images.

“Paintings came to me right from my childhood quite effortlessly,” says Roohee. “I had always dreamed that I would be a painter someday and would hold exhibitions… I never considered taking formal lessons… Possibly that is why my paintings are more spontaneous than pedagogical.”

“I firmly believe that each aspect of nature is a device of God! … These little experiences and little messages are what I put on my canvas… If they speak to you too, then I will consider my work successful.”

Most of my paintings, apart from their specific themes, also contain a general one which is humanity. One among my main goals is to use my paintings as a means to touch the heart of people. “Children in Poverty” has attempted to show the sadness and the distress which ruin these people’s sleep.

From time to time, I paint artists’ portraits and gift them. They are completely stunned and I get to capture lovely moments with them… I take along with me not only joyous moments but also the thing which I am always thirsty for — blessings!

My maiden exhibition in Goa was a success and ever since I have been exhibiting in Mumbai, Pune and Delhi. Contracted work for Casino Royal received huge success. Beyond India — Dubai and Dhaka in September 2012. FIMM International Excellence Award — Art & Culture — 24th November 2023.

She anchored the ghazal programme “Avshar” for Doordarshan Kolkata in 2005; played back for the play Gauhar Jaan in Kolkata; and with Suhel Rais Khan launched New Generations of Music (Times Music).

Alongside painting, Roohee has acquired extensive experience as a graphic designer — HTML, C++, JavaScript and Flash — designing pages including those of Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan and Arshad Ali Khan.