Murtuza Gadiwala’s EP meher/rehem is a profound exploration of love in its rawest forms. In four tracks, Gadiwala doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths that come with being human—vulnerability, fear, heartbreak, and the solace we find in the people we return to when everything else falls apart. From its intricate wordplay to the emotional depth of its melodies, meher/rehem invites listeners into an intimate journey that is as much about self-reflection as it is about love.
Gadiwala uses each track to unravel the layers of human connection, revealing both the beauty and fragility of relationships. “It takes you through a journey of finding love, being scared of falling in love, then heartbreak, then eventually losing everything,” Gadiwala explains. But at its core, this EP is not just about loss—it’s about the redemption found in that very vulnerability, the healing that comes when you confront your deepest fears and turn to the ones who truly understand you.
The Journey of Love: meher/rehem
Opening the EP is “meher,” a track that encapsulates the euphoric joy of finding love that feels almost divine. Spanish guitar melodies and vibrant 808s set the tone for what initially seems like a love story full of hope. The track paints a picture of gratitude and bliss, with poetic lyrics that celebrate the serendipity of meeting someone who feels like a blessing. It’s as if Gadiwala is letting us in on the most intimate moment of love’s early stages—the infatuation, the warmth, the undeniable magic of it all.
But just as quickly as love is found, it begins to unravel. The second track, “qaabil / qaafir,” plunges into a darker emotional space. Here, Gadiwala expertly explores the tension between wanting to love again and the fear of reopening old wounds. Set against a liquid drum and bass backdrop, this track beautifully conveys the fragility of the heart—how it can be both capable (qaabil) of love yet sinful (qaafir) for allowing itself to be vulnerable once more. The duality between vulnerability and self-preservation takes center stage, making this song a standout moment in the EP’s emotional arc.
By the time we reach “fanaah / tabaah,” the EP’s emotional core, Gadiwala fully submerges us into the depths of heartbreak. This track is a minimalist piano ballad that crescendos into a grand qawwali section, symbolizing love’s destructive yet transformative power. In many ways, this song is the heart of the EP—its sorrowful tones, reflective lyrics, and gradual build-up create a space where listeners can feel the weight of love’s most painful moments. The catharsis that comes from listening to this track is profound. Gadiwala isn’t just lamenting the pain of lost love; he’s offering a space for reflection, where heartache and growth co-exist.
The EP closes with “rehem,” a track that feels like a musical exhale after the storm of emotions in the previous songs. Featuring a heartfelt voice note from Gadiwala’s mother, “rehem” represents solace and healing, offering a sense of peace after the turmoil of love’s highs and lows. It’s a deeply personal track, minimal in its production yet rich in its emotional depth. Here, Gadiwala masterfully brings the EP full circle—what began as an exploration of love’s ecstatic joys concludes with the realization that healing often comes from returning to one’s roots, to the people who have always been there.
In “rehem,” Gadiwala reminds us that love’s journey doesn’t end with heartbreak—it transforms, heals, and eventually leads us back to emotional safety. It’s a quiet but powerful closing to an EP that has already taken listeners through an intense emotional ride.
The Art of Mehfil Pop
What sets meher/rehem apart from other projects in the independent music space is Gadiwala’s unique genre of mehfil pop. This term, coined by Gadiwala himself, blends traditional Urdu and Hindi poetic influences with modern pop music, creating a hybrid style that feels both innovative and timeless. “I call this genre mehfil pop because it’s just a hybrid between mehfil in terms of the lyrics, in terms of the influence, and pop being pop,” he explains. The result is a sound that feels rich yet modern enough to resonate with contemporary audiences.
While the music itself is catchy and accessible, it is the depth of the lyrics that elevates the EP. Gadiwala draws from Urdu poetry and the influences of literary greats like Ghalib and Javed Akhtar to craft songs that carry weight and meaning. “The melodies are really simple, but catchy. The words are very deep and meaningful,” he says, describing his approach.
meher/rehem began as a solo project, but it quickly grew into something more collaborative. Gadiwala’s ability to work organically with other artists like JAI DHIR, Hamshyre, bebhumika, lil help, Ruaa Kayy, RUTVXK is one of the EP’s strengths. “It was very organic. I don’t really look for something in a feature—it was just their vibes. And when they hopped on, it was just adding value,” Gadiwala shares.
Each collaborator brought their own flair to the project, contributing to the sonic diversity that defines meher/rehem. This diversity is especially evident in how each track has its own unique flavor, yet remains connected by the overarching emotional narrative of love and loss.
Murtuza’s Vision
At just 23 years old, Murtuza Gadiwala is carving out a space for himself in the independent Indian music scene. With meher/rehem, he solidifies his reputation as an artist unafraid to push boundaries, both musically and lyrically. His ability to blend traditional poetic influences with contemporary sounds marks him as a visionary in the industry.
Looking ahead, Gadiwala has big plans for the future. “I want to take myself into a direction where I can write songs for a lot of people, and I also can put out songs where a lot of people resonate with the music,” he says. With more music in the pipeline and his creative identity firmly established, Gadiwala is poised to make a lasting impact on the music world.
Through each track in the EP, Murtuza Gadiwala offers listeners a deeply personal experience while tapping into emotions that resonate universally. With this project, Gadiwala solidifies his place as one of the most exciting voices in India’s independent music scene, carving out a space for mehfil pop and leaving listeners eager for what’s next.
