Arif Lohar keen to collaborate with Indian musicians

After his song "Jugni" was used in the movie "Cocktail", Pakistani Punjabi folk singer Arif Lohar says he would love to work with his Indian counterparts.

"If we can make a new sur (tune) and make something new, I am always open for it. Whenever good collaboration happens, I will always be up for it," Lohar told IANS.

He prefers that people pick songs from his bouquet, the way Homi Adajania did in "Cocktail", and added: "I write my own songs and try that people take my songs. The songs that I get, I have to mould myself according to that. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it does not happen."

Known for singing Punjabi songs like "Alif allah" and "Bole mitti da", the 46-year-old has done many international performances around the world, including the US and Britain.

After receiving an overwhelming response from foreign-based music lovers, he feels that "sur (tunes) is the only language that music understands, which brings a sense of peace with it".

Talking about the budding musicians and singers, Lohar said every voice has its own taste and eventually gets fame.

"Fresh talent always manages to make way to fame. The music that is being made nowadays is good because every voice has something special and eventually gets its due recognition," he said.

The singer was felicitated with the Pride Of Performance award 2005, one of the highest civil awards conferred by the government in Pakistan for literature ans arts.

Lohar feels god rewards hard working people.

"Everyone should do hard work and god will definitely recognise their effort," he said.