Zoheb Back with Kismat
In an exclusive interview with the Metro, Zohaib Hassan talks about his new album Kismet and the new teleplay of the same title. There are some very attention-grabbing details about his personal life also.
Where were you lost for so many years?
I wasn't lost; I had been through a lot, because of Nazia's illness. I was not into music for quite some time because music is one of those things that have to come from the heart. I classify myself first as a composer, musician and producer than as a singer and now I can call myself an actor.
What is important for me is to remain focused and in peace that's where creativity comes to you. It is all the process of creativity.
I have been through so much. Nazia and I were thinking of doing a new album after Camera-Camera, when she fell ill. We did a few things, dabbled with a few things and ideas but then she had to go to London. Nobody else volunteered but I did. Chemotherapy takes a long time, it's very hard and I did this for my sister. We went to St. Thomas hospital everyday.
I went through the entire process and it played on my mind, seeing my sister deteriorate in front of me and it was a very hard thing to see.
How about the arrival back on the music scene? How did it come about?
With people telling me to concentrate on my music and also felt to give went to my feelings so I decided to do it. The relationship that I had with my sister was very direct and we were very honest with one another. And before getting into music again I felt reluctant to use the name of my sister.
Are you working for the United Nations as well?
I was offered a position there as the Vice President of United Nations Association for Pakistan.
I went to a couple of conferences and attended them but I realized that I could not do justice to them so I resigned from that post. But my wife has taken over that position.
Coming on the personal front, where did you meet your wife and how did it all come about?
Well, it was more or less an arranged marriage. Initially we did get on too well, maybe because both of us are introvert personalities. But now we have developed a good understanding and things are going on very nicely. We have two daughters, Aliana and Amelia.
What is the pop music scene here in Pakistan, has it really progressed after you left?
I honestly believe that nobody is indispensable. We started at that time when nobody else was doing that and we were basically the first to do that. The public is now much more exposed than before. The music industry is getting a boost because of new advancements. Musicians have more outlets to showcase their works. I feel that as a composer one should take the long route and hard route because masterpieces cannot be created in comforts.
Tell us something about your charity work?
About two years ago, we built a Nazia Hassan Charity Foundation in the United Kingdom. Nazia in her lifetime had contributed so much to charity, she gave her royalties that she earned from charity shows, and I remember she once donated an ambulance. Currently I am taking care of Nazia Hassan Charity Foundation.
After Kismet what is next?
After this play, I am planning to make a telefilm on Nazia. She lived such a short life that people don't know her as much as I think she must be known. The film will be on her life that we can call a docu-drama. I will also use songs including those that I recorded with Nazia before she died. It would be out in almost two years time.
We have heard that you have plans to go to Bollywood?
No, I don't think so. I don't like the Bollywood culture. I was never interested in it before. I am a very shy person, people might not believe but I am.
How do you feel after rejoining the music industry?
I don't think so I am back yet, the day the pubic accepts me, I will be back. I am still on the borderline waiting for the public to accept me.
Was the journey difficult coming back at this stage?
The making of the album was very easy, because I still am very close to the music and I feel that its inside me, but shooting the play was difficult, for it took two years. On the whole I am happy with what I am doing and I am looking forward to a better public response.
Anupamaa
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