Posted:
A young talented Ali Zafar took the entire world by storm through "channo Ki aankh" about a year and a half ago. The catchy tune is still being aired on radio, played in discos and even as ring tones on mobiles. A shy kid at school making portraits now making music, A student from the National College of Arts, Lahore. He is also a popular actor back in Pakistan who's first shot at fame was a play.
Pakmanzil.com members Hassan Fayaz ,Asim and Yasir starts the interview by asking Ali Zafar about the latest controversy going on about his songs being copied by Bollywood film industry.
What was your reaction after hearing your song being copied by Indian film industry?
Flattered and disgusted
What are you going to do about this issue?
Planning to file a suit against them
Do you think would that help now that the copied song has already been released?
It may help the ones who's songs will be copied in the future
The director of the movie states that he have never heard Ali Zafar song?
Uuummm..Could be
Are you planning to record any track for Indian movie like Atif Aslam did? Did you get any offers?
yes i did get offers..just couldn't go and do them as yet due to very hectic schedule for concerts here but will go very soon and do it.
So how, when, where did it all start Ali?
I started my singing career when I was 16 with a heavy metal band. Then later while I was studying in college, I started practicing and joined the Nazeer Ahmed Music Society, and later got into the National College of Arts music society. My Ustad Israr Chishti trained me in music. I've been a student of Farida Khanam as well.
Tell us something about your upcoming album.
There's going to be a lot of variation in the album. I can't mention many specifics related to it... I'll just say that this album will have a lot more variation from 'Huqa Pani' with some Ghazals and some semi-classics too.
Being and underground was very depressing. The kind of music you get to play there is mostly copied from western songs. Whereas, I just wanted to do my own stuff, make my own music. Underground bands are really good these days. They have a lot of media exposure and they have the opportunity to literally function just like the mainstream artists and project their songs. The internet, the TV channels are all at your service. In fact there are new music channels popping up in Pakistan every now and then. People are getting choices and they are more aware.
Your unforgettable performance so far?
Yes, my first performance after the album release in Lahore. This was in November 2003. It was a solo show and people could only come as couples and invitees. Even though you don't find too many couples coming for the shows in Lahore, there were about 5000 people there. It was "a dream come true" for me. I've always wanted to sing for thousands of people.
What's the difference do you feel while performing in Pakistan and while performing outside?
Wherever I've performed, mostly the audiences were Pakistanis and Indians. I'd have to say, it's a lot more fun out of the country, because in Pakistan we're accessible to the public there and they are accessible to us. When we go abroad, people are dying to get in touch with you and it makes things a lot more fun for the performer.
Your videos are extremely interesting, what is the concept behind your videos?
...Entertainment itself is a big concept for my videos. I don't believe in making horrific getups, blood dripping from your face and all those other crazy things. Just try to entertain our fans.
Who is your favourite artist?
Mehdi Hassan. Also, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who has probably the largest contribution in the field of music for Pakistan...Other than that, there's Iqbal Bano, Farida Khanum and Ghulam Ali. Internationally, I love U2 and Led Zeppelin.
From recent ones there's Linkin Park, Evanescence, Dido. REM...So many of them.
What do you think about new music promotion websites?
They're doing a phenomenal job. The forums they run are a great resource for feedback. Now the environment is very conducive for a rising artist. I feel everyone from around the world, should be in Lahore during the 'Basant festival'. The city is so festive. There are parties and concerts happening everywhere all over the country. It really tells you about the environment there these days.
So why aren't we hearing more about Ali Zafar, the actor?
I personally feel that I'm not really a great actor. I can contribute more as a musician. Then there are other factors like I've not really been offered anything attractive and interesting yet.
I'm going to stay extremely focused on my upcoming album. Composition is all done, so we'll get down to recording the album. As far as my personal life goes, I have no plans of getting married right now, if that's what you're asking.
Any plans to perform in USA soon?
Not very soon but im going to England this week about USA tour we will announce it but till now its not confirmed.
Sports
Jodha Akbar
