Pakistanis r hugely passionate about SRK

At 26, the Dubai-anchored musician-singer has become a quantity with his Jannat song Lambi judaai. Over to Kamran Ahmed in conversation with Rachana Dubey

Did you pre-empt the success of Lambi judaai?
Nope. Actually, I never expected it to be used in a film. It had been all over the radio stations in the UK, the US, Canada and Pakistan for over six months. It was on internet too. Deejays in Indian clubs were playing the song remixed.

Then in January, Mukesh Bhatt asked me for the song since it suited a situation in one of his films. I came to India in February and worked on the song.

Are you happy with the way your song was picturised?
I have no complaints.

Apparently, you were supposed to be featured in the movie.
No. I've appeared in a promotional video. I'm not sure if it has been released.

What's your prime focus now?
My debut album, Judaai. Talks are on with some music companies. In the interim, I hope to release a couple of singles and videos. I don't want to jump at offers without creating a base of my work. It's essential to be grounded. I have to be someone before I take on more film work.

Recently, Pakistani singer, Najam Sheraz, accused the Bhatts of plagiarising his work.
I don't agree with what Sheraz bhai. I've been given my due credits as a singer, composer and lyric writer formy song. It was well publicised too.

What is the current status of the music industry in Pakistan..given the conditions of political uncertainty?
Nothing can draw Pakistanis away from music. The most affected are those who sold music on the roadside.. and some who are majorly into politics. But these are just a handful of people.

Pakistanis are passionate about music in any form. They even love fusing rock with other genres like sufi and classical. And I must tell you, Pakistanis are hugely passionate about cricket, Indian movies and Shah Rukh Khan.

But a certain Indian singer says that Pakistan doesn't welcome Indian artistes as large-heartedly as we welcome Pakistani singers.
I don't agree with that all. I was in Pakistan recently. They all love Indian artistes, be it its KK, Kailash Kher or Sonu Niigaam.When I came to India, I saw Pakistani music playing on top of the charts here. So, as far as I can see, there's a healthy interexchange.

Would you say Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan are competition?
No, no.They've made our country proud by doing so well in India. I'm glad I'm rubbing shoulders with my brothers.