Faizan Ali Warraich
LAHORE
Sajjad Ali is a world-renowned singer, lyricist, actor and a director. Born in 1966, Karachi, he is the son of Shafqat Hussain (cricketer and actor), grandson of the renowned cricketer, Khadim Hussain, and the grand nephew of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.
He shot to fame in early 80s and continues to be the most popular singer of Pakistan. He has more super hit songs to his credit than any other contemporary singer. And like always he has done it again. He has come up with another hit song ‘Nakhun’, which is a melodious treat.
The song and its video have created ripples in the music industry. Filmmaking has always been his passion. He has made the artistic video of ‘Nakhun’ whose lyrics he wrote himself and also composed the music. The script of the video and its direction is remarkable and is testimony to his being the best in the field.
The video is not just about human relationships but is a lot more about the philosophy of life. In an exclusive interview with The Nation Sajjad Ali talks about ‘Nakhun’ and his future projects. Following are excerpts of the interview:
With release of ‘Nakhun’ your latest melodious song recently, how has the response from your fans been like? The response has been great. There are more than 800,000 views on the video so far - 99 percent positive.
What was the inspiration behind the song and the video ‘Nakhun’? Is it just about relationships or is there more to it? The idea revolves around the infamous line from Ghalib - ‘Zakhmkebharnetalaq, nakhunnabarhaayengekya…’So, the word ‘Nakhun’ has been used metaphorically for the ‘ego’. And of course, each listener has their own interpretation depending on the frame of mind they’re in, but the video of the song justifies my idea.
Lately you seem to be more somber in your songs. Can we expect more lively songs from you again, which made you a household name?
I don’t think this is the case. My fairly recent songs ‘KirKirKirKir’ and ‘SuthGaana’ from Coke Studio are rather fun tracks. At the same time, HarZulm, Yaad, Tasveer Bana Ke, Tum Naraz Ho and now Nakhun are also very well-received by the audiences. Plus, there’s another fun and upbeat song that I’ve been working on lately. Tell us about the experience of recording ‘AapJanab’ back in 1978, what were your expectations as musician when you start singing?
Well, ‘AapJanab’ was a television programme which aired in the late 70s in which I appeared for the very first time. I was highly appreciated and encouraged by all my seniors. And I knew then that I was a musician and I would always sing.
After spending years in the music industry what is your favourite music genre and who is your inspiration in classical singing?
In my 37 years of being in music, I have always loved pop, romantic ballads. And when it comes to classical music, my inspiration has been Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahab.
What is your concept of good music?
Quality lyrics, quality composition, and decent singing.
How do you see the future of Pakistan’s music industry?
I’m positive on that front. We do have talent. All we need is to produce, encourage and invest to improve the skill level of our talent.
Why have you not tapped into Bollywood as a singer? Is this something you plan on doing in the future?
I’m always open to work for Bollywood and anywhere in the world because I’m a professional musician.
There have been a lot of corporate sponsorships in music recently. What is your take on this?
Corporate sponsorship is not a recent trend. It has been around since the early ‘90s and has two sides to it. Pakistan’s first ever sponsored video was ‘Babia’. But still, almost all of my work has never been sponsored, because it was a personal choice, and I wanted to do my music freely. I think the two major branded porgrammes these days are Coke Studio and Nescafe Basement and they both are doing really good.
There are many young, talented musicians in Pakistan who dream of making it big like you. What advice would you have for such individuals?
Hahaha. :) CHACHA NASEEHAT is no longer required and not even available.