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'Indo-Pak relations may suffer a pause but not an end' - Atif Aslam



Atif Aslam says that Indo-Pak relations may suffer a pause but not an end

Pakistan's music industry has benefitted most by the improving relations between India and Pakistan and local artistes have prolifically been lending their voices to Bollywood productions as well as concerts and music festivals. Some have even gotten on board televised music shows. Atif Aslam is definitely one of the few who have attained massive following in India. Not only has he done the playback for high profile movies like Race and Kismet Konnection but he has also made frequent appearances of Indian programmes. And in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, Atif Aslam says, "I believe things between India and Pakistan will be strained for some time but they will ease out. For some time we will hesitate in going to Mumbai and Indians will perhaps think twice before coming here but that's all. I don't think our working relations with India will be effected in the long run."

Atif added that recordings (for movies etc) would easily be shifted to Dubai studios. As for his own future projects, Atif added that a few new compositions (for his next new album) were in the pipeline but he would not even think of releasing a new album, under the current circumstances.

"I can't even think about writing love songs when the man on the street doesn't even have bread to eat," he told Instep Today.

But on a more optimistic note he concluded that things would get better and especially, that gigs and concerts would start happening soon. Fingers crossed!

LINK: The News International - No. 1 English Newspaper from Pakistan

Faakhir denies Ali Azmat's stand on his nasty jokes being scripted



"The LSA showdown was not scripted!"

– Faakhir denies Ali Azmat's stand on his jokes being scripted


Who doesn't know about the Ali Azmat-Faakhir showdown at the recent Lux Style Awards? Ali Azmat kept cracking jokes and targeted Faakhir by first calling him "pretty" then telling him "the waiter wants his clothes back".

When Faakhir tried to defend himself by saying, "The world loves a joker", Ali retorted, "Yeah! I talk like one and you dress like one".

And that was just really nasty. When Instep Today asked Ali Azmat if he crossed the line with his jokes on Faakhir, Ali coolly replied, "It was all scripted and Faakhir knew what was coming his way. It looked like it was extempore but actually it wasn't."

It seems odd for this kind of script, given how annoyed Faakhir looked with Ali's snappy comebacks onstage.

Instep Today got in touch with Faakhir to find out if Ali's assertion was true. "The only script I was given was, 'now, we will announce the Female Model of the Year' and that's it," Faakhir said. "When I saw someone insulting me on stage, I had to reply back. I was not prepared for it and it was NOT scripted."

We do wonder what Ali was really thinking, taking a nasty swipe at a colleague no less. Faakhir's confirmation made it evident that the crass humour by Ali couldn't have been scripted. Come on… who expects Adeel Hashmi (who scripted the LSAs this year) to write such lines about other industry people?

Furthermore, Ali Azmat was slated to perform with celebrated singer Reshma but at the rehearsals, he revealed to Instep Today that he couldn't rehearse with Reshma so his performance act was dropped. That was understandable until Ali gave us another contradictory statement, after the show.

When Instep Today asked Ali if he missed performing with the legend or not he replied, "There was no point in singing Reshma's song on the platform provided. I would have preferred to sing my own."

Ah! He was not even interested in performing with Reshma - a woman who is iconic in Pakistan and was being honoured at the LSAs this year. We loved watching Atif Aslam and Shehzad Roy join her onstage and it would've been incredible had Ali Azmat also done the same.

But it seems Ali Azmat is neither interested in paying tributes to legends nor respecting his contemporaries. And how sad and unfortunate that is!

Link: The News International

Atif Aslam, "I'm happy when Criticised!"



Atif Aslam loves negative publicity
By Manjusha Radhakrishnan

Atif Aslam, whose fans include Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif, says top Bollywood singers are insecure about his success

Bollywood's top singers Asha Bhonsle and Sunidhi Chauhan may disagree on many things but the one thing they agree on is about the most over-hyped singer to hit Bollywood.

Throw them the question and the name of Pakistan's pop sensation Atif Aslam comes tumbling out. Minutes before he performed at a concert in Dubai on Thursday, tabloid! asked him the inevitable question — how does it feel to be criticised by your own peers so publicly?

"I love it. I love all the negative publicity and it shows that they are insecure about my success. They are protesting against a singer making it big in their territory," says Aslam, who is known for his intense vocals.

The singer of hit songs, such as Tere Bin and Pehli Nazar Mein, adds that though he has never claimed to be a great singer with any classical training, he can dish out a decent tune. "Imagine their reaction if I were to be properly trained too. I would be unstoppable."

His peers may consider him the biggest fluke, but the actors who feature in his songs are known to wax lyrical about him. (remember when Bollywood siren Bipasha Basu went ga-ga over his vocals and actively sought him out?)

"Katrina Kaif has joined that list too. She is my big fan. Also, the other day John Abraham [Bipasha's boyfriend] said my song [Pehli Nazar Mein] is their favourite going-on-a-drive song," says Aslam

7th LUX Style Awards: Jal, Strings and Atif among the award winners



KARACHI: The city of lights hosted the seventh Lux Style Awards, also known as Pakistan's Oscars. The awards honor the country's talented personalities in four diverse industries that include music, film, television and fashion.

The dazzling ceremony, which was initially organised in Lahore, was held at the DHA Golf Club late Wednesday night. Adorned by the big wheels of the country's showbiz industry, it brought all the leading personalities from the fashion, music, television and film industries under one roof.

Shan and Ali Azmat along with their co-stars played host, the show went on the road before schedule since security was beefed up to avoid any problems. Performances by personalities, especially Atif Aslam and Shehzad Roy, captivated the audience.

The star of the night wasn't even a star, it was a movie, Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda Kay Liya stole the show by nabbing four awards. Khuda Kay Liya was titled the best film, its score was named the best original soundtrack and its leading actor and actress, Shan and Iman Ali were honored with the best male and female actor awards. Shoaib Mansoor's blood, sweat and direction were greatly appreciated.

Besides the film industry's glitter, the music industry's voice was also appreciated. Strings won the Best Live Music Act Award and Jal's Boondh managed to grab the best music album of the year award.

The fashion industry's Deepak Perwani and Mahim Karim won the best male and female designer award, while Khawar Riaz was named the best make-up artist of the year. The people who wear fashion and those who capture it were also hailed; Ameer Zaib Khan and Neha Ahmed were given the best male and female model awards while Rizwanul Haq won the best fashion photographer.

The ceremony honors the careers of senior artists in their lifetime achievement award, this year the award was given to singer Reshma. What was different about these Lux Style Awards? Well, this year, for the first time in seven years, for the first time in the entire Lux Style Awards history, students from NAPA and NCA were appreciated, four outstanding students, two from NAPA and two from NCA were awarded Unilever Scholarship.

Entertainment Categories & fashion categories

1. Best Film | Khuda Kay Liye

2. Best Film Actor | Shaan for Khuda Kay Liye

3. Best Film Actress | Iman for Khuda Kay Liye

4. Best Original Sound Track | Khuda Kay Liye

5. Best TV Play (PTV) | Lyari Express

6. Best TV Director (PTV) | Manzoor Magsi for Lyari Express

7. Best TV Actor (PTV)| Asif Reza Mir for Merey Dard ko Jo Zuban Milay

8. Best TV Actress (PTV) | Beenish Chohan for Pehli Boond

9. Best TV Play (Satellite) | Man o Salwa

10. Best TV Director (Satellite) | Anjum Shehzad for Pehla Chand

11. Best TV Actor (Satellite)| Humayun Saeed for Koi Tau Barish

12. Best TV Actress (Satellite)| Bushra Ansari for Vanee

13. Best Music Live Act | Strings

14. Best Music Album | Jal for Boondh

15. Song of The Year | Sajni for Jal

16. Best Music Video Director | Bilal Lashari for Sajni by Jal

17. LUX Model of the Year (Female)| Neha

18. LUX Model of the Year (Male)| Ameer Zeb Khan

19. Best Emerging Talent (0-3 years) | Rabia Butt

20. Best Fashion Photographer| Rizwan ul-Haq

21. Best Hair and Make up Artist | Khawar Riaz

22. Achievement in Fashion Design - Couture | Rizwan Beyg

23. Achievement in Fashion Design - Pret | Maheen Karim

24. Best Retail Brand | Khaadi

25. Best Menswear Designer | Deepak Perwani

26. Lifetime Achievement in Fashion (15 years +) | Mrs. Sughra Kazmi

27. Red Carpet Best Dressed Male Celeb | Atif Aslam

28. Red Carper Best Dressed Female Celeb | Tooba Siddiqui

29. Unilever Chairman's Lifetime Achievement Award | Reshma

Shafqat Amanat Ali at Indian Idol Rubaroo - Oct 30th 2008

Shafqat Amanat Ali appeared at Indian Idol Rubaroo on Oct 30th 2008. Looks like he had good time with the youngsters.



MPX: Drama OST - Sherdil (2008-VBR-320-MP3)

Download Drama OST - Sherdil (2008 VBR 320) Musik Pakistan Exclusive



Download Drama OST - Sherdil (2008 VBR 320) Musik Pakistan Exclusive

Tracklist:

01 Sherdil (OST) (Ali Noor from Noori) DOWNLOAD
02 Kaisa Tera Pyar (Saleem Javaid) DOWNLOAD
03 Tu Mera Dil (Feat JO-G) (Saleem Javaid) DOWNLOAD
04 Janam Rangi (Rahim Shah) DOWNLOAD
05 Ji Liya (Akash) DOWNLOAD
06 Ajnabi (Akash) DOWNLOAD
07 Faasla (College) DOWNLOAD
08 Sohni Mahiwaal (College) DOWNLOAD
09 Sherdil (With Sound Effects) (Ali Noor from Noori) DOWNLOAD
10 Pyaar Ka Jaal (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
11 Jaanay Kyun (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
12 Raag Neela (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
13 Ik Chah (Aaroh) DOWNLOAD
14 Hai Pyaar Kia (Mizmaar) DOWNLOAD
15 Sitara (Mizmaar)
DOWNLOAD
16 Nahi Hay ye Pyaar (Haroon)
DOWNLOAD
17 Jaisay Jaantay Nahi (Usman Shani)
DOWNLOAD
18 Raaste (Usman Shani)
DOWNLOAD

Shafqat Amanat Ali's 'Tabeer' VS. Fuzon's 'Journey' - Albums analysis



Beyond the long shadow of Fuzon

The original Fuzon and their debut, Saagar, is considered one of the best albums of the decade. But the band didn't last. Shafqat Amanat Ali went solo with Tabeer while Fuzon recreated themselves with a new vocalist Rameez Mukhtar and a new album Journey.

By Maheen Sabeeh


Butterfly effect

The original Fuzon has the kind of complicated, tortuous story that would send a less dynamic band into oblivion. However, since this former trio is as compelling as it gets; they have all survived on.

Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan is now a solo trooper in the music scene. Meanwhile former band mates Shallum Xavier and Emu resuscitated their claim to fame act Fuzon with a new singer, Rameez Mukhtar.

And fortunately both acts delivered on their promise of a new album ala Shafqat's Tabeer and Fuzon's Journey.

Now though with both records out, the question that one predicted since the band first broke up has been hanging in the air: which is better? Most importantly, does it surpass the genius of Saagar?

Neither of the two can be answered in a simple yes or no. The only thing more complicated than creating an actual record is deciphering the feeling behind it and its timing. There is a trickle down effect to every piece of music created. What Saagar did for the music industry is very different from what Tabeer and Journey are doing. And that is exactly the case here. But first a look at the two records…

Tabeer vs Journey: the similarities

In some ways, Tabeer and Journey are similar. Both boast of incredibly powerful singers. Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan is of course the bigger draw. The son of Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, the seventh son from the prestigious Patiala gharana has deep, untainted vocals that remain unmatchable. Not enough can be said for the sheer power of Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan. It is the kind of voice that is not only inimitable but one that stands tall in front of both pop superstars and rock chameleons.

Rameez Mukhtar, while not exactly another Shafqat in the making, is a decent singer and is capable of hitting just the right notes without being off key, which is just such an underrated feat today in the industry. We often tend to dismiss the 'baysura' element in our singers in front of other qualities such as star power, popularity and other factors. And this is where Rameez delivers.

The other similarity is that of 'fusion' itself.

Shafqat and Fuzon have stated that their records are a fusion of genres. While the songwriting is driven from Eastern ethos such as raags and kafis from ancient kalaams by Sufi names, the music is made contemporary, making it more relatable for an entire generation unaware of the massive heritage that we call our own.

Fuzon's (the new one) lead single, 'Neend Na Aaye' is driven from Raag Aiman while Shafqat's Pagalpan off Tabeer is an inspiration from Sindhi folk. Both Shafqat and Fuzon have based their music around basic compositions that have been around for quite some time.


The difference


Tabeer

As always, it isn't a composition, on its own that makes it a favourite with fans but the treatment that makes the real, long lasting difference. And when it comes to treatment, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan takes the cake.

From nowhere does Tabeer sound like Saagar. This album swells and expands in directions that Saagar never took.

Unlike Saagar, Tabeer is hardly mournful. Au contraire, it is a concoction of songs that have a kind of universal melancholy that sporadically plays with the sunshine effect.

'Khairheyan De Naal' based on a composition by Tufail Niazi, with its languid nature, subtle guitars and rolling drums is astonishing.

The Darbari-based 'Kartar' is the high point of Shafqat's vocal virtuosity and with the grandiose orchestration, it is brilliant.

Meanwhile 'Rohi' (originally sung by Zahida Parveen) is an intriguing blend of East-West. The sparse and peaceful introduction just gives it a soothing tone and the beautiful flute gives this tune such a solid character.

On 'Naina' tinkling piano notes, smooth guitars, subtle percussion and storytelling-like lyrics make it one of the many powerful songs on this record.

'Rang Le' and 'Bulleh Shah' are the dark, haunting tunes of the record with calming vocals and atmospheric mood.

Manqabat' and 'Dum Ali Ali Dum' despite the many versions around have the kind of magic that is glorious yet restrained, totally gripping and impeccable.

The only flaw on the record comes in the form of 'Pagalpan'. Driven from Sindhi folk, it is just chaotic due to its electronica-like treatment that just makes the tune more Bollywood-esque than anything else. The music just doesn't work on this.


Journey

Journey began where Saagar left off. The main distinction came in two forms: the singer that was replaced and the music that is a lot more crunchier. On its own, Journey is a decent debut record. I say debut because it is the first time Shallum, Emu and Rameez have worked together on a full-fledged album and the equation between them has just begun.

Songs like 'Ab Hum Kahan Hain', 'Choo Le' and 'Pari' are made for concert tunes. Shallum's tryst with guitars is never too outlandish. He pulls everything between a Salman Ahmed to The Edge (U2) and makes it work while Emu proves his prowess as a keyboardist who can play magically and yet restrain himself.

There are gems of ballads that are equally entertaining as they are beautiful. 'Suna Suna' and 'Neend Na Aaye' are the two examples and it isn't just the somber music that does the trick. Rameez Mukhtar emotes as a singer and stretches the songs in the right directions, hitting all the right notes along the way.

'Joo Dil Ne Kaha' which is perhaps the moodiest tune on the record with its sharp instrumentation, crisp sound and haunting vocals is beautiful.

But like most albums, the flaws here are glaring. 'Atish O Aab' is an extremely weak melody that is downright forgettable while 'Teri Yaadan' and 'Dholna' are plagued with weak vocals.


The verdict

Comparisons are inevitable. Tabeer and Journey have once again called for them. Between the two albums, it is Tabeer that holds more power, not just because of Shafqat's vocals but the music that is daring, different and experimental.

Tabeer uses verses from Tufail Niazi, late Zahida Parveen, Amir Khusro, and qawwalis like 'Dum Ali Ali Dum' but it keeps the traditional rustic feel alive while creating a juggernaut of sound that not only distances itself from a mighty album like Saagar but takes a step forward.

Tabeer is soulful, yet musically it is challenging. On the first hear, one might inadvertently mistake it as a Bollywood like album. But listen closely. The majestic orchestration is neither as chaotic nor is it too convoluted like most Bollywood music.

In comparison to Saagar, many have said it pales. But that is hardly true. The real truth is that Saagar was a phenomenal debut that made for easy listening with its simple yet beautiful sound. Tabeer dares to experiment. It is more complex and intricate.

And it is here where Journey falters. Not that it isn't a decent record. But the experimentation on Journey comes in the shape of more loud songs, which might work at shows. But in the long run, it won't have the kind of hypnotic effect that Tabeer holds.

Journey picks up on the Saagar format of music but doesn't recreate the sounds on the same scale.



The genius of Saagar and its compounded effect

For the original Fuzon, Saagar was a groundbreaking record that catapulted the three men behind the album to instant fame, recognition, commercial success and even critical acclaim.

It was one of the few records that managed to make every song stand out. Be it the beautiful 'Khamaj', the playful 'Deewanay' or the subtle 'Tera Bina'.

'Ankhon Kay Saagar', Fuzon's first video wasn't exactly one of their finest. It was just a platform for the men to perform and they did just that. And it worked like a charm.

Fuzon became so popular that they managed to make videos with coveted music video directors like Saqib Malik ('Khamaj', 'Deewanay') and Jami ('Ankhian').

Saagar wasn't just another album. It was a record that created three stars. Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan became one of the most talked about singers. Meanwhile veterans like Shallum Xavier and Emu, who had been around in the music industry for a decade, finally tasted commercial success. For the first time, the spotlight was on all three men and they became a part of the pop juggernaut.

But after just one record, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Shallum Xavier and Emu separated. And that not only sent shockwaves throughout the industry but it changed the stakes for all three men.


A rewind…

With Saagar's release in India, Shafqat's vocals became famous. So much so that Shankar Mahadevan (of Shankar-Ehsan-Loy fame) tracked Shafqat down and offered him a playback singing number which turned out to be Karan Johar's magnum opus, star-studded Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna that featured among others Shah Rukh Khan. This was in 2006. Soon after, things started taking a sour turn for the band.

A rift of sorts began within the band. When three men start thinking differently, a clash becomes inevitable. And that is what had happened.

Before the band officially called it off, the long delayed second album was in shambles. Each had his reason.

Shallum Xavier attributed the delayed sophomore album to sour record label deals. Without a solid record deal, Fuzon wasn't going to release its record.

Emu blamed it on bad record label deal and Shafqat. He claimed that Fuzon's manager Sen Management (Erum, Nazia and Sania Saeed) caused the rift. Sen Management, in Emu's words, was managing Shafqat more.

Back then, Shafqat didn't bring up breaking up or any problems within the band. His take was that an album deal was in the pipeline. But with three different opinions, the break up was inevitable.

And when the band broke up, Instep (along with the entire media brigade) received a press release that introduced Rameez Mukhtar as the new vocalist. The press release didn't even mention Shafqat or his reason for a departure.

It was a bitter break up of an incredible band that together made an album that remains one of the finest ever done in this country.


The new game

After going solo, Shafqat's career picked up even more. After making it big with 'Mitwa' off Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Shafqat's worth within Pakistan and abroad only increased. After all, the song was featured on Shah Rukh Khan. While working on Tabeer, Shafqat also struck gold in Bollywood. He sang on KANK, then Dor and recently on the Salman Khan starrer Hello. Among other projects is Nagesh Kukunoor's John Abraham starrer Aashaeyin. He is also in talks with AR Rahman. Shafqat is also planning another album, after the promotion of Tabeer is over, with Rohail Hyatt and that album, he says, will feature songs that he wrote for Fuzon back when he was in the band.

Recently Shafqat also sang on the soundtrack of the Pakistani film Ramchand Pakistani.

Debajyoti Mishra (Raincoat fame), the music director of the film, specially asked for Shafqat for this project to director Mehreen Jabbar. And not surprisingly, the film's music has won rave reviews universally.

Tabeer has just released but the response has been solid, according to Shafqat. When this article goes in print, Shafqat will be off to India for a series of concerts.

In comparison, the new Fuzon's career graph is not looking so bright. The band made the blunder of making 'Neend Na Aaye' their first lead single off Journey. 'Neend Na Aaye' had already been heard as the old Fuzon's tune and had leaked over the Internet in Shafqat's voice. As opposed to releasing a brand new tune, the band released 'Neend Na Aaye' as their own tune, with Rameez replacing Shafqat. And while it may be their best single, it always reminds one of Shafqat.

The new Fuzon released videos and even toured India. But with other acts like Ali Azmat, Zeb and Haniya, Azal, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Strings - all out with fantastic new albums, Fuzon's worth in the market has diminished. The new Fuzon just hasn't been able to make a big splash, the kind one first witnessed when Saagar had happened.


In the end

Tabeer may not become the next Saagar but then again, how could it possibly be? Fuzon was three men, with hugely diverse music influences coming together. And Tabeer is just Shafqat. But for Shafqat, it is still a pretty effective record. The sales are up and Shafqat is making all the right moves. He has struck a fabulous deal in India where Tabeer is being promoted all over the place. And for him, it is just the beginning.

On the other hand, Journey hasn't created the same effect for Fuzon. Rameez Mukhtar has just entered the spotlight and he is trying to fill in the shoes of Shafqat, which is certainly not easy.
This round has been won by Shafqat. It remains to be seen where Fuzon go from here but for them to last, the shadow of old Fuzon has to be replaced. Unfortunately Journey hasn't done that.


What if?

One can't help but ask what if original Fuzon hadn't separated?

Shafqat's popularity rose while he was with Fuzon. He had solo offers that he pursued and that created resentment within the band. There were obvious problems of miscommunication and misunderstanding between Shallum, Emu and Shafqat.

But what if… they had worked through those differences?

Between the three of them was Saagar and with three schools of music coming together, it was one hell of an album. It was magic just like Talaash and Azadi were for Junoon and Hum Tum was for the Vital Signs. Our bet is that had the original line-up survived together, they could've created a melting pot of Tabeer and Journey. Just imagine that! And now we'll never know...

LINK: INSTEP Magzine

Shiraz Uppal sings again for A.R Rahman for upcoming movie 'Boys'



IN MUSIC: Shiraz Uppal Sings For A.R. Rahman… Again!


From Dhoka to Life Online to Boys, Shiraz Uppal prepares to make his mark on the Bollywood industry one more time.

He is perhaps the most locally underrated vocalist that we have in the country. The voice that can perhaps best be remembered as that which sang the hauntingly melodic Roya Re for Mahesh Bhatt’s Dhoka, Shiraz Uppal was also the first Pakistani artiste to be featured as a co-music director (he shares credits with M.M. Karim). Mahesh’s Bhatt’s words “This song can do wonders for both of us” proved to be prophetical as Roya Re went on to become one of the biggest hits of 2007.

Fast following the success of Roya Re, Shiraz Uppal was approached by Bollywood actor/writer Akash Khurana (of Aashiqi, Krishh, Duplicate and Baazigar fame) to feature one of his songs from his Jhuki Jhuki album, Munn Ja Vey, in Akash’s upcoming film, Life Online.

Shiraz Uppal was also nominated for a TMA (The Musik Award) at the function that was held earlier this year. Roya Re was nominated in the category of the best pop song but surprisingly lost to Armaan by Siege.

But coming to Shiraz Uppal’s Bollywood activities, he recently announced that ace Bollywood music director A.R. Rahman had just completed recording Shiraz Uppal for his upcoming film, Boys. Shiraz recorded the vocals for the song featured in the film, Secret of Success, in his studio in Lahore whereas the music and composition was done and recorded in India. Abbas Tyrewala wrote the lyrics of the song and S. Shankar has directed it.

The film was originally released in 2003 in Tamil and was quite successful in the market. It is now being dubbed in Hindi and Uppal has been invited to participate in the soundtrack. The film’s original score in Tamil was also done by A.R. Rahman.

Boys stars Siddarth Narayan who began his acting career with this film. He has made his mark in films across three languages, Hindu, Tamil and Telugu. The heroine of the film, Genelia D’Souza, also acts in local-language films and has Bollywood films such as Masti, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, It’s My Life and Life Partner to her credit.

Previously, Shiraz Uppal had worked with A.R. Rahman on the film Nayak.—HS

LINK: IN MUSIC: Shiraz Uppal Sings For A.R. Rahman… Again! -DAWN Images