Breaking musical borders

Rockstar

It is very rare that one meets a singer who is not trained and yet has a voice that is so melodious that it haunts you much after you have listened to him.

Remember the songs Toh phir aoo and Tera mera rishta purana from the 2007 Mahesh Bhatt film Awarapan? Chances are that you cannot remember the movie but the songs make an instant connect. The voice behind these chart busters is the Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid, who is once again set to take Bollywood by storm with his melodious numbers.

Born in Lahore, Zahid was always outgoing. He reminisces, “I started performing on stage when I was really young. Back then I used to perform nath (praising god). As time progressed, I got very interested in debates and was the finest debator in
college. Later, it was more stage-related as I started hosting music competitions at university. In fact, I sang in one of these as the judges were late. Everyone was very appreciative of my singing. After that I learnt to play the guitar on my own and started making my own music and melodies.”

It was after his graduation that Mustafa and his friends decided to form the band Roxen. Derived from the Persian word Rozen e dewaar, this was also the name of his band’s first album. “Rozen means a hole in the wall of a prison cell, from which a ray of light emerges and gives hope and freshness.

We hope that is exactly what our music offers — freshness and hope,” says Zahid. While their first video in 2005, Yadeein, went unnoticed, their second video, Sapnay, ruled the charts. Incidentally, just like Bollywood music is popular in India, pop rock is the most popular and loved form of music in Pakistan. It was two compositions from his debut album that featured in Awarapan.

“We were touring India when Mahesh Bhatt gave me the break and I was very touched,” he says. Quiz him on why he has not been heard as much, he says, “Although I had a lot of offers, I had to be sure that the songs I sang kept the dignity and integrity of my rock band image intact.

We have fans because of being a popular band and I did not want that to be diluted.” However, right now, Zahid is all set to make a splash in Bollywood as he has sung three tracks for the upcoming Mahesh Bhatt movie Blood Money. He says that he is now ready to explore different genres of music and opines that these songs are so well composed that they are sure to be chart busters.

“In fact when we were recording in Dubai, the director of the movie, Vishal Mahadkar, explained the whole context of the story. It was thrilling to sing with a story in mind,” he says.

Having performed in over 50 cities worldwide for large audiences, the stage is where his heart is. “Stage performances are where my soul lies and a live performance is the whole idea of a rock band. In a studio, everything is rehearsed but when you connect with fans live, it is a different feeling altogether,” says Zahid.

Considering his looks, is he also considering making an acting debut? He laughs, “I have been approached twice and can tell you that I can never act. I am pathetic. I cannot ever lie even if I try. So acting is something I cannot see myself doing.”

Currently working on his band’s second album, Bhoola Samundar, tentatively slated for a June 2012 release, he is also busy composing for a drama in Pakistan. He is in talks with some Bollywood production houses for playback singing as well.

“I am looking forward to doing more shows in India. The audience here is great and hopefully now, we have an opportunity to do that. Also, being part of the promotional activities of Blood Money will keep me busy. I hope I get a good album deal as well,” he signs off. Certainly, a full plate.