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Crooning of love

He took the country by storm with his soothing voice when he sang Mitwa in Kabhi Alvida na Kehna. By then he was already a favourite of music  lovers with songs like Mora Saiyyan mohse bole na and Aankhon ke saagar which he performed in the Pakistani band Fuzon.  The man with the golden voice, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan talks to Naila Manal about his newly released album Muhdikhai…

Tell me about your musical journey.
I was born in a musical family so music wasn’t something new to me.  We had seven generations of musicians. I was a part of the Pakistani band Fuzon (as the lead singer). I bumped into the band members when I was in Karachi.

When we came up with the album Saagar, which had the song Aankhon ke Saagar, two of my songs were used by Nagesh Kukunoor in his film. Shankar (Mahadevan) called me and signed me. There has been no looking back since.

But as far as my overall journey is concerned it has been great so far.  I am coming up with an album Muhdikhai…Unveiling the songs of eternal love. This is my fourth album and my third solo album. My journey has been productive so far. I have learnt a lot, experienced a lot and in the midst of it all distributed and shared a lot too.

You came up with your new album Muhdikhai… Unveiling the songs of eternal love recently. Tell me more about it.

For quite some time my fans have been demanding an album. Personally, I also wanted to go back to the studios and work. But films and other engagements, especially travelling gave me no time. Baith ke kaam karne ka waqt nahi tha (I didn’t have time to sit and work for the album), but one day I decided. It somehow came by and I started enjoying returning to the studio and recording. I really enjoyed it all, mazaa aya. My album hits stores on March 20.

How is coming out with an album different from say, singing a song in a film, or performing in a band?
It’s about the joy of creation, the difference between contributing to someone else’s work and creating something all by yourself. Film music is a collective effort and you are a part of someone else’s vision. Here, I was taking care of everything from the music to production and I had to oversee every intricacy. From a raw idea to a final productive, it is all mine, however it is.

How is it for you to perform in India?

India is like a second home to me. I get so much love here. In fact I have been lucky to get love everywhere lekin yahan aur jagaah ke muqaable zyada pyaar milta hai (I get more love here than anywhere else).

Which is your favorite song among all those you have sung?

You should pose this question to someone else. All I can say is I perform all my songs with all honesty.

Ok, so which is your all time favourite song?

That would be Tere Bina Zindagi se koi shakwa nahi.

Who is your inspiration?

My father, I have always wanted to be like him, sing like him, look like him.  He is my inspiration. It is a compliment for me if someone says that I sound like him.
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