‘Musicians should inspire the masses’

On the heels of the release of his song Mantoiyat, from the recently-released film Manto, singer-songwriter Raftaar says that he wants to “inspire” people.

“It is very important to inspire people, and give them a feeling of some kind of a purpose with your work of art. An artist should inspire people. I feel it is very important to do that, because people look up to you. You should give them something meaningful in return,” he says.

Rafaar adds, “I feel that people are just doing songs. Let me be clear, I don’t have a problem with people being sellouts and focussing on commercial music. I am not asking anyone to stop that. I am saying, that apart from doing that, you should also try and inspire young minds.”

However, the 33-year-old says he “understands” why other musicians, unlike him, stay away from composing inspirational music. “See for me, I know that I can afford to not rely on music to make money, or, sustain myself. There are many other things on my resume that I can do, and earn money from there. So, I feel that I am sort of blessed that way, and I don’t really have to worry about things like will my music make money or not,” he says.

“I am not denying that I don’t do commercial music. But, I feel that even if one day I decided not to do that, I will still be fine,” he says. Counting his blessings, the singersongwriter says, “I don’t think everyone has the kind of liberty I have. I am thankful that I am able to do the kind of work I want to,” he adds.

It is very important to inspire people, and give them a feeling of some kind of a purpose with your work of art. An artist should inspire people. I feel it is very important to do that, because people look up to you. You should give them something meaningful in return.

RAFTAAR SINGERSONGWRITER