‘An artiste is always greedy’

Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, who turned 51 on February 26, talks about how an artiste always wants to do the best work, and his career goals

Although Shafqat Amanat Ali comes from a family of reputed classical musicians, he has carved a niche for himself through fusion music. In an interview, the artiste says that a breakthrough in Bollywood boosts an artiste’s career, but only if it happens with the right song. He also talks about how classical music will always be his base. following for Hindi and Urdu work. I always receive compliments for my songs like ‘Yeh honsla’, ‘Bin tere’, ‘Tu hi mera’ and ‘Teri jhuki nazar’. People remember them. Are there any composers or artistes that you are looking forward to collaborating with? An artiste is always greedy. He or she wants the best work all the time. It is a good greed; it is the thirst for excellence. You have sung for a Pakistani film that released in India on February 26. The Pakistani movie is a collaborative project in which many talented artistes from both the countries (India and Pakistan) have worked together. The song that I have sung in the movie, ‘Yaari’, has been composed by an Indian and has been written by a Pakistani. The music is good. The best part is that it released on my birthday. Many a times, Pakistani artistes often get embroiled in political controversies. What are your thoughts on politics interfering with creativity? Peace talks between India and Pakistan have been taking place for many years. But every time there is a good development, certain incidents happen and it ruins the progress. It is about time we under- stand that such things happen because the people who cause disruption are paid [to do so]. Those who ruin the peace are nobody’s friends. We should ignore them, and keep promoting harmony.

I always receive compliments for my songs like ‘Yeh honsla’,

‘Bin tere’, ‘Tu hi mera’. — Shafqat Amanat Ali, singer