Singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, who was recently at an art exhibition in Delhi, says that the Indian and Pakistani music industries have given exposure to every artiste and genre, whether classical or contemporary.
Supporting stereotypes that the music industry favours classical artistes or contemporary ones is just absurd, he adds.
Says Shafqat, “I’ve spent a lot of time with some of the pioneers of the music fraternity on both sides of the border. And I must say that both India and Pakistan are very rich in their music. Talent dono mulkon mein hai. And people are getting enough chances to prove themselves. The ones who do so are readily being acknowledged in both nations. Arif Lohar got success because he had that quality and got exposure because of uniform opportunities offered in both countries. Another singer, Meesha Shafi, has also become successful recently, after she was featured in a musical show that’s famous for giving equal space to artistes from classical and contemporary music. Now, claiming that there aren’t many platforms or opportunities to prove your worth is simply baseless. I’ve worked with the best in the industry, sharing space with music directors like Salim-Suleiman, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Pritam and Sajid-Wajid, who have given me chances to sing some of the most melodious tracks of their movies. Also, I am looking forward to working with Vishal Bhardwaj and Vishal-Shekhar next. And I think this too would happen only because of hard work and effort that will be acknowledged. Har kisi ko mauke poore milte hain, isliye kisi ko mere khayal mein shikayat karne ki zaroorat nahin hai,” he says.
As for what he’s working on currently, he says, “I am currently working on my next digital album, which will be up for release very soon. A few other projects are also in the pipeline. Till I am enjoying my time here, I keep striving to give my best effort every time. I have to try and fulfill the expectations of my listeners as the bar is raised higher every single time. I wouldn’t be able to comment on whether I am able to reach up to their expectations or not, as that is a thing which is in the hands of my listeners and only they have the authority to decide that whether I’m good or bad.”
