Music

Pakistani bands rock on in India

Strings rocking Gateway Theatre in Chicago, USA

NEW DELHI: Performing in India for the first time after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks last year, Pakistani band Strings said the terror attacks have not affected their popularity here nor did it affect the sale of their music albums.
“The terror attacks did not affect the response of the people towards us,” Bilal Maqsood, the main member of the pop band, said before its performance at the picturesque Purana Qila in Delhi on Friday night.

“Music has no boundaries. Once you hear a song, it is the melody of that song that captures your heart and you forget the divide between Pakistan and India,” he said.

Faisal Kapadia, the lead vocalist of the band, added: “We have been getting a tremendous response for all our albums from the Indian audiences and we hope it continues that way.”

Hugely popular in India, Strings has given a number of performances here. Among their well known numbers are Duur, Dhaani and Koi Aane Wala Hai.

To avoid any repercussions of the 26/11, the band called off one of its concerts in Pune last December, right after the attacks in Mumbai that left 166 people killed.

“Though we did have a concert on December 1 last year in Pune, we decided to cancel it since we felt the atmosphere was very tense and people were not in the frame of mind to enjoy the music. The wounds of terror attacks were still very fresh,” Faisal said.

Deeply affected by the terror situation in their own country, they are now composing a patriotic song on the theme.

Bilal, who has penned the lyrics of the song, “Humko khudi kuch karna padega”, said: “It’s the whole region, including Pakistan, that has been inflicted by these terror attacks and our song tries to encourage people to take the string of their destiny in their own hands without blaming other people for the mess around.”

The song will be composed with Atif Aslam, another popular Pakistani singer, in the next few months.

Dispelling myths that it’s only qawwalis and Sufi music that interests people in Pakistan, the duo said that 90 percent of the music playing in the television there is either pop or Bollywood.

Talking about their music, Faisal said the main reason their songs catch on with the crowds is they are honest.

“Our songs are straight from the heart. You can have a lot of thumping and banging but ultimately melody is the king. Along with meaningful lyrics,” Faisal said.

“And the signature sound of the band which is so unique. The harmony that we have amongst us is ultimately translated into the sound that we create and that attracts people. Our performances are very spontaneous, according to the mood of the audience,” he added.

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He admitted to envisioning a muse while performing, saying, “An artist has to be in love all the time, whether it’s your wife, girlfriend, or someone from your imagination.”

Tapping into that romantic energy, Shehki performed his hit Pyar Kiya Mein Ne Dil Diya, then reflected on his rise to fame in the 1970s. “There was a lot of craze in that era. Now, with so many singers, no one knows who’s who. Back then, it was just a few of us—actually, just two,” he said, referencing himself and Alamgir.

Shehki recounted how makeup artist Lily Raza, who shared his Irani heritage, helped him break into the entertainment industry. Before his big break, he performed in hotels and eventually landed a spot on a show hosted by Tara Ghanshyam. When Ghanshyam fell ill, Shehki was asked to perform their duet solo.

“I thought I’d lost the opportunity,” he recalled. “But Ghazanfar Ali sahab told me, ‘You’ll sing this solo without any complaints.’ So I did, and the song became a superhit.”

Shehki, also known for acting in films like Dekh Tamasha and Choron Ka Badshah, credited that moment as the turning point in his career.

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Abrarul Haq Drops New Song Celebrating Victory Over India

Celebrities across Pakistan are actively paying tribute to the armed forces for their successful defence operations, fuelling a wave of patriotic fervour across the nation.

Singer Abrarul Haq joined the celebrations by releasing a special song dedicated to the victory.

Through powerful lyrics, the track tells how the Pakistani Armed Forces thwarted India’s so-called “Operation Sindoor.”

Abrar highlights the spiritual strength of a Muslim warrior, portraying inner faith as a battlefield force.

He also symbolically mentions “serving tea to the enemy,” a phrase tied to past military encounters.

Abrar shared the song on his official YouTube channel, though the full music video is yet to be released.

Fans praised the song as a morale booster, with one commenting, “Pak Forces deserve this kind of tribute after an amazing victory,” and another adding, “The song is beautiful, and Abrarul Haq sang it with full enthusiasm and zeal.”

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Atif Aslam paid tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by performing Sanu Ek Pal Chain Na Awaey on the new season of Velo Sound Station.

He blended his modern vocal style with NFAK’s original qawwali, creating a seamless fusion. Director Bilal Lashari brought the vision to life, earning widespread praise on social media.

Atif Aslam’s Collaboration With NFAK Will Blow Your Mind

Fans hailed the collaboration of Atif, NFAK, and Lashari as a historic musical moment, celebrating both Pakistan’s musical heritage and its evolving artistry.

Atif Aslam’s Collaboration With NFAK Will Blow Your Mind