The one drawback of being a playback singer is that they are usually heard and not seen. But lack of visibility won’t keep listeners from finding compelling voices that make for compulsive listening.
Faiza Mujahid is no stranger to music, having lent her voice to several credible serials in the past. She also contributed to the thumping title track of Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and will be heard on the soundtrack of Hamza Ali Abbasi’s much-awaited project, Kambhakht Ishq.
MUSICMIX
From making a mark via the soundtrack of Khuda Kay Liye to singing for an upcoming Amitabh Bachchan film called Pink, Faiza Mujahid is charting her own unique course.
The one drawback of being a playback singer is that they are usually heard and not seen. But lack of visibility won’t keep listeners from finding compelling voices that make for compulsive listening.
While the Internet was blown away by the talent of one Momina Mustehsan, who collaborated with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for the iconic song ‘Afreen Afreen’ on the second episode of Coke Studio 9 this past Saturday, there is another Pakistani vocalist, who is also raising the bar with her work.
The artist in question is Faiza Mujahid and though her name may feel unfamiliar, longstanding fans of Pakistani music may recognize her from the Khuda Kay Liye soundtrack on which she sang on the super-hit number, ‘Bandeya Ho’. Though the song is now several years old, its power has yet to diminish.
Since then, Mujahid has lent her voice to the original soundtrack of several TV serials such as Laaj, Sehra Mein Safar and Aitbaar. And is now back in the news having lent her voice to an upcoming film called Pink, which features the master of cinema and all things Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan.
Instep caught up with the singer-songwriter to discuss how she landed the Big B film and what lies ahead…
Amitabh Bachchan launched Mujahid’s tune, ‘Jeenay De Mujhe’ across college festivals in Mumbai, India recently and took selfies with screaming fans as well.
Instep: With the Pakistani film scene gaining momentum, why have we not heard much from you?
Faiza Mujahid (FM): I’ve always been around. The only difference is that whenever there is a project, I go to the studio, record the song and get busy with life. I take the blame that I have never promoted my songs. It’s weird because I am a marketer myself.
But trust me it is so easy to market someone else. I gave vocals for the title track of Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. I’ve also worked on the upcoming film, Kambakht Ishq by Hamza Ali Abbasi. I did its title track with Farhad Humayun (Overload leader).
Instep: How easy is it to break into Bollywood as a singer especially when one considers the fact that India has its own share of brilliant singers?
FM: It is more difficult to get a break in Pakistan these days. I did not struggle but yes I waited for a long time for an opportunity like this.
Instep: How did Pink happen?
FM: The producer of the movie, Ronnie, is a friend. He narrated the story of Pink to me as he knew that I had made songs about women liberation earlier. So I sent him ‘Jeenay De Mujhe’ and he loved it and asked me if I would like to give my song for his film. It was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
Instep: When and where was this song recorded? What’s the history behind it?
FM: The song was recorded in 2013 at Imran Khalil’s studio. It is produced by the late Haider Hashmi. I went to him one day and hummed this tune and told him that you have to produce it for me. He was generous enough to do that and I am blessed that he not only produced it but also played the guitars for it.
Instep: Who are the singers that you follow the most or find inspirational?
FM: I don’t restrict myself to any particular musician or style of music. Music in general is my passion so I follow it across genres. Whoever is doing good music inspires me.
Instep: What can we expect from you in future?
FM: Hopefully more big projects like Pink. I am also looking into possibilities of concerts and music tours.
Instep: Give us three of your favorite songs.
FM: These days I am mostly spending time with my niece and nephew so going by that I would say all the nursery rhymes. My all time favorite songs are Joan Jett’s ‘I Hate Myself for Loving You’, Alanis Morissette’s ‘I Was Hoping’ and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Kuch Toh Hawa Bhi Sard Thi’ which has been penned by the late Parveen Shakir.
— Sadiq Saleem is a Dubai based entertainment journalist. He is also an Instep
correspondent and can be contacted on his page fb/sidsaidso
