Hadiqa Kiani -  Mesmerizingly musical

IN CONVERSATION

Hadiqa Kiani is a name which needs no introduction. She has been around the music scene for a while. She has received numerous national and international awards. She has also received the highest civilian award, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, for her contribution to the music industry.  Her famous hits include, Bohey Barian, Jaanan, Mehar Ma, Hona Tha Pyar, Rung and many more. Recently, she released her sixth album, Wajd, which has received critical acclaim and public appreciation. She talks to Us Magazine about Wajd and much more...

You have seen the Pakistani music industry go through many ups and downs. How do you think it has progressed and what does it still lack?

H.K:  The music industry has changed in many ways. There was a time when we had a thriving music industry, with record labels and music channels. Now, musicians think they only have two options: you sing an OST or you get featured on Coke Studio.  But, from a different perspective, we live in the world of social media and maybe we don’t need those record labels and channels anymore. I think if an artist really wants to make music, there are probably more chances of it being heard by someone today because of the social media. There should be more platforms to encourage artists but, at the end of the day, you have to create content and get it out to the public yourself.

Let’s talk about Wajd. It is different than your other works. How did it come through? Why did you do it?

H.K: Wajd is the truth of my present; it’s a mature form of music and it’s what I can authentically relate to, at the moment. My brother, Irfan Kiani, came up with the concept of stripping our music away from electronics and synthesizers while we were driving through the mountains. We kept switching between the qawwalis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahab and Kun Faya Kun by A. R. Rahman. We were hooked by the simplicity of what we were listening to and felt inspired. Since then, Irfan took on this mission to create an entirely organic album, stripped of electronic instruments and synthesizers.  We worked on ensuring that Wajd would promote our local languages, unique instruments and be an amalgamation of modern qawaali, sufi and folk. 

You have a busy life. How do you manage time for your son, Naad-e-Ali?

H.K: He comes with me wherever I go. He is my nucleus, so I simply can’t be away from him for too long. I have never really had an issue with giving him time.

Were you bullied as a kid?

H.K: No, I was too focused on my music, sports and studies to be bothered about insecurities and bullying.  I think parents need to encourage their children to have their priorities straight. Yes, there will be bullies and bullying but they are meaningless if the child’s priorities are in order.

You were a judge in Pakistan Idol. How was that experience?

H.K: It was a tricky experience. I saw a lot of talent but, in the end, we had to choose one winner and I feel like music is not about winners and losers. Everyone has something that makes them special.

What is the most common criticism thrown your way? How do you deal with it?

H.K: I don’t acknowledge criticism. If someone has a problem with me that is their problem, not mine. 

 

MY TEENAGE YEARS

Star and date of birth

Leo, August 11th

The best thing about being a teenager

Learning

I was always listening to

Soulful music

I was glued to the TV for

Dramas on PTV like Tanhaiyan

My favourite book was

Loved a variety of books

My friends were

Supportive and fun

What hurt me the most

Poverty; the idea of the class system

My best teenage memory

Winning music competitions

I wish I had known then

That time flies

Relations with parents, teachers and siblings

Close, strong bonds

My favourite hangout

Fortress Stadium/Liberty

I was scared of

Lizards

My inspiration was

Anything that was unique

Message for the Readers

Focus on aligning yourself, be the master of your own thoughts. Be patient.

You can reach Bassama on Twitter:

@BassamaTanvir