Rafay Israr

you & me

Rafay Israr is an upcoming singer whose new single ‘Man Ki Lagan’ is making waves on social media. Though Rafay has been singing since seven years now, it has always been his passion to become a professional singer. “I started with concerts. My uncle who was a recording and stage artiste introduced me to showbiz and media. As a child, I used to go with him to all the music studios; it would fascinate me a lot,” says Rafay, who is also the Year’s Excellence Award Winner 2018 in the category of ‘Rising Talent of the year’.

Speaking about his latest song, Israr informs, “Man Ki Lagan is a powerful sufi track and it has captivating music by veteran guitar player Kashan Admani.”

With Israr’s other songs ‘Beliya’ and ‘Sajni’ which are both hit numbers, his next releases will consist of collaborations with different artistes as well as solo tracks. The prolific singer is all set to release five music videos by the end of 2018. Let’s see what are the likes & dislikes of this young crooner...

You! What is your preferred genre? Are you into jazz or rock & roll?

I mostly sing pop and semi-classical. I was into rock n roll when I formed a band with my school friends initially.

You! What is your most memorable concert to-date?

Honestly, there are a lot of memorable concerts because I have done almost 300 so far but the most memorable one would be a show I did with Atif Aslam and Ali Zafar. It felt amazing playing in front of ten thousand people or so.

You! In your childhood were you a bright student?

Frankly speaking, I was an average one! I would never come first or second in class but I always made sure to get good marks and never flunk in my courses!

You! Who was your favourite rock/jazz star when you were growing up or in your teens?

My two music heroes were Adam Levine and Bruno Mars. As a teenager, I would play their songs on my guitar 24/7.

You! Your claim-to-fame song:

To date, it’s definitely my song ‘Sajni’.

You! Have you released any music album so far?

I believe the album culture doesn’t exist anymore in Pakistan. It’s all about singles now so I’m just going to release one single after another.

You! Your favourite international labels in clothes:

It’s definitely ZARA.

You! Your favourite international music celebrity:

Chris Martin from ‘Coldplay’ forever!

You! Your favourite music composer:

A. R. Rehman.

You! Who is your icon in the music industry?

It definitely has to be Atif Aslam.

You! One thing you like best about yourself:

That I’m a very humble person.

You! Your most irritating habit...

I can never sleep early at night.

You! You don’t like people who are...

Over-smart and extra talkative.

You! You are afraid of...

Losing my loved ones.

You! Your most valuable possession:

Being able to write and compose original music.

You! Your all-time favourite movie:

‘Pursuit of Happyness’

You! Are you a shopaholic?

Umm... I go on binges just before my concerts and TV interviews - probably to counter my excitement!

You! Your signature perfume...

Versace.

You! What bores you the most...

Waiting for someone in the car.

You! You are crazy about...

Lasagna.

You! Song that always gets you on the dance floor:

‘Thriller’ by Micheal Jackson

You! What is your favourite tune nowadays?

‘Tareefan’

You! What’s your favourite holiday destination?

My dream destination is Santorini, Greece.

You! If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?

Definitely the early 2000s which was the golden era of Pakistani music.

You! Which superstar do you envy the most?

Arijit Singh.

You! What’s the last thing you bought?

Bread for breakfast this morning!

You! What books are on your bedside table?

Mostly related to filmmaking and cameras as I am a filmmaker as well.

You! First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Turn off the AC.

You! When I am not working I am usually...

Listening to music and researching about new genres.

You! The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far...

Never be someone’s doormat. Know your worth.

You! You get super uncomfortable when...

When relatives ask me to sing at family events!

You! Your favourite hang-out:

Cinema. I love watching movies on big screen.

You! Something very few people know about you as a person...

I am super sensitive. I get disheartened very soon and I expect a lot from people, which I know I should not.

You! What do you think this country needs the most?

Patience.

You! How do you like to spend your Sundays?

Sleeping half of the day and then heading out with friends.

You! Where do you see yourself in five years?

Touring the world with my band mates, playing concerts, and also becoming a world-famous musician.

You! Your ultimate desire...

Winning an Oscar, representing Pakistan!