The Hindu : New Delhi News : Man of the moment from across the border

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 06, 2006
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Man of the moment from across the border

His hour of reckoning in Bollywood came when he sang a heart-rending song for superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the much talked about "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna". Now Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, who sang the popular song "Mitwa... ." in Karan Johar's latest film, has his eyes firmly focused on the tinsel town.

However, Shafqat, who enthralled Delhi's music lovers with semi-classical songs and of course "Mitwa" at a musical programme in Kamani Auditorium on Wednesday, was not sure that he was supposed to sing for the King Khan himself. "Initially I did not know that the "Mitwa" song was for Shah Rukh Khan. But when I came to know about it before the commencement of recording it was a pleasant surprise. Playback singing in Bollywood has been a great experience, especially when you watch a song picturised on the most popular star of Hindi films," said Shafqat, who shares camaraderie with the popular music triumvirate of Shankar Ehsaan Loy.

Shafqat has the ability to touch the lowest and highest octave. Hailing from the famous Patiala gharana, the talented singer says: "I am a seventh generation singer. I also have my own band back home. Unfortunately the Pakistan film industry is not that strong. It is still struggling. For the past decade male singing has become totally diminished. Luckily now male singing has come back and I will soon sing for a film there." The singer is elated about filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor's upcoming film `Dor'. "I have sung the song `Ye Hosla... .' in this film. Moreover, Nagesh is a good friend of mine." Shafqat's minimum use of instruments and a rhythmic beat in the film makes the numbers all the more worth listening. -- Madhur Tankha

-- Madhur Tankha

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