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"I had a crush on Pooja Bhatt since my childhood" - Mustafa Zahid
There are three things you always expect now-a-days from any Vishesh Films - unusual storyline, their passion for music and some sort of Pakistani connection. Yes, you heard it right. The 'Bhatts' welcome with open arms their second musical discovery after Atif Aslam. In his 20's, his songs 'Toh Phir Aao' & 'Tera Mera Rishta' from Awarapan are climbing up the charts at a lightning pace. So what are you waiting for? Dim the lights, recline the sofa, lay back, close your eyes, press play, and prepare to be transported into another realm by the extra talented Mustafa Zahid, who speaks exclusively from Pakistan to IndiaFM's London correspondent Devansh Patel.
After Atif Aslam, how does it feel to be Mahesh Bhatt and Mohit Suri's next Pakistani discovery for Awarapan?
Well, it's a proud moment for me because a lot of youngsters from our lot are going across the border and getting so much recognition. Thanks to my friend Atif who started this trend.
How were you offered Awararpan?
Our Indian manager Sajid took a demo copy of my album which was released in Pakistan called Roxen to Mr. Bhatt. Immediately after hearing the track 'Toh Phir Aao' he called me in Pakistan and told me to come to India. After reaching India, we sat and listened to my band's album Roxen, and that was a point when Mr. Bhatt also decided to take the track 'Tera Mera Rishta'.
Which is your personal favourite - Toh Phir Aao or Tera Mera Rishta?
Actually both are my babies, so I cannot pick up one. But these days on my play list I have Tera Mera Rishta.
What is your opinion about this entire fusion of Pakistani music into Bollywood? </B>
It's great. We have to excel at the end of the day and we cannot just limit ourselves to Pakistan. There is so much scope for music in India and at the international level that we have to go out and explore. It's a very good fusion between the Indian and Pakistani artists and now things have shaped up so well because of the Bhatt camp bringing out people from their neighboring country. I'm really happy that the change is happening.
What do you have to say about the laser show of your song 'Toh Phir Aao' in Hong Kong? Have you seen it?
Yes, I have seen it and it looks fabulous. 'Toh Phir Aao' is a track which people will never get enough of. I mean, it's released in Pakistan since three years and even today when we go to concerts, audiences are dying to listen to that song, they shout and scream to such an extent that we sometimes have to repeat the track. In short, it's a forever track.
The two big banners in Indian cinema who produce excellent music are Vishesh Films and Yash Raj Films. Do you see yourself working with the latter?
I won't restrict myself to anyone in particular. I love the fact that I have made my debut through Mr. Bhatt. They are the ones who have found out my hidden talent. I would love to work in every movie of theirs in the future because the kind of comfort, attitude and energy they have is unbelievable. That does not mean that I won't work with anybody else. As far as I get to work in a comfortable atmosphere, I will be ready to take up the offer.
Have you released your album Roxen outside Pakistan?
Yes, we have just released the album three months back in the U.S. Probably by the end of July this year, we will be out with Roxen in U.K and India.
Have you been approached by any producers?
Yes. I have been approached by a lot of labels and some producers after the success of both my tracks from Awarapan. I am now very choosy about my next project and will take my time to decide which film or record label to sign next after the release of Awarapan.
Which is your favourite track from any of the Vishesh Films banner you have seen or heard in the past?
I liked 'Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai' from Woh Lamhe and there was a song which was sung by James from the film Gangster called 'Hamari Adhoori Kahani'. In fact, this song is still on my play list as one of my favorites.
You are coming to the U.K to promote Awarapan which will mark your first public performance out here. Are you excited?
This will be my first time in front of the U.K audience and I'm really looking forward to meet my fans. But more importantly, it will also be my first promotional activity for a film overseas. I am excited, nervous and waiting for the people's response towards the films album.
What prayer did you ask for Allah for Awarapan, your debut film as a singer and composer?
Well, my passport is still with the British Embassy. So I ask Allah to return my passport as soon as possible so I can fly to U.K next week to promote Awarapan.
Are you in favour of re-mixes which is the current trend in all the music C.D's?
I've not been a great fan of re-mixes but what D.J Suketu has started giving to the Indian Film Industry is commendable, whether it's a track from Ek Chalis Ki Local, Woh Lamhe or Awarapan. His work speaks for itself
Now that you've made your debut in Bollywood, which actor or actress are you a fan of?
ShahRukh Khan all the way, any day. He is loved by all in Pakistan. As far as my favourite actress is concerned, I like Pooja Bhatt because she has been my crush since my childhood. Though Mahesh Bhatt doesn't know the fact that I had a crush on her, so I have to be very careful. I did request him that I wanted to meet Pooja but it didn't happen. Next time I visit India, I'll make sure that my trip is worthwhile.
What expectations have you got from Awarapan?
Everybody, from Mohit Suri, Mahesh & Mukesh Bhatt to Emraan Hashmi and me, we all have worked very hard and all of us believe in God. I hope the film does well for all of us.
After Atif Aslam, how does it feel to be Mahesh Bhatt and Mohit Suri's next Pakistani discovery for Awarapan?
Well, it's a proud moment for me because a lot of youngsters from our lot are going across the border and getting so much recognition. Thanks to my friend Atif who started this trend.
How were you offered Awararpan?
Our Indian manager Sajid took a demo copy of my album which was released in Pakistan called Roxen to Mr. Bhatt. Immediately after hearing the track 'Toh Phir Aao' he called me in Pakistan and told me to come to India. After reaching India, we sat and listened to my band's album Roxen, and that was a point when Mr. Bhatt also decided to take the track 'Tera Mera Rishta'.
Which is your personal favourite - Toh Phir Aao or Tera Mera Rishta?
Actually both are my babies, so I cannot pick up one. But these days on my play list I have Tera Mera Rishta.
What is your opinion about this entire fusion of Pakistani music into Bollywood? </B>
It's great. We have to excel at the end of the day and we cannot just limit ourselves to Pakistan. There is so much scope for music in India and at the international level that we have to go out and explore. It's a very good fusion between the Indian and Pakistani artists and now things have shaped up so well because of the Bhatt camp bringing out people from their neighboring country. I'm really happy that the change is happening.
What do you have to say about the laser show of your song 'Toh Phir Aao' in Hong Kong? Have you seen it?
Yes, I have seen it and it looks fabulous. 'Toh Phir Aao' is a track which people will never get enough of. I mean, it's released in Pakistan since three years and even today when we go to concerts, audiences are dying to listen to that song, they shout and scream to such an extent that we sometimes have to repeat the track. In short, it's a forever track.
The two big banners in Indian cinema who produce excellent music are Vishesh Films and Yash Raj Films. Do you see yourself working with the latter?
I won't restrict myself to anyone in particular. I love the fact that I have made my debut through Mr. Bhatt. They are the ones who have found out my hidden talent. I would love to work in every movie of theirs in the future because the kind of comfort, attitude and energy they have is unbelievable. That does not mean that I won't work with anybody else. As far as I get to work in a comfortable atmosphere, I will be ready to take up the offer.
Have you released your album Roxen outside Pakistan?
Yes, we have just released the album three months back in the U.S. Probably by the end of July this year, we will be out with Roxen in U.K and India.
Have you been approached by any producers?
Yes. I have been approached by a lot of labels and some producers after the success of both my tracks from Awarapan. I am now very choosy about my next project and will take my time to decide which film or record label to sign next after the release of Awarapan.
Which is your favourite track from any of the Vishesh Films banner you have seen or heard in the past?
I liked 'Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai' from Woh Lamhe and there was a song which was sung by James from the film Gangster called 'Hamari Adhoori Kahani'. In fact, this song is still on my play list as one of my favorites.
You are coming to the U.K to promote Awarapan which will mark your first public performance out here. Are you excited?
This will be my first time in front of the U.K audience and I'm really looking forward to meet my fans. But more importantly, it will also be my first promotional activity for a film overseas. I am excited, nervous and waiting for the people's response towards the films album.
What prayer did you ask for Allah for Awarapan, your debut film as a singer and composer?
Well, my passport is still with the British Embassy. So I ask Allah to return my passport as soon as possible so I can fly to U.K next week to promote Awarapan.
Are you in favour of re-mixes which is the current trend in all the music C.D's?
I've not been a great fan of re-mixes but what D.J Suketu has started giving to the Indian Film Industry is commendable, whether it's a track from Ek Chalis Ki Local, Woh Lamhe or Awarapan. His work speaks for itself
Now that you've made your debut in Bollywood, which actor or actress are you a fan of?
ShahRukh Khan all the way, any day. He is loved by all in Pakistan. As far as my favourite actress is concerned, I like Pooja Bhatt because she has been my crush since my childhood. Though Mahesh Bhatt doesn't know the fact that I had a crush on her, so I have to be very careful. I did request him that I wanted to meet Pooja but it didn't happen. Next time I visit India, I'll make sure that my trip is worthwhile.
What expectations have you got from Awarapan?
Everybody, from Mohit Suri, Mahesh & Mukesh Bhatt to Emraan Hashmi and me, we all have worked very hard and all of us believe in God. I hope the film does well for all of us.
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