Living the Dream

Without confining Jhoom to a genre,Zafar says that he has attempted to “revive the soul” in music through his latest album. “In the film Walk The Line,Johnny Cash is asked ‘What would you write if today was the last day you had to live?’ The title track attempts to capture that essence. Each song,in fact,is an attempt to look beyond the selling points of music to make it something that touches the listeners’ hearts.”

The sincerity of Zafar’s attempt shows. Released on Valentine’s Day in Pakistan,Jhoom takes you through nearly a dozen love songs,with Zafar almost consciously staying away from peppy numbers. But it isn’t until the third song that one begins to get hooked. Sadly,the title track,though beautifully written,does not stand out. It’s R&B version,however,works better. But Zafar seamlessly manages to blend the Urdu and Punjabi lyrics,sometimes borrowing from traditional folk songs as in Allah Hu,with western riffs.

Jhoom was released early this week across the world by YRF Music. In Pakistan,however,Zafar’s own label Alif Records backs the album. Pop music may have lost momentum in India,but it is strong in Pakistan where artistes like Atif Aslam,Junoon and Zafar have flourished. “The lack of an active film industry has helped,but that is now changing. Pakistan hasn’t seen new emerging talent for sometime now and Bollywood dominates the music scene there too,” he clarifies. The attention he received post-Tere Bin Laden,he hopes,will aid Jhoom’s success. “The love and acceptance is heart-warming. I only hope my music helps me express my gratitude.”

The 30-year-old’s schedule in India does not include only promoting his album; Zafar is also wrapping up the shoot of his next,Yash Raj Films’ Mere Brother Ki Dulhan with Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif. He plays the former’s brother,a rather “flamboyant,flirtatious and confused character”.

Unlike his character,however,the artiste has his priorities in place. Despite his promising career in acting,he considers himself a musician. “I graduated in painting and art only because there was no degree course in music being offered by the universities in Pakistan. I am having fun with an active career in acting,but music remains my first love.”

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