Xulfi’s international claim-to-fame was ‘Laaree Chootee’, which featured in the Bollywood film Ek Chalis Ki Last Local. PHOTO: PUBLICITY
As Xulfi revels in the success of Nescafe Basement 3 and his stint as Call’s frontman, all eyes are on him to see what he has in store next for his fans. With a number of hit songs in both Pakistan and India under his belt, Xulfi speaks to The Express Tribune about his upcoming project and the status of Pakistani music across the border.
“I’m working on my career’s biggest project. This will be the biggest goal achieved, if things fall in place,” said Xulfi. Speculation is rife that the project is Pepsi Smash, which will be released sometime this year. Talking about local talent in comparison with that in India, Xulfi stated, “We are unique. In fact, we’re better. That’s why our music sells in India.”
He added, “Be it me or Atif Aslam or Ali Zafar, our music is distinct from what’s being done in movies there.” He feels the local music industry lacks the attention it deserves because it is not recognised as a profession in Pakistan.
Xulfi’s contribution to Bollywood has won him a number of awards. His international claim-to-fame was the chart-topper ‘Laaree Chootee’, which featured in the Bollywood film Ek Chalis Ki Last Local. On whether he will explore B-town again, he said, “I’m not ruling out the possibility of working in Bollywood but for now, I’d rather focus on putting Pakistani music back on track.”
Brimming with talent, Pakistan has seen many musicians and actors from Pakistan make it big in Bollywood and Xulfi is no stranger to struggles faced by musicians, which is why he wants to help emerging artists on both sides of the border. “The musicians here are great,” he said, “…but lack of opportunities pushes them to [go] across the border.”
Zulfiqar ‘Xulfi’ Jabbar Khan started his career with an underground band named Call in 1996 (the band was relaunched later with Junaid Khan), but it took off when he formed Entity Paradigm (EP) with Fawad Khan and Ahmed Ali Butt. Throughout his struggle to become a musician, Xulfi continued to pursue his childhood dream and went on to produce Nescafe Basement. The recording studio gained immense popularity when ‘Awari’ by Soch was featured in Bollywood’s Ek Villain.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2015.
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