Musharraf era was the best time for music: Umair Jaswal

Umair Jaswal plans on launching album with his eponymous band, 'Umair Jaswal' later this year

LAHORE: Singer-turned-actor Umair Jaswal stops short of nothing when it comes to preparing for his acting roles. From his body transformation for Yalghaar, which included bulking up and sculpting his physique, the middle child of the famed Jaswal trio of brothers has a penchant for challenges. Although for the past two years he’s been focusing on acting alone, the ex- Qayaas frontman is now releasing an album with his eponymous band, 'Umair Jaswal' this year.

“The last record I released was two and a half years ago,” he told The Express Tribune. The latest of his corporate-backed work is a song with Zoe Viccaji called Jhoom, penned by Zohaib Kazi. Although a happy-go-lucky track, neither does Jhoom display the best of his vocal abilities nor is the video anything out of the ordinary. Umair is of the opinion that although brands are the entities pumping life into a dying industry, artists should still retain creative control. “Freedom of expression has died and our industry has died with it. That’s why one hasn’t seen any amazing voices surface lately,” said the performer.



“The whole format has been upended down to the fan who wants to get into a concert for free instead of paying for it.” The singer explained that the reunited band has most of its songs ready and recorded, but is not sure when the album release will take place. Continuing on the problems that plague the music industry, he said, “CDs are obsolete and people all over the world are now releasing singles online. This phenomenon has come to Pakistan with Patari, Taazi and Saavn. The monetary returns may not be a lot, but it’s still something,” he said, adding that he had chosen to release an album because it was a representation of his artistic expression.



Umair voiced his opinion on the influence of Indian cinema industry on local musicians, and how it hinders their growth. “The more we allow Bollywood to take over, our own musicians will be muffled. The best time for music was during Musharraf era. It was then that Noori, Atif, Call, EP, Karavan, Ali Azmat became giants in their own right and our TV channels boomed.”



Jaswal shot for the television serial Mor Mahal last year and the show is currently on air. “It took people a while to understand Mor Mahal. Many people were of the opinion that it looked a lot like Mera Sultan but that was a real story which had its own anchors,” said Umair. The reason for the initial criticism was related to the fact that it takes people a while to get involved with the plot, especially if it’s a period fantasy. “Humsafar received its highest rating during its 9th episode.” He added that the team behind Mor Mahal may have killed their own rating by launching a simultaneous telecast on PTV to get a wider, more terrestrial approach. As many as six episodes in, perceptions have changed drastically. People who approach Umair now are more appreciative of the characters.

While his film appearance has so far been limited to that of a cameo in Yalghaar, Umair is currently in talks for a full-fledged role in a movie. “Yalghaar had been on the floor for three-and-a-half years and I asked them for a realistic timeline so I could take other projects,” he explained. “I had started Mor Mahal. There were no locked dates and I had to alter my physical appearance to play the character.”

Umair grew a beard for his role in the television serial because he was not comfortable using prosthetics and props, which make things appear artificial. “One may be able to get away with a small role but if you’re in the audience’s face for 45 episodes, there’s no other option,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.