Shazia Manzoor makes music comeback

Eight years later, ‘Raatan Kaaliyan’ crooner returns to the game to release album comprising eight tracks

LAHORE: Lollywood playback singer Shazia Manzoor is back to the entertainment circuit following an extended hiatus. With preparations to release her first music album in eight years, it’s no surprise that the veteran artist has locked in Eidul Azha as the release date. Speaking with The Express Tribune, the Raatan Kaaliyan crooner shed light as to why she felt it was the right time to make a comeback to the music industry.



While yesteryear singers such as Shabnam Majeed have often voiced their displeasure at the quality of music being churned out nowadays, Manzoor feels otherwise. “I am impressed with the kind of music being released today. Young and talented artists have entered this profession are doing great work. Their future will definitely be bright,” she said. “I am also recording songs for a few films that I will disclose later.”

During her career break, Manzoor composed songs for the 2013 film Ishq Khuda. She feels her new album will be a worthy addition to the music industry and has no qualms in admitting that her work has always been praised by her fans. “I have prepared a lot for my upcoming record which comprises eight songs and I shot the music videos in London. I am satisfied that whatever I have sung in the past has been enough for true music lovers and it is an absolute honour that people still listen to my songs.”

When asked as to why she went off the radar for so long, Manzoor revealed, “I have always made songs according to the interest of the public. While I was at the peak of my career, the trend of cassettes and album CDs started fading away and this discouraged me from producing more work. Whenever I release a track, I always put my heart and soul into it. So I didn’t want to be disappointed if I didn’t get the response I have received in the past.”



Having lent her vocals to around 200 Punjabi and Urdu films, Manzoor has 1000 songs to her credit. Brought to the limelight by Umar Shareef in 1992, she released music albums including Chan Mere Makhna, Hai Dil Jaani, Ishq Sohna and Tu Badal Gaya Sajna, and swiftly made a name for herself in India as well.

“I have performed in several countries and there has always been a hugely positive response. International audiences love listening to folk and classical singers,” she shared, concluding, “Our music history has been wonderful and we shall continue to strive to be on the top.”

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