My father's 'chimta' is my greatest possession: Arif Lohar

Folk singer is trying his best to take forward Alam Lohar's legacy

With famous chimta as his prop, Arif Lohar has always been a force to be reckoned with. Known for his compositions such as Jugni, Alif Allah, Kamlee Yaar Di Kamlee and others.

Recently in an interview with BBC Asian Network, the folk artist talked about his favourite compositions, future endeavours. Speaking about some of the highlights of his career, Arif revealed that his favourite track would be Jugni.

"It is now an icon. It's great to see how a local song has reached unprecedented heights globally (the song was featured in Bollywood flick Cocktail after protagonist Saif Ali Khan bought rights of it)."

The singer has embraced his roots, and revisits them often in search of inspiration.

So, what's so special about folk music? To this, Arif commented, "A folk artist isn't sculptured. A folk artist is born. He cannot be taught from an academy," added the Coke Studio singer. "You can train a doctor, an engineer but not an artist."

Talking about his father, Alam Lohar - who was an institution of his own in folk music - the Soniye crooner commented, "My father was a great singer of his genre. I still pay tributes to him."

PHOTO:FILE

Arif has sung in several Coke Studio seasons and for Bollywood films. He reveals he is currently busy writing few tracks in a British singer, Mukhtar Sahota's album. Other than that, he said he's working on some singles. Arif's recent composition, Tillay Wali Jooti, served as the title track for local blockbuster, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2.

PHOTO: FILE

"I love creating tunes. That's what I do all the time. I think I'm so invested in my music that I don't have time for anything else. It is my sole focus," added the 52-year-singer.

Arif also revealed that the famous chimta he always has with him holds a special place since it is his father's. "It is my greatest possession and is the only thing I've left of him," he said.

The singer is gearing up for a tour in UK in December.

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