We started the global Punjabi song trend and we should be proud of it: Abrar ul Haq

The Pakistani king of pop recalled his early days as a musician and how his style had influenced Indian artists

When Abrar ul Haq burst onto the nation's TV screens with Billo De Ghar in 1995, he became an instant household name with his innovative twist on Punjabi music. Appearing as a guest on Mind Na Karna, Abrar pointed out how his songs had inspired Indian musicians. 

“The songs I had made fifteen to twenty years ago - there were no such songs in India at the time,” explained the singer. “Then Sikh musicians started using the same style and made songs like FIR. Pakistani musicians should take pride that we started that trend.”

To Abrar, having had a global impact on the music industry is a huge compliment. The singer, who has also dabbled in politics and is no stranger to using political satire in his music, noted that he was among the first to use rap in Punjabi songs. With social media now having the power to open doors that were previously closed off to mere mortals, Abrar is hopeful of the promising opportunities in store for upcoming talent. 

“Social media is so important now,” remarked Abrar. “Just imagine, you have a whole TV in your hands.” 

Casting his mind back to the origins of his career, Abrar pointed to the radical shift in the landscape across the world with the rise of smartphones. 

“Back when I started making music, there used to be long lines of people standing outside the doors of producers hoping to get the chance to just say one line in a show,” he said. “Now, if you are creative and can make good content, you have a very good chance of making a name for yourself.”

However, Abrar astutely laid bare the condescending nature of veteran musicians sneering down upon artists at the beginning of their career. Once again thinking back to his own debut, Abrar recollected, “When I was new to the industry, people used to blame me for ruining music. But this is a cycle that repeats itself. The people who were new then look down upon the people who are new now, but that’s wrong. Everyone should respect all musicians."

Abrar added that one of his aims has been to motivate the younger generation with his work. “I have always tried to inspire the youth,” he said. “But at the end of the day, music is all about having fun.” 

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