If one were to say that Pakistani musicians and Islam go hand in hand, the controversial statement wouldn’t be a far cry from the truth. From Junaid Jamshed and Najam Sheraz to Ali Haider, the magnetism and appeal of Islam have pulled some of the best Pakistani acts to its forte. The latest musician to shun his old life as a singer and songwriter is Shiraz Uppal regarded as an influential musician within Pakistani pop music.
This week the prominent musician called it quits, leaving many of his fans in shock. Before he announced the news, Uppal had uploaded a new picture to his Facebook page, which shows him with cropped hair, a light beard and a caption that read: “a new beginning”. The Express Tribune spoke to the former musician about his spiritual journey that lead to his new calling.
How it started
His transition began six months ago, when he started praying five times a day and reading the Holy Quran. During that period, Uppal spent hours in his basement studio, which was once used as a spot for hanging out with friends, making music and watching movies. Something had completely changed — the motivation of making music had vanished from his life.
“Although I wasn’t much of a party person, I lived my life in this confined environment with the sole purpose of creating music that speaks,” said Uppal. “Ever since I had come into the industry, everything in my life had become stale. I was getting ill in a strange way because of the late nights which is necessary for a musician or an artist as creativity and inspiration always comes at night.”
Musical journey
From being the shy musician whose first album Tu Hai Mera (a compilation of romantic ballads) which failed commercially, to his follow-up album Tera Tay Mera in 2003, where he was compared to his inspiration AR Rehman, Uppal has come a long way as an artist. He has also been featured in Bollywood films such as Aashayein, Dhokha and Nayak as a playback singer.
His last single called “Data Di Deewani” featuring Rafaqat Ali Khan was a qawalli that showed his spiritual side. For his avid musical fan base, he still has two tracks yet-to-be released from the films Secret of Success and Naina Tere.
Turning producer
As a producer, he masterfully polished and directed various musical acts. From Atif Aslam to Noori, Zeb and Haniya to Jal and Shafqat Amanat Ali to Fariha Pervez — his production studio named SU studios became a major hotbed for music. When asked which aspect of music he enjoyed more, he replied, “I liked producing music even more than singing.”
Peer response and family pressures
No matter which way Uppal turns, he can’t really run away from the comparisons to former artists Junaid Jamshed and Ali Haider. The feedback and opinions that these ex-musicians received in their times was a mix of good and bad. When it comes to Uppal’s family and peers, both have advised Uppal not to leave music.
Faith leads the way
With many artists including Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) who have lent their voice to religious music, it would seem logical that Uppal lends his voice to a spiritual song in the future. On this note he said, “For now, I am trying to cut music entirely from my life. I haven’t really planned anything out for the future but I have always been a strong believer in fate working things out.”
Uppal’s life changing tweets
Internal conflicts
My mind is at war with my heart. Let’s see who wins!
Finding peace
There is only one success — to be able to spend your life in the way your creator wants it to be spent
Acceptance
I just want to be a good muslim and a good human being by following the Quran and Hadith
Giving up his instruments
Some music gear for sale @ S.U Studios... Avalon 737sp preamp (mint condition)... Pearl Drum Kit with Hardware
Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2012.
COMMENTS (68)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1725443747-0/Untitled-design-(5)1725443747-0-165x106.webp "article")
@Sabi: well he should become proper Muslim and avoid publishing his photo on his facebook page.
Many people criticize Junaid Jamshed about forbidding muzik. Did they forget the mid 90's? When TV channels only bounce with Junaid's Song's. Come on you all bro.s don't criticize on it.Do you think it is any easy to leave your well oriented fame? This is the real jihad if you guys realize. To fight against your own negative will just for the sake of Allah is the jihad Akbar. Sheraz did the well job... No one is allowed to criticize someone's decision.
best of luck.daer ae darust ae.i appriciate u 4 doing so.
@talha khan: don't forget the boutiques, the latest fashion burqas and meat shops.
@Omer Khan: He is trying to b a good MUSLIM nd picture is not as haram as music, It is haram but not as much as music.
@Frantic: Absolutely right!
All the people who are commenting need to read this full interview with Shiraz Uppal on his reason and journey before quitting http://muslimmatters.org/2012/03/05/shiraz-uppal-my-journey/
I think he would be reading comments there rather than here on a news article.
Hmm.... sounds familiar! The next step is probably religious music, religious programs & most important of them all, opening an outlet of Designer Shalwar Kameez!
Congratulations bro!
For this sacrifice what Allah rewards, we can’t imagine in this world. Best of luck
@Random: I am really not surprised by your comment! After all it comes from someone who probably has no idea of his creator or doesn't think he will face his creator one day!
seriously
@talha khan:
I don't think we should shun the artist straight way. It is a famous saying "Allah jise chahe, hadiyat se nawazta hai" Therefore we should pray for ourselves. It is between him and Allah Almighty. You will be becoming "gunhegaar" if his faith is pure..
people will never be happy wish you all the best Shiraz uppal
best of luck and congrats
Pretty surprised at the nutters in this forum. This is just another indication of the radicalization in our society. Fact that many of the people here think it commendable is just sad. Truth is that this man will be a far better contribution to society and his country my remaining a musician and making songs. We don't need another maulvi.
I think its a good decision because, unfortunately, in the world of showbiz there is no moderation, temptations are rampant and one just gets pulled into the abyss. Curiosity leads to exploration and turns into interest which ultimately leads to desire. It is nearly impossible to be in Showbiz and not cross lines. But this depends upon where you perceive your "line" to be.
Who Cares?
Its his decision. We aint no one to criticise it. these people call themselves educated and yet they cant accept one's will and decision. He aint answerable to any of us but Allah. So better keep ur eyes on ur own deeds rather than criticising others.
One must bear in mind music is forbidden in Islam. These days if it is commonly heard thing, tht does not mean the things said by 1430 years ago were not right. We must have some patience and should eliminate this negativity amongst us and give benefit of doubt to others.
those talking about singers quitting and finding religion when their careers are going down should keep in mind Junaid Jamshed. He probablly would have been out there still singing and doing better than most of those around had he not turned to religion.
Good luck to Shiraz Uppal and may Allah accept his sacrifice.
Can someone please explain what exactly is wrong with music? People like Shiraz Uppal paint themselves as very religious when they leave music and call it the worst thing in life when actually they have spent most of their life either singing or composing music. Just like there is good language and bad language, there is and can be good music and bad music. If you listen to the likes of 'Sheila Ki Jawani' and 'Munni Badnaam Hui' then it's your own problem. But there has been very thought provoking music around the world too. It's your choice what you choose to listen too! Don't call music as bad overall!!
Thank you, Shiraz Uppal, for pushing an already confused youth further into oblivion. If you had to give up music in the name of religion.. Why make it public? Are you not doing it for the love of God, or was the publicity necessary. Kindly, keep your attention seeking gimmicks to yourself. No one would have noticed or cared if you had disappeared quietly.
I think it is would be cheap to say this that when man is down with his aspirations he turns his notions. If one comes to his real place don't say so If you want skooon form the bottom of your heart then u must come back to the spirtual life . @talha khan:
wonderful news. The best cause a person can live for. To those anti-religion fanatics above. Where are your lessons of peace and respect which you teach to everyone? Do you think JJ's and muhd Yusuf careers' were also drowning. Those who have to do nothing can only criticize...
@talha khan: keep your hatred for the religion to yourself. being a liberal doesn't mean you have to pull down the other too.
I wonder if he will be able to give a rational and logical answer if asked WHY music and islam cannot coexist?. When did Islam preach that you abandon the world and spend your life in a mosque? Islam preaches balance. Unfortunately Muslims feel they can only be true muslims by going to extremes.
dammit...you have every right to do what you want to but just don't make it a gimmick. I'm sure if these musicians one day stop making music, no one will stand at their doorstep asking for an explanation. Why can't you just do it without the mandatory 'status upload' of Facebook?
Every individual is free to choose whatever he wants to. I don't know why people are being so judgemental about him. If he is at peace now, why does it hurt people???
@Pinky: Well i second u on that. Shiraz Uppal has all the right and to decide his dealings with his religion. and all of you people judging him are weak at heart and mind and have developed the habit to criticize only. he is escaping , trying to change career for popularity you say ? gimme a break !!
Best wishes for the future :) May Allah bless u on ur journey
Oh no.. Not you. :(. Music is your career, Islam is your religion. All you need is a balanced life. Sad to see you quitting music.
@talha khan: Junaid jamshed was at the very best stage in his career when he decided to call it quits. Your argument is lame and far from Islamic belief of "hidayah". Please study about this branch of Islam and stop criticising those who have the courage to change themselves for good.
Another knocked down by the fanatics...!!!!
Congratulations... "Beshak Allah tauba krne walon awr pak rehne walo ko dost rakhta he".(Quran) We are praying for your mind which in conflict with your heart...which in other words is devil, which is a prominent enemy of human being.
so you see why the muslims are in such a worst condition in the whole world? read the comments above. Everyone is a judge here. I uploaded a picture of my friend on facebook yesterday. In spite of being an australian citizen, he is exteremely simple, having beard, wearing cap and very simple clothes and u know what, people on facebook started making fun of him that how come he is living in Australia for 5 years. Some said its just a show off. People go abroad and try to show themselves as very pious muslims. Finally I had to delete the picture from facebook. Why u people keep whining that west is not respecting Islam and Muslims? Try to resepect yourself first and then expect others to respect you.
many "comments" show how much slaves we are to modernism.doggy nation !!!!
Also he should learn from his hero AR Rahman who gives spirituality as the reason behind his success in music and not belittle the very thing that made him famous. That's called hypocrisy.
Man you can serve Islam in a much better way using your God Gifted talent. Islam can not be bounded and limited to certain look and acts which time and again has been tested and failed. given that Islam is the modern religion with compete package of life find modern way to serve Islam Humanity and Pakistan. Junaid Jamshad was much louder and influential and trend setter when he was using his God Gifted talent, now where is he? what he do? at least i dont know him any more he just wasted his talent and lost the opportunity.
Please dont limit islam came back and serve Islam and Pakistan in a much better way through what you are expert at and admired for.
Where is his beard?
The real question is, why music is considered to be something in contradiction with being a good muslim?
I believe Shehzad Roy is doing a great job with his politically motivated music for the youth. I think Junoon did a great job in presenting Bulleh Shah and Iqbal in a way young minds can understand. I think Rohail Hayat is doing an exceptional job by promoting cultural music from across the country. I think Shoaib Mansoor did a great job by raising important issues through his movies. I think Sharmeen Obaid Chinnoy made us proud as well.
I dont want to know who is a better muslim, that is for God to decide. But if you ask me who is serving humanity in a better way, JJ, Ali Haider, Najaz Sheraz.. OR Chinoy, Mansoor Roy, Rohail.. I'd go with the later.
@talha khan: and for you, start bashing anything which is related to religion. In this way you would consider yourself a liberal!!
Good for him! Who are we to judge how true his intentions are?!
One of my favorite singers , wish him all the best for his future
It is sad and an indicator of how mistrustful we have become when people doubt his intentions behind the decisions. Could there be something viler than making judgments about someone's intentions in being inclined towards spiritual experience!
none of you are qualified to judge SHIRAZ UPPAL. Even the creator doesn't judge you till the final day comes. as for all of you who're being harsh and ill-logical, take a quick peek of yourselves before commenting on anyone else's character. the guy wants a transition, let it be! as for you shiraz, may you find peace in your newly found faith!
Dissappointed Simply
This is excellent. No matter whatever are the reasons that led this man into accepting the truth as early in his life as possible, its a very good decision.
May Allah give us guidance to us all.
May Allah guide u and all of us to the rite path and help us make the rite decisions.. cuz we r too feeble and prone to misjudgments
as for Mr Talha and Gilgit Baltistan... there is a limit in being sarcastic and rude..... u shud keep it in mind when next time u question some one's character... using .....''Religion as a toystrong text''... REALLY... is that wht u think it is.... I think u r making more fun of the religion than the man u r impugning ...
@talha khan: Instead of encouraging him u r criticizing on him. thats pathetic. atleast he has chosen sumthin which is right for him and ppl like u are so much obsessed on criticizing on him
Exactly the reason why minorities will never be accepted in Pakistan, coz according to Pakistani muslims, islamic lifestyle is the right path and other religions/lifestyle and paths are wrong, thats why minorities, atheists and liberals are always given a bad and dirty look at them!
atleast he is taking a step forward towards the true purpose of life!! and people should stop acting like shaytan trying to pull the guy down when he is trying to move forward congrats to you shiraz i hope you are an inspiration for many
A great inspiration. Wow. Masha Allah.
Whatever he does I'll fully support him, at least he is being sincere to what he does and this quality leads every man to success.
Nothing unusual here. We should not be judgemental about anyone's views.
Dear Mr.Uppal, Why have you uploaded a "new pic". Pictures are as 'haram' as music. Astagfarullah!
talha, you are being harsh...shiraz was serving as judge/mentor on tv music shows, he was being offered projects from across the border, so he wasnt a failure....whatever his motives were, they certainly werent in the category of last resort/escape hatch...
its his life, his choice...All the best, Shiraz...
@TalhaKhan, @ Gilgit-Baltistan Well, in Islam one is rewarded for his or her intention. Only Allah knows what is in his heart. So leave it to God to decide and judge. All the best Shiraz Uppal. This particular tweet of your has struck a chord with me: "My mind is at war with my heart. Let’s see who wins!" I am myself at cross roads, I hope for His guidance and mercy.
Congratulations!
At least Shiraz Uppal realized at the end that music is not the end of the world. There is some thing which is more than music and that it the religion "ISLAM".
We all have to return to the Creator, sooner or later. So, Shiraz Uppal choose the right path, the path where every one is going to go back to the Creator.
may be he was not bring out some good stuff to listener for a while...its a good excuse....Religion become a nice toy to play....:-p
Yes,whenever the singing career starts going down the drain,the easiest and most popular thing is to declare it unislamic and start a new innings as a religion spokesperson.it gets you instant appreciation,you start being used for propaganda purposes by the religious fanatics.like many before him,we'll now start seeing his naats on tv,he'll release religious songs in ramzan,eid and other holy occassions,he might even start giving lectures which will be broadcast during ramzan.it's a very popular way to get a new career going after the first one has fizzled out.