‘Katna Nai’: Ode to a father

Pakistani pop icon Sajjad Ali talks about his latest song ‘Katna Nai’.


Rafay Mahmood March 16, 2012

KARACHI:


They say hurt and pain are great sources of inspiration for an artist. It seems these are the emotions that bring the best (in terms of creativity) in any artist and pop icon Sajjad Ali’s latest song “Katna Nai” is testimony to this claim.


“Katna Nai”, one of the most memorable tracks from his album Chahar Balish, is written in the memory of his father, who recently passed away. “This song has always been very close to my heart,” says Ali. “It helps me recall all the time I had spent with my father.”

The song is neither as catchy as “Kir Kir” — one of “Coke Studio Season 4’s” most celebrated songs — nor does it have the signature Sajjad Ali sound present in songs like “Paniyon Mein” or “Dil Pareshan Hai”, but instead it has a sound of its own and explores Ali’s vocal talent in a different manner.

Although it might sound like a standard arrangement of instruments, the overall structure and the beautifully-penned lyrics help the listener immerse in the song and feel Ali’s pain.

Lyrical masterpiece

The lyrics have been penned down by Ali and his old friend Ali Moin (who also wrote the lyrics of Sajjad Ali’s popular number “Chal Rein De”) and one can safely say that their combined talents have merged successfulyy to create this track. The writers explored the softer and more soothing side of Punjabi vocabulary which resulted in some beautiful verses. The song, which at times resembles an artist’s diary, largely talks about Ali’s association with his father’s soul.

Thumbs down for the video

Throughout his career, Ali has maintained a certain standard for his videos and his songs have always been remembered as audio-visual packages. Be it the hilarious “Chief Sahab” or something as gloomy as “Chal Rein De”, Ali has always given his videos particular attention but this one is a huge disappointment. “Katna Nai’s” video fails to capture and convey the emotions of the singer and seems out-of-sync with the lyrics. Had the video been decently shot and well-directed, it would’ve probably guaranteed Ali more airtime on television channels. Sadly, this video failed to make an impact on the viewer.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2012.

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