Ali Zafar upset at diminishing pop music scene

Singer-actor feels pop music should co-exist with film music.

MUMBAI: Pop music culture is diminishing and it upsets singer-actor Ali Zafar, who says he would love to do something to save it, but admits he can’t bring about the change single-handedly.

“It’s sad that pop music is fading these days. I can’t individually get it back myself,” Zafar, who started his music career with independent album Huqa Pani, told IANS.

“Sadly, radios don’t play the songs of private albums and channels don’t give priority to private music videos. So how can you expose yourself to the people? You can’t,” he added.

The 32-year-old, who also did albums like Masty and Jhoom, is equally active in films and has acted in Bollywood movies like Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and London Paris New York — he also sang the song Madhubala in the former and composed the music for the latter.

He feels that pop music should have enough space to co-exist with film music.

“I think pop music will come back with time. The pop independent music should be given a chance to exist simultaneously along with the film industry as it happens in the west. I think, the mechanism needs to be devised soon,” he added.

The singer feels it would be great if he could contribute anything to bring the change. “Look at Coke Studio, it’s doing great widely but it would be fantastic if radio and TV channels support us too,” he said.

Zafar feels he is lucky to have a platform like Bollywood to showcase his talent, but for others, private albums could be a good way to make a mark.

“I am into Bollywood, so I can’t complain that much but all these young boys and girls, who have excellent talent, should be given a chance to showcase their talent.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2013.                   

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