‘Tere bin’ takes Uzair Jaswal even further

Singer-turned-actor discusses his road to fame and upcoming venture in Bollywood .

ISLAMABAD:

Following the momentum of Pakistani artistes darting across the border and making a mark in Bollywood, Coke Studio Singer Uzair Jaswal makes his Bollywood debut with two songs in upcoming Sunny Leone starrer Leela.

It started when someone heard Jaswal sing on Coke Studio in England and traced his contact in Pakistan and eventually connected him to Mumbai. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Jaswal says that he was skeptical at first when he received a phone call from the director of the film, Bobby khan who showed interest in wanting to feature two of his personal favourites Tere Bin and Jaan Veh in the upcoming flick. However, discussing the opportunity with family and friends, he went ahead with the venture. “I was a little worried about giving away an important song that will appear and disappear, but then realised it was a good opportunity,” he confesses.

The film will be produced by Ahmed Khan and Gulshan Kumar.

“I was convinced by the filmmakers that my songs will play an important part in the movie,” he reveals.



The lyrics and composition of both the songs have been tailored according the requirement of the movie. “Tere Bin is one of the main songs and gels well with the story,” he adds. Excited about new choruses, Jaswal says, “It’s like the same picture in new frame. They are the same songs for me, but they have a whole new life now.”



The 24-year-old who started his career with launching songs on YouTube says that the channel being banned in Pakistan has limited opportunities for local artists, who could be crossing borders and making their mark.

“It has become extremely tough in Pakistan for young musicians to reach out alongside so many restrictions. When I started off, YouTube was all I had and it was the reason I became what I am today,” he claims.

Asserting the importance of the channel, Jaswal adds, “The YouTube ban has really hurt us musicians and artists all over. I hope something can be done about it soon. Social media plays such an important role to promote young talent and people who are doing their countries proud.”



On making it to Bollywood, he says, “It’s not about Bollywood. Any opportunity you get to reach out to people is worth it. It’s about exposure to new territories and new crowds. The thought of small villages in India playing my song excites me.”

Though the opportunity has opened up avenues for the artist, he intends to stay in Pakistan.

“There are no boundaries and borders for musicians and artists. I am proud to be doing stuff to make my country proud,” he says. “However, it is unfortunate that we get noticed more when we do projects abroad,” he remarks.

Jaswal will also feature in the upcoming movie Jailabee, made by his brother Yasir Jaswal, which is scheduled to release on 20^th of March. Undertaking a minor role in the movie, Jaswal says that the year-long project was something close to his heart. The singer has also composed music for the movie adding his song Jhooti to the soundtrack.

The musician-actor has also signed his second film with filmmaker Imran Kazmi which is likely to start shooting soon. When probed about his acting penchant, Jaswal asserts he prefers roles that require him to sing and act together.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2015.

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