Another Pakistani singer strikes chord with Bollywood

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) Adding to the list of Pakistani singers who have made their foray into Bollywood, Shiraz Uppal is the latest one basking in the glory of his hit song 'Roya re' from the Pooja Bhatt directed film "Dhokha".

Shiraz, who was recently in the capital for the promotion of 'Dhokha', latest flick from the Bhatts, told UNI "it was a dream coming true to sing in the Bhatt production. I met Mukesh ji at a function a year ago when he was searching for a unique voice for 'Dhokha'." "I gave him my musical albums that I had cut in Pakistan and wow, he was impressed with my voice. I then recorded the song in Mumbai and he told me that he had got it the way he wanted," Shiraz added.

Taking pride in the fact that besides singing 'Roya re,' he is also the composer of the lovely track, he claims it to be one of his best creations.

"What can I say about 'Roya re' when I have myself composed it.

But truly, it has a lovely melody and tune, and I thoroughly enjoyed singing it for the beauty in lyrics it had," Shiraz, an MBA by education and a former banker said.

Asked about his future plans, the singer enthusiastically informs that he is down to work to cut his first album 'Allah Hafiz' in India within six months, which will be his fourth in the music career. He is also looking forward to sing in a Punjabi album titled "Man Jave".

An avid fan of A R Rahman, Shiraz came into the limelight in Pakistan's music industry with his third album "Jhuki Jhuki" getting fabulous response from the music lovers across the globe. Earlier to this, he had brought the albums 'Tu he Meri' and 'Tera teya Mera' (a Punjabi album).

"I love listening to Kishore Kumar and Md Rafi for the great singers they were. I have grown up listening to their songs and often sing them," Shiraz, who also has a state of the art music studio in Lahore, where he produces his own tracks and those of other well-known singers, including Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, and Fareeha Pervaiz, chuckled.

With several singing offers from Bollyowood, the singer-cum-composer expects to rock India as the latest pop music sensation from its neighbouring country, and promises to come up with his own genre and style of music to entertain all music lovers.

UNI