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Zinda Bhaag revives 'Pani da Bulbula'
"I used to sing other people's songs and I used to copy them verywell. Then one day a famous singer got offended that I had sung hissong. After that I prayed that may Allah give me a special talent sothat I have a unique style of singing which is my own."
"Since then, I have written and sung my own songs only. I have received so much recognition for my song that now I'm popularly known as 'Bulbula ji''. — Yaqub Atif
"The wisdom of the song that life is just a 'pani da bulbula' fitswonderfully with the story of our film. The lyrics draw out how thisworld is made up of people's desires, aspirations; consumerism istransient like a bubble of water."
Farjad Nabi:
"We chose this song because it is quintessential to Pakistani culture. Its references are all local and therefore it is unique. Listen to the lyrics, he's singing about 'Roti, kapra, makaan' which was the PPP slogan in the 70s. Then there is mention of the TV show 'Taakra' hosted by the late Dildar Pervez Bhatti. These are all symbols and references which only local listeners can enjoy".
Q: How do you think it's unique ?
Meenu Gaur:
"Have you heard anything like it before?
A lot of people call it the first Punjabi rap song but I don't think it's 'rap' really. It's got this element of nonsense rhyme but which, as a totality is full of wisdom about everyday living. It has a simplicity and sweetness that really appealed to me."
"He's got a folk sensibility to his music in which humour and wisdomgo hand in hand."
Q: How is Pakistani music different from other film music?
Meenu Gaur:
"It's very rich and diverse. So in this one film we have a folk song by Arif Lohar, a qawwali by Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, a bhangra number by Sahir Ali Bagga, a melodious duet by Amanat and Iqra. We are also introducing Saleema Khwaja in a song. When you listen to her voice which we found right next door to us literally is when one realises how high the bar is in terms of music in Pakistan is."
Farjad Nabi:
"I guess the industry is so small therefore the artists are much less pressured. There seems to be more space somehow. We have a groundswell of untapped talent which is very raw. I think this puts Pakistani music in a unique place."
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