Ali Gul Pir back with new viral song
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Some may perceive him as a 'Sindhi marroo', while some as a wannabe ‘burger’, but still others see him as who he really is – a hip-hop artist who isn’t afraid of breaking conventions with comic relief and clever criticism, both social and political.
It’s been two years since Ali released his first single, Wadere Ka Beta, and has since coined the term Saeen Tou Saeen in the entire nation. A 28-year-old wadera from Dadu, Ali aims to bring serious issues to the forefront by helping us laugh at them.
As someone who speaks out against the foreign silhouette on Pakistani pride, Ali brings something new to the table. After hits like Saeen, VIP, Taroo Maroo and Youtube censorship, Kholo BC, his latest track is about Lassi.
Sab Choro Lassi Phoro, which was released on chand raat, has gone viral on social media, garnering positive feedback from public.
While speaking to Dawn, Ali shares what inspired the idea for this song.
“I personally don’t like lassi much,” admits Ali. “I went to Lahore and people took me to have lassi. I didn’t like the way it looked. You’ll know what I’m talking about if you go to a yoghurt shop – the stench it has. They [my friends] made fun of me for not having it.”
"When you think lassi you think of a fat guy with a (milk) moustache. Funny idea to make a song about."
Inspired from the theme song of 90’s American television sitcom, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Ali’s video shows how a desi Pakistani impresses others by drinking ‘boxed’ lassi.
Even though it’s not meant to be a promotional video for ‘Olpers Lassi’, Ali explains that the only reason to use Olpers is because it’s the only ‘boxed’ lassi available.
When I ask him about the title of his new song, he reminded me of the familiar phrase, 'sub choro bum phoro'.
"I wanted to use that in a positive way."
The song, which has the perfect chilling-with-family-and-friends vibe, stands for embracing the good in Pakistan. Lassi is not just a healthy and hygienic refresher, it's a reminder of a great part of our culture that we forget to celebrate in the shadows of all the crises plaguing the country.
That's why Ali says 'sub choro' – the worries, the electricity problems and even snide comments on Veena Malik – and enjoy life.
“The comedy in my work is created by what I see around me,” claims Ali, before adding that his light-hearted and satirical approach has really worked for him. "No one else does what I do.”
The singer was actually a stand-up comedian before he released his first song. Wadere Ka Beta, he explains, was written on a whim; but soon became an amusing, socially and politically charged rap song, that reached half-a-million hits within a week on Youtube two years ago.
It may have been a bumpy ride before, Ali says, but things have been smooth ever since the release of his first track.
“[In the last two years] I’ve learned a lot more than I ever have in my life. I’m grateful for the position I’m in. I do what I love and I make a good living.”
Also read: “There is a wadera in all of us!”
Ali may be popular for his satire, but he doesn’t shy away from venturing into different themes for entertainment. He will be featuring in a new kind of music video with a friend, which should release soon.
“Satire is something I do, but I want to explore different themes as well,” says Ali, “Sab Choro Lassi Phoro is a start of doing something different.”
“I will come back to satire as I believe that fundamentally I am an entertainer, a comedian.”
But he plans to give a different spin to comedy.
“Maybe something close to a love song, in a different funny way… doesn't have to be [something like] main tumharay aankhon main doob gaya.”
Ali’s satire is inspiring a nation booming with opportunities for the youth to change and free themselves from ignorance, propaganda, and stereotypes.
We hope he is as successful in his new ventures, as he is with his satirical singles.
For now, sab choro lassi phoro!