writer Taimur Shahid Malik are very lucky. This young man has not hesitated to fulfill their dreams while also pursuing his aspirations. His father wanted him to become an electrical engineer and he became one, but this Pakistani remains determined to establish a bright singing career. Early morning classes, hectic study schedules and the constant pressure to get good grades did not deter him from keeping the sparkling desire of his sole obsession – music – alive in him, after he realized that music is “inseparable” from him. And that is how today we can observe this young electrical engineer holding an electric guitar too. Are you going to carry both professions together? I asked him. “I always have an alternate plan. I started learning music during my Engineering studies. Music is for the masses and engineering is for my dad. I am a qualified Engineer now. That goes for the family and their wishes. I appreciate my parents for letting me do what I wanted,” he replied with smile. “I think the East now has more qualified singers as far as academic strengths are concerned. The days when music was considered taboo in our society, are over . I wouldn't be here without my parents' support.” Born in a family of five – with one brother and sister – Shahid, called himself an “outlaw” as nobody in his family has even remotely belonged to the entertainment field. “Music itself doesn't come easily to humans; it requires patience and determination. I sacrificed hanging out with friends to learn music. The main challenge for me was to manage my time between academia and a rather old school form of musical education – which required a lot of time. Learning North Indian music requires the disciple's mandatory attendance in his or her Ustad's (music teacher) class, “ he explained. Shahid considers his Ustad or “guru” as his first inspiration to get involved in music. “I learnt music from Ustad Asghar Khan during my university days and still wish I could carry on further with him but professional commitments became a hurdle. You can't learn music by distance education. YouTube is great but it can't substitute a guru.” Like most of new generation singers, Shahid does not agree that the older generation's music “gurus” are proud, insecure and complexed individuals. “There has been this misconception for ages now but I have met several renowned classical singers and have sat in their ‘Mehfils' and I haven't found any kind of peculiar attitude towards newcomers,” he remarked. After taking an instrumental and vocal education, Shahid entered the marginally more porous musical genre of Pop, and attempted to turn it into a fusional effort. “Music is nothing but an expression of your soul. It is life and love, both of which should be spread everywhere,” he said. Shahid completed his secondary schooling at the Pakistan International School in Jeddah (Al-Azizia) and wishes to have his first concert there. “Educational entities where I studied have always provided me with a platform to socialize with more people and be recognized. PISJ is no exception. I was supported by my classmates and instructors and I plan to have my first live concert there. Too ambitious, isn't it?” he chuckled. Shahid is assured of a successful career living in Saudi Arabia. “In the presence of a huge Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi speaking community, I will experience cultural affinity. Saudi Arabia can't be compared to Pakistan, which is the primary market but the Kingdom can very well serve as a solid base to start my music career.” Shahid launched a music video “Janey Kyon” in March this year and it is successfully running on all the leading channels of Pakistan. “I am preparing my debut album and working with some of the leading musicians of Pakistan. It will not only help me come up with innovative music but will also load me with ample of music knowledge. Life is about learning after all,” he remarked. “I am fully concentrating on my 10-track music album at the moment. I feel that we have done a pretty good job because it carries flavors of soft rock, pop and fusion. The idea is to produce music for all demographic segments.” Shahid is fond of writing songs and has penned the lyrics of several of his album songs. He has also directed the music for his album himself. He has been a big follower of old Pakistani and Indian movie songs. “Along with that, hats off to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for his tunes. I also love Junoon for their passion and Alamgir for his simplicity. In fact, I appreciate everybody who sings with soul,” he said. He is, however, concerned about the sustainability of the music industry. “Piracy is a big threat to the entire music industry, as is the duplication of songs. I strongly discourage this and hope that music can once again become pure,” he said. Taimur Shahid's official Facebook Page and Youtube Channel: www.facebook.com/taimurshahidonline and www.youtube.com/taimurshahidchannel
