Interview with Shakila Ahmed

Published in The Saturday Post, Issue 192

by

Sadaf Fayyaz

A brilliant singer with splendid vocals and superior classical training, Shakila has really proved herself with her soft and melodic voice. Her versatility comes with her classical, light and pop singing. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Shakila came with some wonderful songs like Toota Jo Aakey, Tumhara Ishq, Aao na Pyar, Khwab Todd do Gey, Bekhudi, Chori Chori and Sehra.

Her multilingual singing in Urdu, Punjabi and Bangla adds more maneuver to her singing. Besides music, writing and painting are two of her passions, but her inborn music knack supersedes other talents.

Tell us something about your childhood, education and background.

My birthplace is Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have done my Masters in mass communication and journalism. Besides these, I have also taken music lessons at The College of Music, Nazrul Academy and Chayanaut; and all three are very celebrated institutes of performing arts.

When and how did you get interested in music?

I was born with a great love and vivid interest for music, and with time I became more passionate about it.

At what age did you start singing?

I started singing in concerts and radio programs as a child artist at the very young age of eight. My teachers realized the potential and selected me for music competitions, where I always returned with trophies. I have been under the pupilage of Gulam Ambia, Sanjeev Dey, Ustad Mohammad and Dilshad Khan.

What were your initial projects? and what languages can you sing in?

I have been singing in Urdu, Bangla, English, Hindi and Punjabi, but I love singing in Urdu and Bangla. In 1990, my first album of Bengali pop songs, namely Hridor Binar Tare, was released by the record label Sargam. At the annual music competition of Dhaka University, I competed with contestants from all over the country in classical music. In 1994, I was invited by Ustad Zakir Hussain to sing a small piece for Little Buddha. Besides this, I also sang some mini Alaaps for the same movie, composed by Ruichi Sakamoto.

How often do you jam?

I believe in jamming all of the time; that’s why I believe I can adjust my vocal cords to every genre of singing. Whether it’s classical or pop, I have no problem. I manage to sing both the genres of music with equal ease and creativity. I have also sung pop songs, my album Kisise Na Kehna is a true representative of western pop music in Urdu.

What is your source of inspiration?

My source of inspiration is nature. I love writing, singing, traveling, reading and discussing philosophy.

Out of all the songs that you have sung, which one is your favorite?

It’s a difficult question; I simply cannot say which one I like the most. I love all of my songs.

What is your record company?

There are many that I have worked with. Sargam is a record label that released my album of Bengali songs; Lips Records released my album Nayee Baat, which received a very good response. I signed up with BMN for two albums, a ghazal and a pop album.

Do you like live performance or studio sessions more?

I like live performances because I find them more exciting and I get an instant feedback, I also find live sessions to be more challenging.

How many concerts have you done so far?

I have done hundreds of concerts all over the world.

What was the first instrument that you learnt playing?

I learnt playing Tanpura and harmonium at the age of twelve. I had a passion for music from the beginning that I couldn’t ignore. Besides continuing my studies, I took music lessons at a very young age.

What is the influence of your music?

I believe my music is influenced by love, poetry, and universality.

Is there any upcoming project that you are working on?

Yes, I am currently working on an album that has a mixed genre of music. I have recently shot a video of a single called Bekhudi which is a hot favorite in the fm charts. What I can say about my next album is that it will have a myriad of flavors of music I feel within me.

What are your favorite bands and musicians?

My favorite bands are Santana and Abba. I admire all of the legends from the east and west.
What is your motivation?
It is to create and embrace. That’s it.

What is your desire and expectation?

I have a great regard for humanity and art. Being an artist, my desire is to live and let live. My biggest expectation is to be loved by people.

Whom have you worked with and, are currently working with?

I have worked with Hariharan (vocalist of Colonial Cousins), Ruichi Sakamoto (the Oscar winning composer of The Last Emperor), Zigsworth, Ustad Sultan Khan and Bhure Khan. I am currently working with Larry Davis and Mike Nathaniel.

How do you take criticism?

I take it positively and as a tool to correct myself. I believe in the value of criticism and its importance. For artists, criticism is something very important. I take it as a lesson to get myself corrected.

What is the genre of your music?

It’s basically Indian classical, ghazal and pop, and this time fusion as well.

How do you define music?

I define music as the best high. For me, it’s everything.

What would you have been, if not a musician?

I cannot imagine not being a musician. It has been, and it is my first priority.

How do you perceive future of music in Pakistan?

I hold an optimistic view on that. I think the future of Pakistani music is very bright, one must see a light ahead to carry on. I hope for the best.

Lastly, what is your message to readers of The Saturday Post?

Keep learning things: The greatest joy lies in learning because it leads to ecstasy. Read, listen, discover and live a good life.