Home / Interviews / “‘Main Tau Dekhoonga’ is for all those people who’ve lost hope for this country.” – Bilal Maqsood

“‘Main Tau Dekhoonga’ is for all those people who’ve lost hope for this country.” – Bilal Maqsood

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Over the years, Strings (Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia) have been active in highligting various issues that our country, as well as the world faces via their music. Be it the terrorism issue (‘Yeh Hum Nahin’) or the anti-war stand (‘Beirut’), the friendship between Indo-Pak (‘Jeet Lo Dil’ with Euphoria) or the World Cup fever (‘Hai Koi Hum Jaisa’), Strings have always been around. Last year’s ‘Ab Khud Kuch Karna Parega’ in collaboration with Atif Aslam was yet another masterpiece which urged the youth to take control. Their new video, ‘Main Tau Dekhoonga’ seems to be a continuation to the tune. In this interview with Instep, Strings reveal more behind their new single…






Instep: How did the concept come into being?
Bilal Maqsood: We knew after the beginning of ‘Ab Khud Kuch Kerna Parega’, we had started something that we’d have to continue. We strongly believe in whatever we do. We strongly believe in all the music we make, none of the songs we make are meaningless to us. From ‘Koi Aanay Wala Hai’ to ‘Duur’ to ‘Najaney Kyun’. A song has to come from the heart; if it doesn’t hold any meaning for us, it wouldn’t hold any meaning for the audience.

‘Main Tau Dekhoonga’ is like a sequel to ‘Ab Khud Kuch Karna Parega’. If you look around, there’s an air of hopelessness in Pakistan. Each time people think that the worst has hit our country and things will probably get better, but this black hole seems to be infinite. When people start losing hope, it’s the worst thing that could happen to a nation. A lot of people we know are moving out of the country and suggest that we do the same. But this is not the way! You can’t just leave when things get bad.

This song tackles all these issues. It’s for the people who’ve lost all hope for Pakistan, who want to move away and have no expectations from this country. Our message to these people is that there’s a cycle to everything. Take the music industry for example: we’ve been in the music industry for about 22 years and we’ve observed a cycle. Things become better, and then they become worse to the point of no hope, but then the industry revives itself and the cycle continues. Same thing happens with people as life has its ups and downs, but you cope because you have no other option. We firmly believe that Pakistan is also going through a cycle; we’re going through the worst period and we don’t know how long it’ll last, but we are sure that Pakistan will revive.

Instep: Who wrote this song and how is it different from ‘Ab Khud Kuch Karna Parega’?
Bilal Maqsood: I wrote the song. ‘Ab Khud Kuch Karna Parega’ was a more aggressive song. It’s about taking things into your own hands. ‘Main Tau Dekhoonga’ is not so aggressive. We hope that this song inspires those who are lost and looking for a ray of hope. ‘Main Tau Dekhoonga’ starts with the lines ‘Jub sasti hogi roti, aur mehngi hogi jaan.’ Because we believe that day will come again in Pakistan.

Instep: How are such songs beneficial to the nation?
Faisal Kapadia: I can’t really say how beneficial these songs are. Many songs about peace and harmony have been made. Some work and others don’t. But we believe that the effort should be there. Musicians should keep making an effort, it’s our job. If God has given us a talent, we should use it in the right way. Mullahs (clerics) say that music is bad; if it strays you off the right path then it is but if it has the power to give inspiration and to lift someone’s spirits, then music is better than a lot of other things.

Instep: Tell us something about the video?
Faisal Kapadia: The main emphasis is on children. We are singing out to them and through them to the whole of Pakistan. They are the future!

Instep: Who came up with the concept of the video?
Bilal Maqsood: We always have brain storming sessions with Jami. It’s a combined effort and we come up with the best possible idea. So, the idea of the band talking to the younger generation who will soon rule the country was evolved. The song is for all Pakistanis but it’s especially for the young generation. We’re telling them: ‘Mein tu dekhoonga, tum bhi dekhogey.’

Instep: Did you target anybody in your song? Are you referring to politicians only?
Bilal Maqsood: No, it’s for all those people who are selling their own country for personal gain. Those who are being addressed will be able to identify themselves when they hear the song.

Instep: What measures do you think need to be taken for the development of this country?
Bilal Maqsood: We’ve been witnessing revolutions all over the Middle East. I know a revolution for us is around the corner and I see no other way.

Instep: What qualities should a leader possess according to you?
Bilal Maqsood: He should have a clean background and the courage to take a stand for what is right. He should be able to identify what is wrong with this country and fix that. He should be someone who is not afraid to speak the truth. He should believe in the power of peace. If we are able to identify one such person then our problems will be solved.


Source : Instep

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