Just had to get my quota in.
Ten minutes with Tina
Were you expecting to get the Pride of Performance award this year?
“No. Not at all. And it was one of the most beautiful surprises. All these years I’ve worked for myself and simply shared it with people. I mean, four albums in 22 years. I’ve really been low-key. This is such a healthy signal for people like us. It’s encouraging to know that there is a consciousness for quality, not just commercial viability. This was absolutely a gift from God.”
Your pop phase may be your highest point of recognition, but which era do you consider your best?
“Undoubtedly Khari Neem Key Neechay for Karavan was the point for me. And of course there was the work I did with Faiz’s poetry.”
And worst?
“Initially, I had problems because Karachi had a modern, pop music scene. I had a tough time convincing composers I wanted to do serious music. I wanted to sing ghazals, but the composers wanted me to do all sorts of songs. I did some things which I hated, but had to do so to prove myself. That was really a low phase.”
What kind of problems did you face?
“I always had a tone problem. My voice was very heavy and husky, as opposed to the high-pitched, chirpy voices that were popular in those days. I had to be diplomatic with the composers, careful not to offend them as I had to make them adjust their melodies to my voice. I remember working with Bazmi Sahib, who was used to working with Runa Laila. That was such a problem. But he worked very hard with me and it was great for my career.”
What is your most memorable performance?
“My first performance in Lahore. It was Faiz’s first death anniversary and emotions were running really high. I had no idea. I was so new to it all. But people got to know me better and with my first piece, the tears started streaming. The effect was amazing.”
What do you have to say about the current pop scene in Pakistan?
“Some performers are very, very good. Quite frankly, I think music has really taken off in the last two years. I mean, there will always be weak stuff, but there is also a lot of good music coming along. I love it, as long as it’s not off key. Some people try to pass bad music off as modern. I really feel insulted by that. That’s not pop music, that’s just wrong.”
Your future priorities?
“I will be singing from October onwards, but my son is my No. 1 priority. My work schedule revolves around his vacations.”
So you’ve never been a victim of your work?
“Absolutely not, though I do want to add that I only feel victimized by TV recordings. **I am victim to Sahira Kazmi (laughs) who makes me work three days in a row up to 5am in the morning.” **
Your message to newcomers?
“Stay away from conspiracy theories. I feel we’re not doing as much because we think people are conspiring against us. A lot of these youngsters are in a hurry, as we once were. But growth has its own pace and they should stop listening to everything they hear. They should just do their work. Good work will always show.”