Back from a fantastic show in Geneva and a great trip. Switzerland is breathtaking, extremely peaceful and calm. A few friends drove me to France for a birthday dinner . I so wish Pakistan gains this level of tranquility . We’re planning something for the people of Swat . They need us the most at this moment . Will update on that soon . For now check out the video clip i recorded for you guys while there …
p.s Thx for all the lovely b day wishes on the forum .
So whoever wants to fly in for the show is more than welcome . 18th is my birthday so plan to stay on and party and then return unless we plan to move on to Greece for a show which we’re workig on and may be London to relax for a few days with friends . I could use a small vacation . Chaos
Right , so I hear some of u wanted to read about my childhood or silly school stories including jman from the last blog’s first post . Ironically an old school friend tagged me today in a few group pictures of me with my pals back in school .
It certainly suddenly did bring back a lot of memories, however the ones related as to where those pics were taken , why they were taken , how or who took them , certainly don’t exist in my memory anymore . But I do remember something strange though, which is , that i had developed a lot crushes on a lot of girls at a lot of different times from school including teachers , although none materialized …. whoops ! But they were very harmless and innocent crushes … like the ones you see in movies … the flowers and the teddy bears and the cards and the valentine’s day and the chocolates . Yes , the kiddy kind . I also remember we used to have “ opinion books “ and “ slam books “ where we all used to post our comments on eachother . Can u imagine , we needed a book to tell eachother how we felt for who . The most frequently used comments for me were “ cute n nice “ “ cute and nice “ and “ cute , nice and a good artist “ I used to get so irritated … like come on guys .. wasn’t there anything more ? e.g “oh my god he’s so sexy … I wanna tear off his clothes when he’s reading the physics chapter 8 out loud ! can I ? ”
Also there was a lot of mystery and talk revolved around the “ s “ word , but since this is a public forum I shall refrain from talking on that . Untill next time . Happy S …
I wrote this appx a year ago and found it in my word documents . Thought might be interesting to share . How relevant it gets by the time .
By Ali Zafar
I remember ,two years back , at a house get together ,where everyone seemed to be joyfully singing and laughing , a somberwise man , pointed out to me “ Young man ! few years down the lane , you will remember this time as the good times we once enjoyed once in Pakistan” I looked at him and chose to ignore as the possibility of his verdict seemed highly unlikely to me . I was young .
It had been a while since I’d wet my floor with turpentine dripping off my brushes , so i turned to paint the other day . The palette was all browns . I sat to write a song but the lyrics were dipped in grey. I was somebody known to myself for using bright vibrant colors . I am somebody famous for happy notes . So why the browns and greys? Is it just me or is it what’s around me . What the f### is happeningis the question or is it “what has happened ?’
The transformation of the formal question to the later takes time as you go deeper into understanding yourself and what goes around , which in our case is very vibrant and colorful ; but the Red is the blood red and the green is wound green . An intriguing use of paint . “Did we paint this picture” is the question or “are we presented with this piece of art without a choice?”
An artistic analogy would suggest that there are buyers for this kind of Art too . It could be put under the genre of “expressionism” or more so , ‘impressionism” may be a hybrid form of “Dadaism” but I would rather call it a form of “Pop Art “ since it’s so everyday kind of thing .
Some of these pieces of Art can also be bought at auction but you might not be allowed inside unless in proper “Uniform” .There are two kinds of auctions though . At the other one you might not see the use of a female in the paintings . You may be able to enter that , but enter at your own risk. You might never exit . If you do you’d want to exit straight into heavens with some more with you . But the most interesting domain is “ The Seller “. That ought to be the most respected as he’s the introductory of this entire movement. The creative Genius !
We as Pakistanis should never under estimate ourselves .In Pakistan also , many intellectually profound art movements were given birth too by some fine “Pen-men” and some magnificent “Paint-men” too . But then a “Gunman” came accompanied by “Superman” and killed it all . Intellectual libertarianism is an evil form of conservative compliance !
If you’re a hardcore art lover you must not forget to visit the galleries. Sometimes you get to come across some interesting modern age surrealistic work too . A recent visit of mine brought me close to a visual jeopardy as I witnessed the most outrageously courageous piece of art by a 12 year old . He’d made the new map of the world in which he’d shown Pakistan shrunk down . I asked him what he was trying to say and on my rejection of his childish delusional beliefhe said “ Humein bacha na samjho ( don’t consider us as kids) mein nay sab dekh liya hai internet peh keh 2015 tak Pakistan toot jaye ga ( I have seen everything on the internet how Pakistan is going to be in pieces by 2015) Flabbergasted I replied “ Nahin bachay aisa kuch nahin ho ga ( Nothing like this is going to happen ) “ and the kid replied “ Pehlay bhee to yeh log yahee kehtay thay jab Pakistan toot gaya tha ( isn’t that what the peopleused to say when Pakistan was divided the first time )?” A bit too surreal ? If so, you always have the choice of picking up your own marker and scribble the image that speaks you . It may have to go through a very valid organization for check before release though , but not to worry , once it passes through you’re on ! You can also be the part of the “elite-force “. You get to have beemers and mercs and obviously the percs .
These are all indeed a new concepts of art movements , copyrights protected , to be found nowhere else in the world but prevailing here since decades . I would like to have the honor of recognizing this talent and movement and name it “ Pakistan movement . Move it baby !” A must buy for your art collection . To vote stamp on the sign of a poor kid crying for food or a woman being dragged by her hair on the street or a president dodging a shoe .You never know , you might be the next president and that too an elected one !
Attaching below a painting from my thesis in 2003 :
My last two days in Islamabad are worth writing about. I like Islamabad . I feel lighter as soon as I step into that city . It carries a good vibe for me . I feel people are more in harmony over there. May be coz the city is not overly populated with too much traffic and is built closer to nature .There’s a serenity that prevails .This time around was even better ; with roads wet with rain wash and trees shining green .
Came across some beautiful women also . But I’m pretty lame when it comes to appreciating their beauty or making a conversation. I’m scared they might think I’m hitting on them and stereo type me under the slogan “ all men are the same “. From the time I was in school till now …. one thing I wish I had , was the confidence to just walk upto a woman and tell her that she’s beautiful or JUST SAY ANYTHING AT ALL ! The max I can say is “ aaa.. ammm . aaaa . thank you !”
Show went great in Islamabad. Playing tonight also . Met up with the fan for dinner last night who had won the national slogan contest . What else …… I need a cook ! Anyone who doesn’t wanna get married but still wants to cook for me , plz get in touch . Kidding . Bad joke Ali . I know . I think I’m talking to myself again . wat . yes . .dont tell me . I’m insane . cut it out ali . u cut it zafar . chill !no you chill !! aaaaaaaaaa. Bye .
Came back a few days ago from a fantastic Coke studio recording session 2 . Big honor for me to be called back on popular demand . I hope my performance cuts through as per the expectations . I indeed did experience a divine happening during the rendition of one of the songs. Will talk about it some other time .
I would not forgive myself for being up till 5 am the night before my performance. Well it happened so ….
I came back to the hotel around 2 am after a whole day of press conference followed by my rehearsals . Everybody was staying at the same place so Ali Noor invited to come over to his room where some friends and colleagues had gathered just to chill and jam . I thought I’ll just go in for 15 minutes , unwind and then head to my room to sleep for a fresh early morn’. There was Josh , Atif , Ali Noor and Hamza , Rakae , Manpreet ( percussion player with Josh ), Shafqat Bhaee and a few others . We ended up singing and jamming till 5 in the morning ! Kuch zayaada hee fresh tha next day .
Next day was my recording which went pretty ok I guess . Let’s see . I’ve done new songs this time . Different from what i’ve done so far… soon to be shared with you as it airs on tv. I had to write one of the songs just a night before the show , which was quite a challenge but it went alright I believe . Pretty intense .
A few of us went crabbing in the evening . Relaxing .
Went on to Islamabad for a show the day after . What a fantasticconcert . An elderly woman came to me back stage and said “ Son I had a great time and wanted to get up and start dancing . Such things have stopped happening in our country so we had a great time after a long time “
I hope that the government’s administrational issues are resolved at their earliest , so that unanimous policies are devised and regulated regarding all issues , things settle in and we are at peace to give out peace .
This is to inform everryone that i have seen the light and have decided to quit showbiz and music . I’m going to the mountains .You will see no more of me Good bye .
Yaar ….. what a romantic weather in Lahore . I think this is the perfect weather to ask someone out . How can she say no . Actually she can . Girls are un-understable at times . But then i dont blame them . We’re not easy to tolerate either . Advice for guys if they like someone and wanna ask her out or express their feelings of love , lust or whatever , here’s a recommended list of things that you don’t wanna do .
1) Don’t ever say ” will you friend ship with me ”
2) Don’t ever think that she would admire you wearing a tight stretchable t-shirt which you wore because u wanted to show off your baady .
3) Don’t ever say ” aayee laav you ” the first time .
4) Don’t forget to brush your teeth .
5) Don’t tell her you’ll die without her . Although girls love hearing such stuff but you can freak them out too .
6) Don’t just focus on her . Look at other girls around too . In case you’re rejected you must have a back-up option .
7) Don’t pretend to be this cool hunk which you are not . Just speak and behave how you do with your friends ( minus the dirty talk )
Don’t chase them on a vehicle . It is really scary for them . Imagine someone chasing you .
9) And for God’s sake … DO NOT SEND COUNTLESS LONG BORING SHAER O SHAYARY ( POETRY ) SMSes WITH STAR SIGNS AND ALL THAT ! ” jaanam taeray liye aasman to kya taaray tor laayeign gay hum …… falaana falaana ” .
10) Do not lie to her about how you own petrol pumps and are friends with celebrities ” Oh voh Ali Zafar . Apna bacha hai . kal maeree taraf aaya hua tha …” Be honest .
11 ) Don’t listen to anything i said … just do your thing !
Why does it take so long for something right to happen in this country. And why does it take no time for something like this to happen. Where’s the accountability ?
People have been on the streets commenting, screaming , protesting, debating to see the promises made to them fulfilled .Why are they not ?!
It’s sad to witness the formulation of our destiny by a few!
I keep saying unless the youth won’t rise to it, there can be no saving or survival . This is not something new that i say . Jinnah said the same thing . So did Iqbal . The old system and the corrupt thought process needs an exchange with a more enlightened ,selfless , educated , groomed and passionate doctrine formulated by the new breed of brains . You need technicians to run a country more than politicians .
Deepest regards and condolences to the Sri Lankan team who was courageous enough to come and play . Sorry guys ! And also to those police officers who lay their lives down.
Love love love love . Is there anything more to life ? Love is the only feeling that makes you feel so so good that when you’re in love , that’s all where you wanna be . If everybody loved everyone unconditionally what a perfect world it would be . I don’t know why instead we spend most of our time nourishing everything but love .We crib, we hate, we are insecure , we’re jealous , we’re drenched in fear . We depend on other people and hold them wholly responsible for our happiness and fail to understand that the only person capable of giving us our desired and deserved happiness is ourselves . It’s all in the head as they say. There are people who’ve mastered the art of switching their emotions to their desire. If at any time they’re feeling angry, they can be aware of that and instantly switch it to being joyful by thinking about the good things in their lives or remembering some joke a friend had told them. They can drive out all negativity in them through their thought and meditation. Why are we not taught these things on a mass level . Well that’s too much of a wishful thinking I suppose…. “ A world with nothing but love “ . For now we have people who actually protest against the day that celebrates the greatest and the grandest feeling of ALL TIMES ….. LOVE !
Besides that I’m proud of that Pakistani boy Moin Nawazish whose set a record by scoring 21 “A”s in A levels . Look at the amount of potential our nation holds and look at where its headed .
Don’t chase them on a vehicle . It is really scary for them . Imagine someone chasing you .
