For more than three decades, Faisal Kapadia ruled hearts while being an integral part of Strings, a band that not only defined but revolutionized pop music in Pakistan and beyond. Along with bandmate Bilal Maqsood, the duo created tunes that resonated with audiences across borders, earning them a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.
After the breakup of the band, Kapadia started his solo journey with his album Zindagi Jahan Le Jaaye, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. In a recent interview with Khaleej Times by Sadiq Saleem, the music icon shared insights on his journey and the inspiration behind his solo endeavor.
When asked about the digital measures of engagement—such as the number of downloads, likes, and shares—that determine success, Kapadia replied, “The world has changed and so have the methods. The Billboard Top 100 charts was the gold standard before. While these metrics offer a glimpse into a song’s immediate impact, I believe they don’t fully capture slow organic success because music has this unique ability to evolve and deepen its connection with listeners through over time. For me personally, if my music touches the lives of those who listen to it; if my work can find a special place in someone’s heart or become part of the soundtrack of their life, then I’ve succeeded.”
Playing with the idea of inspiration and discussing creative blocks, the singer remarked: “Surrounded by inspiration, from inner ideas to outer observations, and with a wealth of existing music to draw from, I rarely encounter creative blocks. Sometimes, a single line, The word , the melody, note or instrument can spark inspiration. In today’s vibrant world, there is always something to fuel creativity, you just have to be an avid observer.”
The music director also described his process. He shared, “Whether I’m with my instrument or just humming to the beat in my head, melodies tend to emerge almost effortlessly. It’s the magic of being a composer, I guess. However, the real challenge lies in choosing which melodies to develop further . It’s a bit of a dance, really—sometimes you’re in perfect time, choosing the melody that resonates deeply, and other times, you might miss a beat, choosing one that doesn’t quite fit. But that’s the beauty of music, it’s not about right or wrong. It’s about being true to yourself, pouring your heart into the melody. And that’s how, with a dash of honesty, a song comes alive.”
Kapadia also did not hesitate to speak about the unfortunate practice of lifting Pakistani songs without giving them due credit. He said, “In the past, there were many cases where songs were used without proper attribution. However, in today’s digital age, it has become much more difficult to borrow a song without giving credit. Digital platforms such as YouTube use software to identify borrowings. compositions. People now get legal rights to remake a song. For example, the song Pashuri from Coke Studio was re-recorded by T-Series, but only after they had obtained the necessary permission.”
When asked about being overwhelmed by noise and drawn to silence, Kapadia ruefully revealed, “We all desire (silence), don’t we? In the midst of noise, finding clarity and focus becomes a challenge. Silence, on the other hand, gives us it offers the space and opportunity not only to disconnect from immediate distractions, but also to dive deeper and reflect.Given the nature of our work, where we are either performing in front of an audience or lost in music through our headphones, silence becomes a precious commodity in our life”.
Speaking about his album, the musician also talked about his various collaborations, shedding light on specific tracks. “Dheema Dheema it’s a personal favorite,” he shared. “Basically, it’s the highlight of this album. Initially, I was inclined to name this album Dheema Dheema but then i felt Zindagi Jahan Le Jaaye feels more appropriate. Aank Morey it’s a raag based song and I always wanted to work on that raag and experimented with modernity so it’s relevant in today’s times. I had a great time working with my partners Zohan and Amna Rai. They were just amazing. I also worked La Tahun with Krystel Dib from Lebanon and beyond Um Na Rahai with Zoha Zuberi and had a great time working with these amazing artists. There’s always so much you can learn through partnerships.”
The singer shed further light on the ways in which artists can cultivate their skills. “I think today’s generation benefits a lot more than before,” he said. “In the past, there were only a few Ustaads around us, but today we have unlimited guidance and information available online. Whether you’re interested in classical music or western classical, rock or jazz, it’s all out there. People who have the will and the dedication they learn, they will find a way to brush up their skills.”
The talented performer also talked about life in Dubai. “Dubai is very close to Karachi. It’s like living in Lahore or Islamabad. I’ve lived in Karachi all my life, so it’s a two-hour flight. And in today’s digital age, even if you’re in the same city, Sometimes you don’t meet and do your work virtually.In 2003, Hariharan Sahab contributed his vocals from Mumbai to our track Bolo Bolo via wave file. Two decades later, technology has advanced so far that distance hardly seems like a barrier. In addition, living in Dubai offers unparalleled security, making it a great place to be.”
As Kapadia continues to captivate audiences with his soulful melodies and timeless lyrics, his legacy as a musical pioneer and visionary remains firmly etched in the halls of Pakistani music history. With every note he sings, the artist confirms his status as a true industry icon.
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