While having watched her father- the legendary singer ‘Sajjad Ali’ in his absolute element, crooning in his distinctive voice as he created some of the greatest hits, it seems Zaw Ali was destined for the world of music too. However, the passionate individual not only explored the dynamics of singing but is also passionate about film-making and is a well-established film journalist too. Speaking to Social Diary Magazine, she shared more about her incredible journey and how she continues to unravel in the world of showbiz and entertainment. Read On:
SD: Coming from a family of music, did it always feel like the right move or did you initially have some other plans for yourself?
Zaw: Well, I come from a family of cricketers. My great-grandfather and grandfather were both cricketers. Dada Ji was also a film producer and actor. I feel extremely blessed that I grew up with cinema, music, and a highly intellectual atmosphere at home. Since I had seen exactly how a composition was being crafted, how the right poetry complimented a certain mood or the scale of a song, or how a music video was conceptualized and then produced, it felt very natural for me to call myself a filmmaker as a child. I always had a camera in my hand growing up. And that’s what I did. I started my professional journey as one of the youngest film journalists in the UAE. Then that evolved into directing music videos. There came a point where my father sat me down and spoke to me about how it was now the right time to showcase my talent as a singer. I feel like I took music for granted since I’ve been singing my whole life; in school, in every competition, every school function, and whatnot, but I didn’t quite think I would do it professionally. Filmmaking remained my first love. But when I did come into my own and let my voice shine and shared it with the whole world, the love that I received in return made me realize that this is bigger than myself.
Zaw: Well, I come from a family of cricketers. My great-grandfather and grandfather were both cricketers. Dada Ji was also a film producer and actor. I feel extremely blessed that I grew up with cinema, music, and a highly intellectual atmosphere at home. Since I had seen exactly how a composition was being crafted, how the right poetry complimented a certain mood or the scale of a song, or how a music video was conceptualized and then produced, it felt very natural for me to call myself a filmmaker as a child. I always had a camera in my hand growing up. And that’s what I did. I started my professional journey as one of the youngest film journalists in the UAE. Then that evolved into directing music videos. There came a point where my father sat me down and spoke to me about how it was now the right time to showcase my talent as a singer. I feel like I took music for granted since I’ve been singing my whole life; in school, in every competition, every school function, and whatnot, but I didn’t quite think I would do it professionally. Filmmaking remained my first love. But when I did come into my own and let my voice shine and shared it with the whole world, the love that I received in return made me realize that this is bigger than myself.
SD: How strong a role did your father play in you finding your voice?
Zaw: Dad and I are best friends. Anything I’ve done, he’s the first one to see it. And anything that he makes, I’m the first one to hear it. It’s an overwhelming feeling at times knowing that my environment has been so loving and nurturing when it comes to wisdom and art, hence communication is as easy as breathing. He has always made sure that his kids are exposed to great literature, history, world music, and the best artists so we’re able to cultivate our own minds and practically act upon everything that we’ve learned growing up and continue to do so. He was the one who urged me to start singing and instilled his own ideology of always striving to give quality content. Both my parents really want me to experiment with different elements and the everchanging soundscape but they want to make sure that the essence is never lost and the work shouldn’t be less than soul-touching.
SD: What remains the most memorable part of singing with him for the first time?
Zaw: Oh God! I was extremely nervous as it wasn’t just my first time performing next to a legend of an artist but making my musical debut in Coke Studio for the world to see. There was so much expectation and so many eyeballs on me ahead of the release of ‘Ronay Na Diya’ that I lost sleep for a good month. It’s such an emotional track and the significance of a father-daughter performing together on a commercial platform for the first time ever in the history of the subcontinent weighed heavily on my shoulders. But Dad being dad, he simply said “don’t worry about a thing and just sing your heart out, the rest will be taken care.” Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia who were producers gave me a hearty kudos and a pat of the back, celebrated with the whole crew and later went to have dinner.
SD: Music isn’t just your solo forte. Being an established film journalist, what remains your most memorable interview done to date and why?
Zaw: A particularly heartwarming memory was with Ranbir Kapoor. I had a one-on-one with him and his leading lady Pallavi Sharda. We were set up in a huge ballroom. Ranbir complimented me on my knowledge of Cinema and the kind of technical questions that I threw their way. When we were wrapping up, he said how he thoroughly enjoyed this particular interview. Meanwhile, you could hear the swarm of photographers and fans right outside the door of that ballroom ready to barge in any second. As I was about to tell him one last thing, the barrier broke and extremely loud fans had surrounded him. I thought ‘ahh, this is it’ and started walking towards the end of the ballroom to collect my things. As I was getting up I heard a voice right behind me say “I’m sorry, you were saying something?” I was stunned for a second. Turned around to see both Ranbir and Pallavi very humbly before me with a smile on their faces. They had come all the way to the end of that massive ballroom for me to finish saying what I was saying! WHO DOES THAT?! My heart just doubled. I asked him to congratulate his uncle Shashi Kapoor ji on the art film he once did “In Custody” and to give our love and respects to his parents – Rishi Kapoor and Nitu the beloved reel and real-life couple. He, in turn, asked me to convey his regards on behalf of his family to my own and wished me all the very best in life. And that is how I fell a little bit in love with him afterward. Haha.
SD: Among your music releases, which song resonates with you the most?
Zaw: It has to be “Roshni”. An original I wrote and composed myself. And it came to me at a particularly disheartening time in my life. I was going through writer’s block and feeling the winter blues in full force. Being homesick also didn’t help at all. So, on a dark, wintry night, these words came to me “Mushkil tha lekin phir bhi main yeh kaam kargayi.” This track became a power anthem for me.
SD: How did it feel to work with your father on your latest release ‘Teriyan’?
Zaw: My father wrote and composed ‘Teriyan’ a while back. It wasn’t decided on who was going to sing it back then so we shelved it. Seeing how I’m growing and evolving through my own musical journey felt like it was time for me to release a dancey, uplifting Punjabi banger. The melody has the intricacies of the quintessential ‘Sajjad Ali song’ and the lyrics are darker than they seem. I collaborated with the extremely talented Ahsan Pervaiz Mehdi for the sound and he produced an absolute banger! It’s been so expertly done. As always, it’s an honor to sing one of his melodies.
SD: How do you think the music industry has been progressing through the years?
Zaw: I feel like we’re on the verge of a musical renaissance. I absolutely love the fact that more artists coming up are songwriters themselves. They’re smart about the way the industry works, they know how things need to change, and that the Pakistani Music scene is a global game-changer. Everyone’s working extremely hard to take our music to the next level and I can’t wait for the world to witness such a diverse and multi-faceted group of artists.
SD: Is there a musical genre that you wish to explore further and experiment with?
Zaw: I’ve been meditating on electro-funk with a multilayered classical element. Let’s see how it comes along.
SD: Would you ever consider venturing into acting?
Zaw: I don’t consider myself an actor at all. I think it’s extremely hard. But you never know, if I ever get approached to play an artist or a musician, I might give it a thought.
SD: How has 2023 been turning out for you?
Zaw: This year started on a pretty high note. I traveled quite a bit. Attended my first family wedding in Pakistan in almost two decades which was just pure joy with everyone coming together and having a blast. I got featured in Spotify’s biggest playlist EQUAL Global this year. I’ve got several interesting tracks lined up with a totally different sonic nature. All in all, I’m extremely excited for 2023.IN A GLANCE
What is your absolute superpower?
Patience.
Your favorite song?
‘I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You’ by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena.
A major fashion look that is timeless?
A traditional ‘angrakkha’ with jhumkas and khussas.
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Sheer stupidity.
Three things you have with you all the time?
My phone, wallet, and a mini-notebook.
Best childhood memory?
Playing outdoors after school with all the kids in the neighborhood.
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
Somewhere in between.
Desi Wear or Western
Depending on the mood and the occasion but feel most comfortable in a good pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
Deepest Fear
Not being able to realize my full potential in my lifetime.
Biggest Regret
It’s a bit early to have an answer for that.
Most Prized Possession
Our library, DVD collection, and my boots collection.
Biggest Strength
I’ve given my whole life to learn about my craft and that’s why I understand it well.
Someone you wish to meet
My favorite actor Robert Downey Jr.
Top 3 things on your bucket list
Attend a Backstreet Boys concert
Stay in a snow igloo to watch the Northern Lights in Finland
Perform at the Grammys
The best thing about your work
Being a musical artist and filmmaker, I get to combine two of my passions – film and music.
The worst thing about your work
Gathering the courage to be at your utmost vulnerable and observing long-term patience.
Your favorite song of your father?
Mujhe Tumse Pyaar Hai from Aik Aur Love Story.
What people don’t know about you?
I have a bucket list dedicated exclusively to roller coasters.
Your dream destination
Tokyo and Seoul.
