There was no music at all during my childhood. The first time we heard music was when my eldest brother bought a tape recorder. Even then, only he was allowed to touch it. But in our house, we listened to legends such as Muhammad Rafi, Mehdi Hasan, Noor Jehan, Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi.
When one gets time duration, one becomes very restricted, and hence, creativity suffers.
I know that out of the thousands of people who show up, maybe nine of them will actually understand what's going on stage, music-wise. But no one should be sitting down in my concert.
I have realized that there is no point making plans, because it'll never end; you're never going to win the world. I thought at one point in time I am going to do that, but you cannot. So I am just enjoying myself.
Insecure people don't stage comebacks, since they don't leave the scene.
I am not obsessed with social media fame, but I do think that it's a great tool by which I can stay in touch with my fans.
Personally, I don't think of myself as a style icon. It's basically because the public loves me so much.
I didn't have to express myself to anybody; I would just sing. And most of the times, when I initially used to sing, I used to get scared of my own voice.
I don't listen to my songs. The only time I do it is when someone points out a flaw in the end product.
The industry can choose to ignore my work if they want, but my fans won't.
I never thought about making music because it has to be a hit. There are so many better singers out there who are better trained in music, but I am probably the chosen one... I have not discovered any formula for staying relevant.
I have never composed a song keeping in mind that I should touch any social issues.
For me, lyrics are the most important thing in a song. And if they don't have meaning, I would never sing them - unless and until someone who loves your work asks me to do so.
It feels good that a lot of people from Pakistan have had a good experience in India.
I got a call from Shoaib Mansoor, and he asked if I'd be interested in doing the music of 'Bol.' I said, 'Why not?' and suggested we meet. When we did, to my surprise, he offered me the chance to act in the lead role. After reading the script, I was even more interested in doing it.
I can't force myself to make up a song. Music comes to me naturally.
I think have my own style; no one has ever tried playback singing before. I might release a punk rock song that perhaps other won't appreciate, but I like doing my own thing. I make music for my own satisfaction, not for money or fame.
My parents keep me grounded. I've spent a lot of time on my own in my life, and I've learnt the hard way.
Most of the songs I've written have painted a picture on how I have evolved, what I see in people, what inspires me.
Talent should always be recognized - no one can keep it; no one owns it.
