All dreams are possible for those who possess determination, dedication and confidence. The only prerequisite for success is to keep your dreams alive; a true life consists of making every dream a reality. Manzoor Mughal is one such young man who dreamed to be a singer and dared to reach for the moon in the highly competitive business. In this dream, however, he was not alone. One of his companions in the infancy of his career was the hugely popular Pakistani heartthrob Ali Zafar. Unlike Zafar, however, the path to stardom has been much harder for Mughal. As a Pakistani expatriate living in the Kingdom, establishing a successful musical career in Pakistan has been tricky. “We (Mughal and Zafar) both dreamed together to become a singer one day. But it was not ‘all sixes' for me. I am so happy for Ali Zafar. He was in Pakistan where he took off and reached the top level of Pakistani pop stars. My journey is starting now and I am very hopeful (for it),” said Mughal in an interview with Saudi Gazette. “My music album ‘Mera Dil' has been released by the Geo music channel in Pakistan as well as all over the world. My first music video from Geo has been on air on ‘Geo-signed' music channels like MTV, Aag(Fire), G ka Boom, Oxygen, Play etc.” Mughal hold an MBA qualification and has been working as an accountant for the past 10 years in the Kingdom. He hails originally from Lahore. While studying there he started working at the Pearl Continental Hotel at a time when Zafar too worked at a restaurant in the hotel. “Holding an MBA, I have had a very successfully career here in the Kingdom but singing has been my passion; I want my profession and passion to go together. I was the first singer in my family and faced lots of criticism but now I have proved myself and they have realized my potential,” said Mughal. “I've love singing from childhood - since I won a prize for it at school! Every one encourages me a lot.” He added that a career in music is highly lucrative but that his father doesn't need that income so he has fixed to have the royalty from album sales to go to charity. A song in his album: “Teri Yaad Sataway” (your absence pains me) was composed by the late king of melody Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. “This song is a tribute to Ustad, as he worked for the composition of this specific song. The rest of the songs are composed and written by me. Fortunately, my album has received a good response,” he said. Mughal is going back to Pakistan soon to shoot his next three videos. “The promos of one of my next video ‘Lamho Sey Tumko Chura lounga' (I'll capture you from moments) are ready. Soon you will see me as well at the top level of the Pakistani music industry, as I have with Geo music's Fire Records which is affiliated with Tips India.” Does this mean that Bollywood is calling? “Yes, why not?” replied Mughal candidly. “I plan to move to India because Geo music has signed a contract with Tips who have asked me to visit for my next album.” “There is a big market in India for singers,” he added. “Once a singer proves himself there he can easily get opportunities to progress ahead. Today, we see many Bollywood stars in Hollywood as well.” Mughal values the ‘riaz' (the method of practicing singing in tune) but claimed that he values talent more. “Reshma never learned music. She was a natural singer but still highly valued in Bollywood which still remembers her with the cult song ‘Lambi Judai'. However, I try my best to learn something good from senior music mentors whenever I go to Pakistan. I have gotten the chance to learn composition from late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,” he stated. He has performed at many concerts in Pakistan and in the Middle East. Now soon he is going to record a song ‘Tu Kaha Kho Gaya' (Where have you gotten lost?) for the Pakistani film “Chandni” by a new expatriate Pakistani producer, Farooq Javed, who resides in Britain. “Believe in your efforts and God will believe in your dreams,” concluded Mughal.
