BILAL MAQSOOD describes himself as an introvert who is very hesitant to express his feelings in words. For him the best way to express himself is through the art form that has been his forte for the last decade, which is, of course, music. Talking to him about his taste in terms of movies, music and books was a revelation in itself, as he disclosed some strange facts that were surprising, to say the least.

For instance, despite being a leading singer on the national pop scene, Bilal does not possess a musical collection to talk of. He actually does not listen to music as such. “I don’t go to music stores specially to buy CDs, or to get to know what is new at the stores. Yes, music does fascinate me wherever and wherever it is played, be it in my home or outside. But, again, I have never been crazy about listening to music.”

It sure is a strange, especially when it is coming from a person who feels that “music is life” to him. “I cannot think myself without music. As I am an introvert, I express myself more through the music that I create than during my verbal conversations,” he says.

However, he named quite a few musicians that have inspired him to a great extent for the past many years. He is simply all praise for Ustad Raees Khan and Ustad Vilayat Ali Khan for their unmatched virtuosity and immense efforts to leave an indelible mark in the field of classical music.

Bilal feels that the commercial Bollywood music is at its boom right now, and the musicians from Bollywood are churning out products one after the other that continue to allure a great variety of listeners across the globe. They are desi in taste, yet very modern as a whole, which gives them a universal appeal. His favourite music director across the border is Shankar Ehsaan Loy, and he simply loves his work in Dil Chahta Hai and Kal Ho Na Ho. He also enjoys listening to the 1970s classics like the soundtracks of movies like Amar Prem and Abhiman.

He does not watch every other movie that is being released, basically because of time constraints, but also because of his selective choice. Bilal found it very hard to recall any particular movie that has been his all-time favourite. “There are way too many movies that are on my most favourite list ... which one shall I pick out?” he pondered.

After a long pause he came up with movie titles that showed that he was a great fan of the epic-type fiction formula flicks. He says that he has watched some of the famous Star Wars episodes over a hundred times! Braveheart and The Lord of the Rings are some of the other movies that have been his favourite in the past and will continue to be in Bilal’s most memorable movie-watching moments.

What really appears to be in sharp contrast with Bilal’s sophisticated personality is that he does not read anything beyond newspapers and magazines. Even on insistence he could not name any single book that may have provided him with a wonderful reading experience in the past.

“I know reading is simply an enthralling hobby, but I am a kind of person who would rather paint or make music in my spare time, something really creative.” Well, it may not be the most creative activity on earth, but reading books does add perception and depth to the work of any creative artist. But the fact that reading books is more than a hobby, perhaps does not sell with Bilal. What a pity, indeed.

With Dhaani’s sales outdoing all previous Strings albums and their crazy schedules for live performances, the band is undoubtedly the hottest property on the Pakistani music scene today. Bilal explains that whatever they create has to be very selective and something really different, as is evident from his taste in movies and music ... but books?

FAVOURITE MOVIE: Lord of the Rings and Braveheart

FAVOURITE MUSICIANS: Ustad Raees Khan and Ustad Vilayat Ali Khan

FAVOURITE BOOK: Not yet published!