Last week, I interviewed Aamir Saleem in Karachi for The News Tribe (TNT), UK-based bilingual news website.
Aamir started singing when he was in school and he bought his first guitar after working in a hotel as a receptionist in summer holidays. He moved to Karachi from Multan in 1987, where he used to sing with various bands to make money to record his first solo album that took three years to complete.
TNT: Considering the current situation of music industry in the country, is Aamir Saleem, who faced lots of hardships to become a singer, is satisfied today with his profession/career?
Aamir Saleem: Well, I was never totally professional in music, so I’m happy doing music and my other work.
TNT: Why did you left for the US after the first album Musafir?
Aamir Saleem: I left the country because wasn’t satisfied with the industry here.
TNT: There is a general perception that you are singer of eternal sadness? What do you say?
Aamir Saleem: Well it is true, my music is sad and gloomy…..for heartbroken lol.
Basically, I’m a lonely and sensitive kind of a person that is why you find that sad touch in my music
TNT: What you have been if not a singer?
Aamir Saleem: To be honest, I would have been engaged with any other form of art.
TNT: We don’t see Aamir Saleem doing much for his promotion like others through videos or concerts. Why is that?
Aamir Saleem: I never try to follow others as far as promotion is concerned. Frankly speaking I can’t spend much on self projection.
TNT: What is your message for youngsters who want to join singing?
Aamir Saleem:Â I welcome to all those who want to come to music.
TNT: When did you start singing and got recognition as a singer?
Aamir Saleem: I started off my carrier in 1991 with album ‘Musafir’.
TNT: Do you have any interest in politics?
Aamir Saleem: Not at all……I hate politics n politicians.
TNT: How was your experience acting in TV serials?
Aamir Saleem: It was a wonderful experience. TV is not bad but acting is quite difficult.
TNT: You have also been hosting various TV programmes. Do you find yourself comfortable in that?
Aamir Saleem: Yes, I enjoy hosting.
TNT: Who has been your ideal in singing? Which of the contemporary singer you like the most?
Aamir Saleem: I like so many singers not just one, like Alamgir, Mehdi Hassan, Jagjit Singh.
TNT: Have you ever got an offer from neighbourig country? What would be your response if you get the same in future?
Aamir Saleem: Neither I tried nor I got any offer from India.
TNT: Your voice is perfect for ghazal singing. Do have any plan for launching a dedicated ghazal album in the days to come?
Aamir Saleem: Well, I like ghazal a lot, but no plan for any album because there is no use of launching an album any more in Pakistan.
TNT: Many of your colleagues have quit music and started religious preaching. How do you view this change in them?
Aamir Saleem: I would not like to comment on that. I don’t follow any of them.
TNT: Do you have any plan to do religious album in future?
Aamir Saleem: No plan yet for religious album, but InshaAllah soon I will do ‘Hamd’ or a Na’at.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription