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From Coke Studio to Strings: Keeping it real with Bilal Maqsood
In this episode of the Rafay Mahmood Podcast, we are honored to host the legendary Bilal Maqsood, co-founder of the iconic Pakistani band Strings. Join us as Bilal Maqsood delves into his illustrious career, sharing insights and stories that span decades of musical innovation and cultural impact.
Bilal reminisces about the early days of Strings, discussing their breakthrough moments and how they became a beloved band not just in Pakistan but also in India. He reflects on the timeless appeal of their hit song "Duur" and the band's influence in uniting audiences across borders through music.
We explore the band's foray into Bollywood, where Strings left an indelible mark with their contributions to popular soundtracks. Despite their international success, Bilal emphasizes the importance of staying true to their roots and prioritizing their Pakistani audience.
The conversation also touches on Bilal's involvement with Velo Sound Station and the challenges faced by Pakistani artists in navigating industry standards. He opens up about the emotional decision behind Strings' breakup and his continuous journey in the music scene.
Bilal shares his experience with Coke Studio, reflecting on its role in transforming Pakistani music and highlighting collaborations with legendary artists like Aamir Zaki. A surprising call-out from Atif Aslam and Bilal's legacy as Anwar Maqsood’s son are also part of this rich discussion.
We get a glimpse into Bilal's latest projects, including creating content for children with "Pakkay Dost" and his vision for a Pakistani equivalent of Coco Melon. He also provides a critical perspective on how censorship has affected the growth of pop culture in Pakistan.
This episode is a must-watch for fans of Strings, music enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Pakistani entertainment. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging conversations on the Rafay Mahmood Podcast!
#BilalMaqsood #Strings #RafayMahmoodPodcast
Intro: 0:00
India Embraces Strings: 2:05
Durr after 10 years: 7:40
Uniting India and Pakistan: 9:22
Strings takes over Bollywood: 11:52
Pakistan first: 14:29
Velo and double standards: 17:34
Strings break up and Velo: 22:00
Coke Studio throne: 26:10
Aamir Zaki and Coke Studio: 29:35
Atif Aslam's surprising call out: 35:21
Anwar Maqsood's son & family legacy: 41:55
Bajiya's early reservations: 44:44
Bilal the bad cop of Strings: 47:28
Pakkay Dost for children: 53:19
Coco Melon but Pakistani: 1:00:46
Censorship killed pop culture: 1:03:38
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