HOME      EXCLUSIVES    FEATURES    MOVIES    REVIEWS    CONTESTS    TALK TO US    SUBSCRIBE  The Band: Shafqat Amanat Ali (vocalist), S. Imran Momina alias Immu (Keyboards/ Sequencing) and Shallum Xavier, (guitarist, lead and rhythm) Debut track: Aankiyon ka Saagar Album: Saagar Sound:A healthy mix of raag and roll Background Check: Shafqat is the son of the legendary Ustad Amanat Ali Khan Sahib. His input of strong eastern classical melodies fused with modern western instruments has contributed to the signature sound. To quote Shaqfat, 'I went to the studio for my individual project. We heard each other's work and ideas and thought we suited each other well. I initiated the idea of a band as I've always wanted to start one. We were very clear that we wanted to fuse the East with the West.' The band brought together the other two key ingredients. Imran complains good-naturedly that Shallum is the laid back type who is always late. Shallum says Immu is quiet and a workaholic, while is a bit on the crazier side. Big Break:'Luckily for us, the label approached us as all of us have done individual work. Shafqat, of course, is from a prestigious background, so that helped,' says Immu. The trio spends a lot of time now working on their next album which is almost ready and performing live. They will be performing soon in India. 'Why should music be affected by cross-border skirmishes?' Shaqfat asks simply. Influences: Noor Jahan, Mehnaz, Lata Mangeshkar, AR Rahman, Shankar Mahadevan, Led Zep, Deep Purple, U2 Quotes: Coming from a purist background does not pose any problems. It is, in fact, bringing more people to listen to classical music. I am using my classical background to fuse ragas with pop music.' - Shafqat 'Our greatest moment was performing at the Royal Albert Hall.' unanimous answer. 'After work, we don't want to see each other any more. After spending so much time together, we don't want to look at each other!' - Immu 'We don't mind being compared to Junoon or other bands, because they make great music.' - Shafqat You can read the rest of our feature on Raghav Sachar in the November 2003 issue of The Record Music Magazine available at your local newsagent. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The Record has been around since 1998. Do you have every issue of your favourite magazine? to order back issues Would you like to have your favourite music magazine delivered directly to your doorstep? Website: Thrillpill Design © THE RECORD MUSIC MAGAZINE. All Rights Reserved.