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Shiraz Uppal
 Shiraz Uppal is a name everyone in Pakistani music industry reckons. He has written and produced many hit songs, a few of which are Tera Te Mera, Mann Ja Ve, Roya Re, Rabba, Saiyan Ve and has also worked with ace Indian musician A.R.Rahman, who he says is an inspiration for him and considers him as a guru and good friend. He owns a state-of-the-art studio in Lahore where he composes, produces and records for many Pakistani musicians and singers. He recently produced Atif and Hadiqa's hit song Hona Tha Pyaar for the film Bol. MAG caught up with Shiraz for a quick two-minute chat. Excerpts:
 Although you are an MBA, why did you choose music as your profession?
MBA was part of my education, but music has always been a passion and so I pursued it.
How has the experience of singing in Indian films been for you?
It was wonderful, I was the first one among the pop singers in Pakistan to sing for an Indian film, which was back in 2001 for Nayak, whose music was composed by A.R. Rahman, and since then there is no looking back.
What kind of genres do you prefer?
I like pop music with a blend of filmi music.
How do you see the Pakistani music scene?
At the moment very bad, because a single industry cannot prosper unless Pakistan prospers.
Tell us something about your S.U. Studio?
Its been there for around 10 years now and my studio has produced for almost every Pakistani musician. I have produced Atif and Hadiqa's song Hona Tha Pyaar for Shoaib Mansoor's upcoming film Bol and I am also producing Noori's upcoming album.
 There is a dearth of opportunities for Pakistan's underground and upcoming musicians. What do you think can be done?
They should come up with good music, have a video ready and release it on the internet. They'll get the feedback from the public.
Any word of advice or aspiring musicians?
Only come into this profession if you have passion for it.
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