With love from a neighbour

Shafqat, who was introduced to Hindi films by Shankar Mahadevan through the 2006 chart buster song “Mitwa” in the film “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna” shot to instant fame and recognition in Hindi films after his debut. Several soulful numbers in film after film since then propelled him to stardom and ensured a special slot for him in the world of playback singing. Starting with “More saiyya” Shafqat sang several of his popular songs like “Ye hosla” from the film “Dor” “Tere Naina” , “Bin Tere” “Dildaara” and other songs to which the huge gathering of audience responded enthusiastically.

Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan was very much the “Rock star Ustad”, the nick name given to him by the music director duo “Salim-Suleiman, as he got off the stage mingling with the audience and asking them to sing along, much to their delight. Singing a couple of songs from his favourite old Hindi films, as well as famous compositions like Farida Khanum’s golden song “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Naa Karo” and the peppy “Dama Dum Mast Khalandar”, he had the audience on their feet.

The stage was a hub of activity as his accompanists on the dhol, flute and key board enjoyed the rapport with the audience and sportingly interacted with them. Shafqat saved the “Mitwa” number for the last and closed his concert amidst huge applause and shouts for an “encore”. All in all it was a memorable performance that warmed hearts and lingered on even as the temperature dipped on the wintry December evening.