Strings of Life

I like listening and moreover watching Strings, the pop-duo from across the border. Why, you may ask? Well, because they are different!

I am not very well acquainted with the Pakistani society, and hence cannot comment on whether their music videos depict their typical culture. But, all I can say is their video do have a message - at times subtle and at times clear.

For instance, in the video "Duur" that features Bilal Maqsood, Faisal Kapadia, a "child labor," a Toyota Jeep, and a (stray) dog. Now, try matching this ambience with the highly romantic lyrics of the song "Duur." The song would normally imply a man complementing his beloved for her beauty and charm. Where as, there is no trace of any nymph in the video.

I am sure there is a "subtle message" which I am not able to comprehend. Like most of the Strings video, this video has a class, a character, a style, something very lively, and life inspiring. The videos of Strings gives me the idea of a typical "guy next door" from the sub-continent - and more Indian than Pakistani -:).

Another video that I like is "Dhaani." I must admit honestly that I failed to comprehend this video - though I always loved watching it - till I read its review by one Muniba Kamal. It talks about a utopia where women rules the world and are involved in professions most commonly considered as "man like". Living in this feminized world might be quite an experience. A very blithe scene in the video overwhelmed me, where a lady "Paan" (betel nuts) hawker serves Bilal and Faisal Paan by her hands!

You can read the review here: http://www.pakipop.com/reflection/dhaani.html.

I remember another across-the-border singer, Ali Haider, who came up a very lifelike video, Puraani Jeans, that showcased a typical adolescent life of a guy in the sub-continent. Alas, Ali Haider could not repeat that feat again, and of late most of his videos are of typical indi-pop genre, unlike the true-life Puraani Jeans.