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Austin South Asian | March 2017
Pakistani Pop Sensation Ali Haider Steals The Hearts Of Austinites At GAMA
By Sumaiya Malik Pakistani Pop star Ali Haider, who rose to fame in the late eighties with his off the charts albums Chahat and Qarar performed live in Austin on February 11 at the GAMA Hall in front of a fan audience swooning to his beat and reliving their college days.
Quality Halal Market, Agni Dance, Global Imports, Karma Radio and Dhoom Productions. It was nice to go to a concert for free for a change where you could actually hear the lyrics being sung and appreciate the pure sound of
It was a night of nostalgia – in a performance that was intimate, raw and unplugged. The smooth as silk singer rolled through just under 20 songs in a nearly two-hour concert that featured his hits and more from a two decades-long career of pop, sufiana, sana, movie songs and jingles from dramas. Ali Haider also paid tribute to late legends Nazia Hasan, Junaid Jamshed and Ahmed Rushdie. Exuding the coolness and confidence of a seasoned professional, Ali Haider appeared on stage in a maroon sherwani, and black net scarf after a short violin piece performed by a local artist, and proceeded to stand center stage – where he spent most of the night – launching into “Purani Jeans” near the end for which he changed into jeans! He addressed the audience saying, “Austin, tonight you are the best audience” – quickly followed with “Chandni Ratain” – jingle from a drama. Ali did not disappoint anyone. “Zalim Nazroon sey”, “Dil ka Qarar”, “Kaisa jadoo kia”… He encouraged the full house of about a hundred and fifty to keep the energy going.
fancy trimmings such as pulsating lights, background videos, or an elaborate stage. It was just the man and his music, accompanied by two guitarists, and a tabla.
Ali Haider talked candidly to the Austin South Asian. He seemed relaxed and happy with some concerts behind him and some more to go.
Towards the end of his performance, Ali Haider stepped down from the stage and talked about his daughters and sisters. He kept singing and tried to mingle with the crowd standing on a chair at one point to reach to the biggest fans in fourth row.
He said that every concert, his fans ask for Purani Jeans. He had composed that song in NED days. The crowd in Austin also demanded the same song.
People lined up to take pictures with him. Seema Shah, who remembered her college days said, “I came to listen to him. I liked it when he started singing Purani jeans.” music, which wasn’t over-amplified. The emphasis was clearly on the voice as Ali Haider eschewed any
By Sumaiya Malik
What a way to end the night. And from the looks of the fans, it sure was a memorable ending to what seemed like a personal concert. After the concert,
His early career was mostly pop music, but in the year 2009, when his son passed away, he went on a spiritual journey for self good. During that time, there were no TV appearances escept to recite a Naat or Hamd. 2012 brought Ki Jana May Kaun by EMI India, which became a hit. Ali Haider’s interest in Sufiana
Karachi se Lahore has Purani Jeans medley and his cameo in it. Ali has also recorded Chaap Tilak in a new style. His fans can find that on his facebook page. Ali Haider had a message for his fans outside Pakistan. He said that he is happy to see overseas Pakistani do so well in life and raise kids with care. He wished that at this time, his fans should portray Pakistan well. He regretted that a few people ruin the image and destroy the work of the majority who take care to build a good image. Ali has three beautiful daughters and he misses them in travelling for work. He dreams though them and loves to talk about them. The Austin South Asian wishes Ali Haider success and happiness.
Massmutual Holds A Networking Dinner
On the evening of Thursday, February 2, Mass Mutual Financial Group invited members of the Indian business community to a
Executives of the company gave a presentation about products Mass Mutual offers to its clients to establish their financial goals.
About eighty Indian men and
Massmutual and also exchanged business cards with each other. Nimesh Trivedi of Mass Mutual Home Office, Amy Holt, the Marketing Director and Bill Olsen, and Todd E. Holt, CEO and general agent of Massmutual Southwest presented a talk about the company. Nimesh looks after the growth of the South Asian presence in the company.
He thanked his fans for supporting him through out his career including six low years. His humility was touching. Shaam Entertainment, the organizers Ishtel uddin and Khurram Mohammed, had worked hard to find the sponsors to bring this event together. They thanked Mirchi Resturant, Ishtel heating and air, Property Center, Indopak Grocery, Sadis Beauties, Dash Realty, Fixsys Healthcare, Kp Grocery, New York Life, Texas Wings and Grill,
Ali Haider reminisced about his early career, “I used to take part in gigs… EMI was present in a gig and thought of me as a young chap with potential. Everything was proper chanel.”
music is still at its peak. He said, “Purani Jeans is sufi to me.” Ali Haider also did acting projects.
MassMutual offers a variety of insurance protection products and financial needs.
networking dinner at the Bombay Bistro at the Arboretum.
women belonging to different professions met the executives of
Whether you need life insurance, disability income insurance, longterm care insurance, annuities or retirement planning or investments, MassMutual has a vast network of experienced Financial Professionals who can help you navigate through your financial plan.
The company was founded in May 1851 to help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. More than 160 years later that commitment remains it’s guiding principle. Nimesh Trivedi said that the company is looking for Financial Services Representatives in Austin who can help people in the Austin community take control of their finances. For more information please contact Seema Govil at 512-7627387. The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) has named MassMutual a Top 10 company for executive women for our commitment to the development and advancement of women at the firm.