Abrar-ul-Haq: Born to sing
By Anis Shakur
'What man can conceive man can achieve'
The above proverb holds true to singer cum philanthropist, Abrar-ul-Haq. This wonderful name demands attention.
The wistful magic of Abrar has made his characters like 'Billo' come out of the recording studio into real life again.
Abrar initiated his working life as a teacher in Atchison College, Lahore, Pakistan, forsaking teaching
for the music that is his lifelong love. He found his purpose in life and pursued it.
His superfluous rendition of 'Assan tay jana billo day ghar' from his debut album, 'Billo day ghar', in
1995, is a big singing event in Pakistani entertainment. Additionally, 'Billo' became his insignia.
Likewise, you will feel the heartbeat of the Lahore city in every word of the song below, this presence
never leaves: 'Billo on GT Road', from Abrar's second album, 'Majajani', in 1997.
It is his singing which gives him motivation, determination and it is also a gift from God. Abrar
has this motivation to an amazing degree. Remarkable people like Abrar inspired some of our favorite songs. Below are
two such songs from 'Majajani:
'Dam dam', 'December.'
A lover of laughter, Abrar is not witty or humorous in only single instances or small quantities. He is
full of mirth and fun. It seems that no one before Abrar had written lyrics like his. One wonders if anyone will ever write
like lyrics after him. Below are two songs from 'Majajani.'
'Hello hello', 'Jhuly lal.'
His powerful voice and good looks made him a singer and Abrar is equally adept at music. It
was his distinctive singing style that made him a household name within on time. Below are two songs from his third album
'Bay ja cycle tay', in the year 2000.
'Choor', 'Cycle.'
The popularity of Abrar soared in quick response to public perception. He is not just a singer. He has a
place in our heart.
Perhaps more than any other artist of his time, he listens to the heartbeat of his fans. His fame skyrocketed
with songs like the three below from his album 'Bay ja cycle tay.'
'Dil bolay', 'Jatt bakrey', 'Sanu teray naal.'
Abrar is not only elegant, but handsome, too. Abrar is not only handsome, but charmingly witty.
These qualities he has retained up until now. Songs like the two below from his album 'Assan jaana Mall-o-Mall', hold a singular
place in our hearts:
'Assan jana Mall-o-Mall', 'Jagga.'
Moreover, his patriotism is astounding for its intelligent practical truth. A man of hard struggles
and common sense, Abrar is a gallant soul. The two songs below from his album 'Assan jana Mall-o-Mall' catapulted Abrar into
instant fame and he remains the most sought-after singer to date:
'Dilbar', 'Badam Rangee.'
Abrar's reputation for love and wisdom stands so high that the public only praises him. However,
some people speculate that justice has never been done to Abrar's brave, generous, gallant heart-a Royal heart that feel for
others.
Reverting to his songs, we have a huge number of people who relate to Abrar's style of music. Below are
two examples from his album 'Naachan mein oday naal naal.'
'Hasian di jaach', 'Dharti hai maan.'
Abrar's innumerable fans admire his ability to improvise. It strengthened his faith in his own resourcefulness.
Doubtlessly, Abrar is irrepressibly ambitious. His songs played more forcefully and energetically. Below are two examples
from his album 'Naachan mein oday naal naal.'
'Bolian pa key', 'Bhaghaan walio.'
Looking at what ordinary folk have done makes us look afresh at every stranger and imagine possibilities.
Abrar's countrymen acclaimed him 'the great' and his face was lit by a smile. Songs like the three below whip up enthusiasm
for the music lovers:
'Gaddi, 'Rondeyaan nain', 'Teray rang rang.'
Abrar talks of hope. That spark of hope ignited the public. Everything good has been showered on him. It
appears the lyrics of his songs almost write it in the four numbers below:
'Preeto', 'Sir utha kar', 'Sukh deeyan neendran', 'Teri gal karni.'
In fact, lyrics of his songs are good enough to be devoured, memorized and insinuated into daily conversation.
Abrar's singing talents are immense. His consistent efforts paid off once again as he recorded the four songs below with plenty
of zest:
'Jatt ho gaya', 'Wangan chappan', 'Dil baroan ka', 'Aa gaya.'
His efforts took on a new intensity and Abrar proved his worth in the public welfare as well. He invested
time, money and energy to provide health and education to the needy. 'Sahara for life' is one such accomplishment of Abrar.
Years later, Abrar's perpetual pursuit of good deeds once imagined has resulted in the construction of 'Sughra
Shafi hospital', in district Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan.
Marveling at Abrar's magnanimity, Pakistanis agree that it is a moving tribute to a man's courage-and the
extraordinary power of love and devotion to his nation.
'I enjoy knowing that something I sang affects people' Abrar muses. What a wonderful thing it is to
have that kind of impact on another person's life.
That said Abrar's adorers are vehemently desirous to have the joyful
moments last forever.
.
