Pop rock band, Mizmaar appeared on the music scene back in 2002 with an anthem called “Kash” that caught the masses' attention in the very first week. The kind of music this band came out with was something new for a growing Pakistani rock audience. Daniyal Badshah was young, energetic and his powerful vocals made sure there wasn't a single lethargic moment. With Kashan Admani on lead guitars, things went well for Mizmaar with hits like “Aa Ab Laut Ke Aa”, “Tu Jo Mere” and “Kuriye”.
After a hibernation of almost four years, the band staged a comeback last year with their second studio effort, Sitara. The album was very well received and was released in India simultaneously. A complete package, it featured songs for almost everyone in the form of hardcore tracks such as “Sajna”, “Dil Ki Tarah”, “Sitara”, soulful melodies such as “Dil Ki Tarah”, “Ajnabi”, “Pani Pe Tasveer” and “Pal” as well as pop rock tunes “Jana Na Tha”, “Barson”, etc.
The latest buzz about Mizmaar is that at a time when the majority of Pakistani bands are trying their luck in Bollywood, the band has jumped on to an even bigger opportunity in the form of a team-up for a Hollywood movie called D-War. Mizmaar's title track from Sitara has been taken as part of the original soundtrack in the movie that is directed by Korean director Hyuang-rae Shim and produced by James B. Kang, one of the leading Hollywood producers of action-thriller films. The movie has an impressive star cast featuring Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, Robert Forster and Cody Erens. The video of the track is a newly edited version done by the film's director with Mizmaar's performance from the original Sitara video.
Based on the Korean legend, unknown creatures called Imoogi return and devastate the planet. Reporter Ethan Kendrick (Cody Erens) is called in to investigate the matter, and he arrives at the conclusion that Sarah (Armanda Brooks), a girl stricken with a mysterious illness, is supposed to help him. The Imoogi makes its way to Los Angeles, wreaking havoc and destruction. With the entire city under arms, Ethan and Sarah make it in time to save the people of Los Angeles.
"We got the offer from the producer after the success of our album, Sitara, in India. They approached our international label for appropriate music for the film and when our label made the producer listen to the track, they were instantly hooked. Since the song has violin in the intro, it gives it a very oriental feel and as the movie has a Chinese base, the director felt that it was the right song for the movie," reveals Kashan whilst talking to MAG.
It has been widely noticed that artistes allow alterations in their compositions when they move out of the Pakistani domain. Has Mizmaar also joined the league? “Not at all! The best part of the deal is that they have taken the song as it is," informs Daniyal.
Pakistani music has undoubtedly grown massively in contemporary times with the likes of Strings, Najam Sheraz, Atif Aslam and Shallum Xavier collaborating on the international front. But does Pakistani rock music really sound right for a Hollywood venture? "I think some Pakistani rock music is superb and comparable to any western music, so it certainly can be a part of any Hollywood movie if there is a requirement for such music in the film," answers drummer Alfred D'Mello in a positive tone.
So how much do these ventures help in a band's success? "These ventures can really help promote a band's image but success really lies in creating good music," replies Kashan.
When asked if this project has done any wonders for Mizmaar, he responds merrily, "Well, it's just another feather in our cap and is getting us more business from the international front."
Now that Mizmaar has finally stepped into the movie scene, do they plan to lend their tracks to Bollywood banners, too? "We have some offers we are working on and we might be involved in more Hollywood and Bollywood projects in the near future," informs the band. Kashan further adds, "The producer of Dragon War has asked us to give more songs for his future ventures, so let's see what happens."
How does he compare Pakistani rock music to that of Indian? Kashan replies, "There is no rock music scene in India as such, which is why Pakistani rock music is being appreciated there."
And why aren’t Mizmaar featuring in live gigs frequently? "We are very selective about where we perform and do not compromise on sound and technicalities," they respond.
Also during my visit to Dreamstation Studios, Kashan gives me a quick preview of a few tracks from their upcoming album, which should be out by the end of the year. The song Dosti has a western feel to it with Alfred's live drums making it a real treat to listen to. Clearly, there is a lot to look forward to from this young band.
