Instep: You've been away from the music scene for quite some time. What is your view on the media boom taking place in Pakistan?
HR: It's been very positive. The media has given a lot of exposure to new artists. When I came on to the scene, it was very difficult to get airplay. There was only state television. But now that has changed. The media is really behind artists through shows, programming as well as giving airplay to videos.

Instep: Do you plan to release Haroon Ka Nasha in India?
HR: I think I would. The main thing is to reach fans through music, so releasing the album in India is also something I'm looking into.

Instep: Does it mean you will also venture into Bollywood that is the rage in the local music scene?
HR: I might but not necessarily. It is the main market for musicians but a lot depends on the project. If a good project comes along, I may go for it.

Instep: You, alongside Ali Azmat, Tina Sani and Irfan Kiani were spearheading AMPP (Association of Music Professional of Pakistan). What is happening on that front?
HR: It is not just the four of us; it is a step taken by the entire music industry though we are the most active. Currently, AMPP seems to be in a bit of a hold. We required 50 NIC (National Identity Card) copies to take off but we received only 15-18. Some musicians didn't respond out of sheer laziness, some committed but put us on hold. Our lawyer told us that we should form it as a society instead because for that we only need 15 NICs. So that is how it will be taken forward.

Instep: A letter was sent to the President. What is new on that?
HR: Honestly, I don't know. A letter was sent to him. We want him to be the Patron of the society. But I'm not aware of any new development.

Instep: How important is AMPP for the music industry?
HR: AMPP is an extremely positive thing. We need AMPP to come through so that a platform is setup for musicians. It is for the protection of the rights of artists. AMPP will help musicians sustain themselves. An artist like Ali Azmat or myself can still do a free show because we do many, many concerts but those who can't do as many shows will benefit via AMPP. A certain amount of revenue should go back into the industry. It's the only way it will flourish. But the idea is not to pick fights with anyone. It is about working side-by-side with the channels. All the channels that we have approached have been helpful and have shown consideration to what we have to say. They have been open to ideas. AMPP will take proper and more concrete shape eventually.

Instep: When can one expect more videos from you?
HR: I am releasing one video in the coming days and soon after that, the album will be out. The upcoming video has been done by Savio Rodriguez in Bombay.

Instep: Is he the same director who did Ali Zafar's 'Sajania'?
HR: Yes, that's right.

Instep: On a final note, what do you think about new artists who have taken over the local music scene by storm?
HR: I think it's fantastic. I believe that healthy competition is essential in the growth of the industry so it's good. More musicians mean competition, fans will have variety and there is no harm in competing as long as it's healthy!

-- Haroon Rashid was
talking to Maheen Sabeeh