Strings Band History:
Pakistani pop bands raised the bar in the music industry in the early 90s and 2000s. Many bands formed and disbanded, but none lasted forever. It was the time when Junoon and Vital Signs were leading the Pakistani music industry.
People were not expecting any other band to impress them, but out of nowhere a band came and grabbed everyone’s attention with their lyrics and music. The band got split up by mutual decision and shocked everyone. That’s none other than strings, one of the most popular bands in Asia and produced lots of albums. The band consisted of two main members or say pillars of the band. Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia.
Strings are recognized for their rhymes and lyrics written by Anwar Maqsood, Bilal’s father. Ever since the band formed, Anwar Maqsood has been writing band songs.
Faisal was the lead vocalist who has sung and spread his charm over his fans. Bilal Maqsood has always loved to compose, plays guitar, and occasionally sings.
Bilal Maqsood:
Before heading to the band formation and its journey let’s focus on the main members who led Strings to the next level. On the 23rd of March 1971, Bilal Maqsood was born in a house where talent was at its peak because his father was none other than Anwar Maqsood. Bilal from the early stage of his life focused on music and loved to compose it. That’s the reason most of the Strings songs were composed by him, he was an all-rounder guitarist, songwriter, and painter as well.
Faisal Kapadia:
Faisal Kapadia lead vocalist of Strings born on the 29 th of June in 1971. At a very young age, he started practicing music, he was so passionate about it and learned classical music, vocals, and guitar. Fun fact, he was with Bilal Maqsood in college, and there with a group of friends he formed the band.
Looking into his personal life, he got married to Seema Kapadia and lived a happy healthy life with her.
Born of the Strings:
In 1990, Strings was formed by Bilal Maqsood, Rafiq Wazir Ali, Kareem Bashir Bhoy, and Faisal Kapadia. The band signed their debut album with EMI Records, Strings. Their initial experiment with synthesized music and rhythm didn’t attract the audience that much. Even after that, Strings sold 20,000 copies and grabbed some of their fans attention. Right after two years, the band released another album which includes ”Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar”. The song was first aired on MTV Asia and spread out the Strings popularity in the neighbor country as well.
The band was disbanded as the members had to complete their education and focus on their careers. Back in 2000, the band revived and changed the dynamic. The Duur album undoubtedly became the ultimate success for the band.
Then their journey of strings began and their popularity increased and even spread all over the world when they got featured in Spiderman. The Dhaani album included the single “Najane Kyun,” which was part of the soundtrack for the Hollywood film Spider-Man 2.
Strings Band Songs:
The Strings songs were played in Indian clubs with the remix, which grabbed many of the producers’ attention, and the band got the chance to sing for some Bollywood films.
In 2008, Strings released their fifth album, Koi Aanay Wala Hai, with the singles “Yeh Hai Meri Kahani” and “Aakhri Alvida” (included on the soundtracks for Bollywood’s Zinda and Shootout at Lokhandwala).
For those who don’t know, the album was co-produced by Bollywood actor John Abraham and was successful in Pakistan and India.
From 2007 to 2017, their success journey reached its peak because one after another album was released and no one could ignore it.
Bollywood Journey:
As mentioned above, Strings also composed music for Bollywood’s most famous films and it never stopped. Because on August 26, Bollywood director Sanjay Gupta confirmed that Strings would provide music for the soundtrack to his movie Shootout at Wadala.
Several days later, Maqsood and Kapadia, in India, confirmed that they were composing music for the Bollywood film, to make it a highlight Ekta Kapoor hosted a party at which Strings were there as well.
The Hindustan Times also said that actor Imran Khan set up a special showing of his comedy film Delhi Belly for Strings. Strings also composed for Coke Studio.
Why Strings Band Ended?
Four seasons were produced under their reign, and in 2017 they left the season. After that, they released their new album and ultimately became popular.
That was the last album they produced, and right after that, Strings decided to split up. Strings, no doubt, have done everything to showcase Pakistani pop music in front of the world.
Even after the mutual split-up, Bilal and Faisal headed on their solo journey, and people are loving their work. Fans are still waiting for the reunion and are hoping that it will happen soon.
