It was 1994, when Shehzad debuted with his first single ‘Nazrain Jo Milthin Ik Bar Sanam Say’. The irresistible groove of the number made it an instant chart topper. What followed was the release of his first album Zindagi (1995), featuring the hit singles Dholna and Bewafa, which set a blockbuster record by selling more than 600,000 copies. In the intervening years, as the world opened its arms to the charismatic performer, his ability to compose the most melodious romantic pop in the local music arena grew even stronger as he proved with his successive albums, Darshan (1997) and Teri Soorat (1999). Both these albums performed impressively well in Pakistan and abroad adding a fairly long list of all time favorites like Darshan, Kangna, Sada, Teri Soorat, Har Gayi, Aag, and Mushkil, to his credit. In his latest offering Rab Janey (2002) Shehzad endeavors to take his musical capability a level higher and calls it his best work to date. He strives to convey meaningful messages through his light-hearted yet earthy tunes. The very first track of the album, Jinna kar lo gay pyar; a duet with Sukhbir Singh, is pitched at spreading the message of love and peace. The peppy number scores high these days among all recent singles while
melodiously serving its aim.

“In my opinion the authenticity of the message (in a song)”, explains Shehzad. ”is as consequential as anything else in producing meaningful music”.

Shehzad’s music videos always carry a streak of distinction and reflect his flair for visual inventiveness. His videos usually have a very exotic feel to them, as he is very particular about the story line and the scenic locations where they are to be shot. A good example maybe “Khudi ka Sir-e-Niha La il laha ilallah”, which was also the official Ramazan special in 2000. This video was the most expensive one made that year. Even as we celebrate 2002 as Allama Iqbal’s Year, Shehzad’s musical composition of Iqbal’s famous verses “Ya Rab Dil-e-Muslim ko”, occupies the prestigious stance as being the official song for the year’s celebration.

“This video is very special to me as for the first time Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi consented to appear in a music video and I take great pride in the fact that it was my video, not only that, Mr. Edhi has also pledged his support and goodwill to my Trust and I am honored by his able guidance.

Shehzad grew up listening to classical performers like Abida Parveen and Reeshma. The traditional heritage and folk influence are the most prominent features of his work. Be it be Ustad Salamat Ali’s flute rendering in Bewafai, the contemporary Qawali flavour of Darshan or the very latest, traditional Siraiki folk inspired Jan Gayo (from Rab Janey), Shehzad’s work strongly advocates his inclination towards Eastern symphonies. Yet, he identifies the ‘guitar’ as the love of his life and the major driving force behind coming into this profession. His exceptional guitar playing skills add an almost palpable vibrancy to quite a few of his songs but perhaps his best work in this area is Roshini ka Yaqeen, an instrumental piece from Rab Janey. Commenting on his music, the musician with a knack for experimentation asserts, “We grow from experience. My music is always changing and in constant evolution. My first album is completely different to the last album. I just follow my own taste on music." And as experience has taught all of us, his fans are sure to follow.