Mustafa Zahid

Lahore-born singer-composer Mustafa Zahid has become synonymous with writing soul-searching pop laments for the heartbroken, earning fame with the rock band Roxen as well as his work in Bollywood. Originally a keen debater in his university days, Zahid gravitated towards singing and playing music as his choice form of expression. It helped that he grew up around music—counting as his cousin Ali Azmat, vocalist of legendary rock band Junoon. Zahid went on to form Roxen in the early 2000s and they released their debut album Rozen-e-Deewar in 2006. Riding the wave of writing heartfelt Urdu songs over modern alt-rock and pop arrangements, Zahid and Roxen created hits like “Yaadein” and “Toh Phir Aao”. The latter was picked up by composer Pritam for the Bollywood movie Awarapan in 2007, catapulting Zahid to fame in Pakistan and India alike. Since then, he has secured a reputation as the voice of pained love with Bollywood songs like “Bhula Dena” from Aashiqui 2 and “Maine Khud Ko” from Ragini MMS 2. And his work with Roxen continues, as they perform in Pakistan and across the world.