Q. How, according to you, do Classical instruments like the sitar or tabla, lend themselves to Jazz?
A. Classical instruments of any civilisation are very easy to embellish the structure of Jazz. The Classical structure of our music and that of Jazz is close to each other.

Sachal Jazz Ensemble performing with an international group

Q. After being a part of the Pakistani film industry, how did the idea of starting a Jazz band come
to mind?
A. As an eight-year-old, my father took me to the Dave Brubeck’s Quartet that was passing by Lahore in 1958 (popular Jazz piece by Brubeck, Take Five, had not yet been composed and it shook the Jazz world for the rhythm time of 5/4). Ever since then, I was hooked to Jazz. The first arrangement I made of Take Five along with the Masters of the Sachal Studios was a breeze for them and they were thrilled.