Meet Dubai executive creating magic with Bollywood singers

AMAAN TURNS URDU POET AND LYRICIST AFTER WORK AND ON WEEKENDS

- BY SAJILA SASEENDRAN

By day, he is Amaan Haider Zaidi, head of corporate affairs at VFS Global in Dubai By evening and on weekends, he becomes Haider Amaan Haider, an Urdu poet who found solace in verse during his darkest days seven years ago.

The Indian expat has now taken his poetry from pages to streaming platforms worldwide. Earlier this year, he released his debut ghazal album with celebrated Bollywood singer Shaan and is now working on a Sufi project with composer Salim Merchant of the renowned Salim-Sulaiman duo.

Shaan's album, Ghazal Ho Gayi, features six ghazals — four from Haider's book of poetry Apni Amaan Main Rakhna and two written specially for the album. "This album is very close to my heart. I'm humbled by the love it has received. From traditional ghazal lovers to young listeners, the response has been overwhelming and deeply encouraging," Haider said.

The collaboration with Shaan began during Expo 2020 Dubai at the India Pavilion. The two share a connection through Indian classical music legend and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who was close to Haider and also Shaan's guru.