Singer-songwriter, poet, and consummate storyteller Mohammad Muneem Nazir, mononymously known as Alif, has never shied away from tackling sensitive issues through his art. His next single, delivered delicately as a rock ballad, highlights how societal pressures and loneliness affect men.
His new track is the second chapter in a story that began with his recently released short film I Am Jaadugar, featuring a 10-year-old protagonist, Mu, who embarks on a journey to maintain his self-belief even when the world tries to trap him in conformity.
The track narrates Mu’s journey to find himself amid the broken pieces of his dreams and self, navigating insecurity and vulnerability—seemingly inspired by the artist’s own experiences.
Alif released the track on World Mental Health Day to draw attention to the fact that men are less likely to ask for help, and to highlight that the suicide rate among Indian men is 2.5 times higher than that among women. Suicide rates among Indian men aged 15-29 are estimated to be twice the global average.
“Having been in that situation myself, where I felt I had to hide my emotions behind the facade of masculinity, I’m acutely aware of the lack of space for, and conversation around, men’s mental health issues,” says Alif about the intention behind a song like "Sher Dil." “How do men handle their emotional unrest? Do they appear weaker if they cry? What pushes them to be silent or feel angst? These were some of the questions I wanted to address through this project,” he adds.
Alif is best known for bringing Kashmiri music to the forefront with songs like "Ride Home," "Jhelumas," and "Kya Karie Korimol." He has also gained recognition for creating music that is soul-searching, passionate, and compassionate, celebrating love and laughter as much as sorrow and heartbreak.
In the track, Alif layers poetry with elements of rock to create a song that captivates the listener. The music video, shot over three dawns in Mumbai, offers a raw representation of events—not only from Muneem’s life—and is inspired by his love for running.
“Running saved me in more ways than one,” confesses Alif, adding, “Runner’s high is a real phenomenon that helps settle your mind and reduce anxiety. I wanted to document this story of anguish and hope through running.”
When not writing and singing, Alif teaches songwriting and poetry at Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce in Pune. He is also an adept filmmaker and scriptwriter, conceptualizing and directing videos while playing various protagonist roles in his films and videos.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date 23.10.2024