ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ‘HOT MANGO CHUTNEY SAUCE’ TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH MEESHA SHAFI
We virtually sat down with the extremely talented and beautiful Meesha Shafi and discussed all the burning questions related to her catchy song and latest release Hot Mango Chutney Sauce which took the internet by storm last month.
Hi Meesha! A year later we’re happy to have you here once again. Let’s dive in and learn a bit about your new release Hot Mango Chutney Sauce which has gotten everyone grooving and humming to the beat - nonstop! How long has this masterpiece been in the works? Walk us through the creative process.
Thank you! The response has been as delicious as the chutney itself. I wrote the ‘mein kendee aan tu next level ' verse around eight years ago. Then it just lay forgotten for the longest time because for this sort of ironic songwriting, the music production needed to be perfect and precise. And I guess I was waiting for the perfect sound, which was born in the form of the amazing Abdullah Siddiqui. His production range and prowess are a revolution for music in and out of Pakistan.
'I wrote the ‘mein kendee aan tu next level’ verse around eight years ago. Then it just lay forgotten for the longest time because for this sort of ironic songwriting, the music production needed to be perfect and precise.'
Once I started collaborating with him, I revisited this track and decided to complete it. I’m glad that I didn’t finish and release it sooner because, honestly, I myself have a much deeper understating of gender and identity politics today than I did earlier. And under the veneer of comedy and hyperpop, this track is a whole political conversation for South Asia and it’s post-colonial identity crisis. But apart from that, I also wanted to create something that celebrates our rich cultural identity.
How did you manage filming, editing and getting a team on board for the video while sitting halfway across the world - Canada?
Determination and a lot of love and support from so many amazing people. The pandemic also really helped in shattering this notion that one has to be physically present with collaborators in order to create. Producing this remotely turned out to be a very successful and exciting experiment.
How did the name ‘Hot Mango Chutney Sauce’ come about? We’re curious!
Well because I wanted the song to reflect a number of things. Unapologetic authenticity, which is hot! Tangy but sweet mangoes which are so desi and beloved. And of course chutney sauce, a melting pot of influences and post-colonial cultural elements, which make us who we are today, but hopefully without losing ourselves.
What is the song about? What was the inspiration behind Hot Mango Chutney Sauce?
The song is about gender and identity politics, pride, authenticity and freedom of expression. About breaking the shackles of trying to fit into mainstream ideals of truth and beauty. About not imitating and not attaching material possessions to self worth. And of course, consent! To quote the inimitable Swineryy, 'Consent is very important'. We must remember that whenever we talk about an individual's freedom, it cannot cross the line of another’s personal boundaries and safety.
'We must remember that whenever we talk about an individual's freedom, it cannot cross the line of another’s personal boundaries and safety '
How was it working with Abdullah Siddiqui and Swineryy?
Absolutely thrilling! A lot of fun. Very rewarding. Everyone on this track surpassed my already very high expectations. The comedic tone and irony of the track was a perfect fit with Swineryy’s hilarious and brilliant woke-ness. And as for Abdullah, this song wouldn’t have come to fruition if it hadn’t been for him. There is no one else in the music business in Pakistan right now who can create this sound. EDM has arrived in Pakistan, and I would even go as far as to say South Asia, in its most promising form because of him.
You went for an all-girls cast - featuring some of the top models in Pakistan. What made you pick models instead of actors etc?
I was not looking to cast models. I cast for 'HMCS' with a sharp focus on the spine and political integrity of the names I was approaching. None of them are in the video because of how they look. Although the fact that everyone is stunning is a bonus! I wanted this cast because of their strength of character and what they stand for. Sadly, most actors are all too often scared to even say they are feminists. I wanted to give this space to women who are brave, uncompromising and woke. It’s about time.
Will we be hearing more of your songs in the near future? Any exciting collaborations we need to look out for?
Yes and yes! No spoilers though, sorry. (Winks)
'EDM has arrived in Pakistan, and I would even go as far as to say South Asia, in its most promising form because of him (Abdullah Siddiqui)'
How do you handle criticism and opinionated people? Does it affect you?
It’s true what they say: ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. So I guess I've become resilient and stronger after dealing with frequent bullying and abuse online. I have
learnt how to not let baseless vitriol get to me, how to pick my battles and how to respond when something is actually worth replying to.
A message you’d like to give to HELLO! readers?
Stay alert. Think for yourself. Don’t fall for propaganda and fluff. Stand for something true even if it’s uncomfortable. So that you can look back at life and be proud of what you chose to do with the time you were given on this Earth.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOS: COURTESY CHECKBOX MEDIA