Bilal Maqsood

Bilal Maqsood is a Pakistani singer, guitarist and composer, best known as one half of the legendary pop-rock band Strings, alongside Faisal Kapadia. Born in Karachi, he met Kapadia in school, and the two formed Strings in 1988, going on to define Pakistani pop music for three decades.

Career with Strings

Strings released their debut album Strings (1990) and rose to national fame with their second album Aakhri Alvida (1997), which produced enduring hits like Anjane and Duur. They followed with Dhaani (2003), featuring hits such as Sajni and Yeh Hai Meri Kahani, and Koi Aanay Wala Hai (2008). The band became a fixture of South Asian pop, toured internationally, and their music was featured prominently in the 2015 film Manto. Bilal also composed the soundtrack for the acclaimed biopic.

Beyond the band

Bilal has worked extensively as a producer and mentor, judging music competitions and supporting emerging artists. After Faisal Kapadia's departure from the band in 2021, Bilal continued performing solo. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Pakistani popular music, and Strings' songs remain among the most streamed Pakistani tracks of all time.