NABEEL NIHAL CHISHTY l The Journey to Aaroh l Aleph Podcast l 40

In this episode of Aleph Podcast join us in a captivating conversation as we dive into the life and music of Nabeel Nihal Chishty - best known for his role as lead guitarist and musical composer for the band Aaroh.
From his early days in Saudi Arabia to his musical odyssey in Pakistan, Nabeel's story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. Discover how he struck the right chords in both his professional career and his musical pursuits, including his remarkable work with Aaroh that left an indelible mark on Pakistan's music scene. This is a conversation that resonates with the soul, inspiring the pursuit of dreams.
Nabeel Nihal Chishty, a guitar maestro, was born on May 9, 1976, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His journey into the world of music started in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, where he, along with childhood friends Farooq Rauf, Ashraf Ansari, and Shehzad Hussain, formed the band "Arena." Their humble beginnings involved composing music and recording it on cassette recorders.
Nabeel's pursuit of music led him to Karachi, where he honed his guitar skills under the mentorship of Faraz Anwar. Despite his family's emphasis on education, Nabeel managed to balance his academic and musical passions.
Further educational pursuits took him to the United States, where he explored Western classical music and continued to nurture his musical talents. Returning to Karachi in 1998, he crossed paths with Kami, a prominent music producer, who recognized Nabeel's talent and encouraged him to pursue a professional music career in Pakistan.
Nabeel's collaboration with Kami led to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a gifted musician. He also recorded guitars for Junaid Jamshed's album, "Dil Ki Baat," marking a departure from his rock roots.
His partnership with vocalist Farooq led to the formation of 'Raag,' and the two quickly found musical synergy. Their collaboration ultimately birthed the band "Aaroh."
Aaroh entered 2002’s inaugural Pepsi's Battle of the Bands competition, emerging as winners after a thrilling showdown with Entity Paradigm.
The release of Aaroh's debut album, "Sawaal," in 2003, propelled them to stardom, selling over a million copies nationwide. Nabeel's journey is a testament to his remarkable musical talents, determination, and unwavering passion for music. Today, he resides in Dubai, balancing a successful career in IT with his musical pursuits under the name 'Nabeel Nihal Project.' His story continues to inspire the Pakistani music scene.
FOLLOW NABEEL CHISHTY:
Apple Music: / nabeel-nihal-chishty
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4U8EE...
Instagram: / nabeelnihalchishty
Facebook: NabeelNihalP...
KZbin: / @nerve9ine
Chapters :
0:00 - Musical Intro
1:46 - Introduction
21:20 - Coming Back To Pakistan And Joining The Industry
28:28 - What Kind Of Gear Was Being Used
37:00 - Memorable Session Playing And Working Experiences
41:25 - Working With Strings
44:05 - Starting AAROH And Pepsi Battle Of The Bands
1:06:40 - The Fall Of AAROH
1:16:00 - Legal/Contractual Pitfalls
1:23:40 - Journey To Album Release
1:31:15 - Post Album Release
1:40:40 - Leaving The Music Industry
1:48:40 - Experiences As A Producer
FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH:
Bandcamp: li.sten.to/aforaleph
Instagram: li.sten.to/aforaleph
Facebook: li.sten.to/aforaleph
Twitter: li.sten.to/aforaleph
KZbin: li.sten.to/aforaleph
Buy Merchandise: li.sten.to/aforaleph
Shot and Directed by Aly Muhammad
More about A for Aleph: linktr.ee/aforaleph
Shot and Directed by Aly Muhammad
More about A for Aleph: linktr.ee/aforaleph

[@nerve9ine]

Thanks all for your kind words and appreciation ! Really appreciate it

[@hasanshah82]

I remember meeting Nabeel during his software house days when he was running a project for a private bank and I used to work there. Used to have great chats on music upstairs in the smoking area hahahaha. Always was a fan and always will be. Hope to see you sometime in Dubai InshAllah 🤘🏼

[@Shahrukhkazmi12]

ufff ufff ufff What an intro, man! Could you please play the instrumental version of 'Sawal'? It's just too good; seriously, brings back a lot of memories. :D

[@umerrabbani8346]

I must thank AforAleph for this podcast... You've brought a true legend of the game...what a fascinating journey he narrated...hung on to every word...what's also amazing to see was Nabeel's humility, despite his many achievements... thanks for an awesome podcast... I've liked and subscribed... Heartening to see such amazing talents from pak and credit goes to you Umair for bringing their stories to us...❤ Aaroh was very close to my heart as this was my first real exposure to the pak rock scene ... getting blown away by aaroh and ep, live in concert at the final of the battle of the bands. A true guitar virtuoso... I only wished I could have access to more and more guitar solos from him. Please do share links to the mad riffs that ur conjuring...

[@amaanstudios1471]

One of my favourite Guitar player and my Ustad .... to me he is the Nuno Bettencourt of Pakistan!! God bless you bro!!!

[@guitareinstein1417]

Mervelous. The intro was outstanding.. you just spoke the truth.. I also learned a lesson in 2007-08 that one can't earn a butter n bread with music in Pakistan where corporate brands and organizers never take musicians/bands for granted... make career by doing something else but not with music.

[@user-jo2hp1mq5g]

Such a composed guitarist..I believe this man produced music way ahead of it's time. His playing is so clean and melodies are exceptional. Music arrangement can blow minds. Nabeel chisti is a legend

[@LittleTahasWorld]

That intro, bro, goosebumps!! Thanks for getting Nabeel on the show! A true gem. His magic in Aaroh's first album is just unlike any other guitarist in Pakistan. Perfect blend of heavy riffage and soulful atmospherics. Thank you for the music sir! @nerve9ine

[@adilehsan222]

Working day.. skipped 2 hours to listen to the legend.. have never done this for any other musician.. legend @nabeel nihal!

[@WajidAlinylonandsteel]

I still have Aaroh - Jalan in my playlist... and everytime I listen to it, I am amazed with the Guitar parts. I have never heard that kind of guitar playing ever from a Pakistani band. The riffs and rhythm progression are so powerful and the solo is so technical as well as melodious. After he left Aaroh, it was as if the soul of the band left! wish they had continued... it would have done wonders for our music industry.

[@manamaria6489]

Why only jalan ? Did you listen Jany q, sawal, Pyar ka jaal, yara etc ?

[@Eccentrics]

He is one of my favourite guitar players and composers. I am glad that he was brought for an interview in Aleph. He was the heart and soul of Aaroh. His work in the album Sawaal speaks for itself. I still listen to the record to this very day. Thank you Umair for this interview.

[@malangacharsi]

ufffff maza agya brings back alot of memories ( when i put cassetes and listen to your songs every day) still day i listen to two tracks of aaroh sawal and aag ke tarah aur us mien guitar nabeel bhai you killed it that time hats off to you sir

[@syedanzer]

For a huge fan of pakistani music, there is not a better podcast. Your interviews with people like nabeel give such beautiful insight into one of my favorite albums. Great questions

[@AforAleph]

Truly appreciate it thank you 🙏🏼

[@aliather]

What a lovely podcast just ended this! 2 hours pata hi nahi lagay! I skipped a movie for this podcast! Last one was the Shallum's podcast which I thoroughly enjoyed a lot! Thank you! A for Aleph!

[@hammad.asghar]

Keep inviting the lost gems of our music industry! Thank you.

[@noumankhan2914]

Woww... Missing Nabeel alot. Thanks for the podcast. Good to see Nabeel after a long long time. That songs have a really special place in my heart. Brougt some sweet memories. God bless u

[@shayaanfaisal5328]

Good to see you Nabeel bhai after a long time and loved the story, interview was great. Best wishes brother for the future 🤟🤟🤟

[@eroticblack]

Glad That I got to hear the album back in the day when it came out. Absolutely Blew my mind. I started searching about nabeel Bhai, and what gear he used, and how he wrote and produced the album. And of course, picked up the guitar immediately after. He's such a creative genius.

[@thesoulzofficial9656]

Oh man... Nabeel u was a rock star back then and now as well... What a memories and journey...

[@rezvanabasi]

now i know why i could never stop listening to hoor

[@KamranAli-ot5nj]

Please invite Mr. Rizwan of Final Cut on your show aswell..

[@whitelight41]

Finally, someone got hold of Nabeel for such a detailed interview, Good Job and Good to see Nabeel again.

[@AforAleph]

Thank you please share it!

[@raheelar]

what an amazing detailed podcast about Nabeel Nihal--- Aleph really doing a wonderful job! kudos to you folks

[@AforAleph]

Appreciate it bro please help us spread the word! Share with your friends! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@zeeshanali433]

Please release 2 episode. One for the podcast and other for the music. That way their music is also promoted. They play live so everybody would love to listen. Great effort

[@shehzadatif1]

Thank you again for bringing so many of brilliant musicians to people.... Nabeel solos are amazing.. He seems heavily influenced by Satch.

[@FahadZahr]

So good to heart his podcast, so many question I had from the Nabeel's side of perspective about Aaroh, they have all been answered. What a legend Nabeel bhai is, truly a national treasure I must say

[@manamaria6489]

Uuuuufffffffff their music 🎵🎶 is disastrous..... Love it ❤

[@rizwanhaq5554]

WOW Sawal intro... Awesome 👌

[@burushaskils6708]

Came here from Ahmed ali Bhatt's recent podcast.loved this. Absolutely amazing ❤

[@jawadraza1218]

Nabeel is like pure GOLD of Pakistan music industry.

[@sunilharison5030]

Umair bhai thank you so much to bring him back after so long.. there is no other guitarist in Pakistan like him. I met him once in 2020 such a nice person. Spent like 30min with him. Hoor makes me to hold guitar truly inspired by him. Nabeel Sir hope to see you soon with an album like Sawal.

[@AforAleph]

Most welcome brother ❤️🙏🏼

[@manamaria6489]

Nabeel sir why you guys not getting united and make music like before ? We all love your music alot

[@engrsaifulislam7321]

Aaroh fan from Bangladesh. Lots of love for Nabel

[@AforAleph]

Great to hear from fans outside Pakistan! ❤

[@Evolutionaze]

Nabeel Nabeel Nabeeel Sir, Big fan of your guitar playing, you gbrought AAROH when i was in 8th class now in 2023 i have 2 kids and still listening to your music via aaroh Sawal Album songs, when i got news in 2004 that AAROH is no more it was a heart broken news for me..... i am looking forward to see new music from you after tanseer`s songs.

[@nerve9ine]

Thanks mate ! appreciate your kind words..will soon release something new !

[@saqibfiroz8715]

The best in our industry 🤘

[@syedabrarshah1498]

Thank you Nabeel bhai for those wonderful memories and ever green tracks! ❤

[@umerrabbani8346]

I must thank AforAleph for this podcast... You've brought a true legend of the game...what a fascinating journey he narrated...hung on to every word...what's also amazing to see was Nabeel's humility, despite his many achievements... thanks for an awesome podcast... I've liked and subscribed... Heartening to see such amazing talents from pak and credit goes to you Umair for bringing their stories to us...❤ Aaroh was very close to my heart as this was my first real exposure to the pak rock scene ... getting blown away by aaroh and ep, live in concert at the final of the battle of the bands. A true guitar virtuoso... I only wished I could have access to more and more guitar solos from him. Please do share links to the mad riffs that ur conjuring...

[@AforAleph]

Much appreciated Umer - so glad you enjoyed this! InshaAllah a lot more to come

[@hafizrahim786]

I was literally waiting for Nabeel's podcast ❤

[@MohammedAtifSami]

You kept on asking if someone would be interested in these details or not, I stumble upon it late, but it was really interesting, watched every minute of it albeit not in one sitting, but you guys gave us the best memories, recalling all this literally takes us back to that golden times, I sincerely hope next generation could experience that. I am making sure that I make my junior listen to the music of that era so that they can develop the right taste of music and hopefully carry it forward somehow.

[@sayyamrana2723]

and then Kami found me 😂 for his solo career. So much more to tell man. Really good interview. Nabeel, if you are still in town, please let me know. Would love to see you soon

[@hafizrahim786]

Part 2 needed, nabeel nihal project and that 2 aarohs mystery (with rahat) missed completely.

[@nerve9ine]

lol u guys still remember that phase lol ! If that’s the case Umair need to release a season having episodes to cover everything ..😅

[@SamKhan-kb3kg]

I am a big fan of Nabeel's. There should be another part of the convo as the ending seemed abrupt coz of the time constraint. Thanks for putting out these podcasts btw :-)

[@alitahir84]

Listening to this interview after Farooq's interview. Without a doubt Nabeel comes across as way more honest as a person

[@mosoof2177]

Nice interview. Always wondered what went on with Aaroh, at the end a person has to do what is best for him or her. Kudos to Nabeel for being honest

[@fjawwad]

I must say this is one of the best session. Nabeel is genius, creative and humble. I wanted to hear more and wished it would a long long interview. Thanks Aleph.

[@AforAleph]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@nasirzaka]

So amazing Nabeel bhai and Thank you Umair for the interview.

[@AforAleph]

My pleasure

[@imran-]

Love the Sawal intro, very dark yet melodious sound! Aaroh produced some of the most memorable songs, Sawal, aag ki Tarah, and Jalan. We need something new from you!

[@Qandeel]

The Slash of Pakistan without a doubt

[@drgntde]

Wow!! I was literally thinking about this guy last week when I randomly decided to replay the Aaroh debit album because in my opinion it is actually one of the finest albums that came out of that early 2000s scene resulting from Pepsi Battle of the Bands! Amazing riffs and solos everywhere on that record. I was just telling my wife that one of the best Pakistani concerts I've ever seen was Aaroh opening for Strings (before they released their album) at the Indus Valley School of Art in Karachi. The way they launched into Where the Streets Have no name by U2 and then Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi just blew my mind!!

[@nerve9ine]

That was one of the best ones ! Thanks for your comment.. Stay intouch !

[@khalidfarooq2770]

He is legend... Great guitarist

[@dankazama404]

As always another superb interview, really loved the in depth conversation.but it should have part 2 . Keep it up and waiting for more

[@AforAleph]

Will do our best to bring you another part ❤

[@aliather]

Nabeel bhai! We still remember you and will definitely like to hear about you! Listen more about you and your songs! I have a circle of friends who are a great fan of Aaroh and you! and we discuss many times about you and Aaroh together! Thank you A for Aleph for this amazing podcast! This is really something which we really want to listen!

[@nerve9ine]

Thanks to Umair and Aleph for gathering all the true old admirers of this album like you and your friends at this single forum ..this gives a lot of motivation for me to do more music as I see there are still people out there like you waiting to listen to guitar music ! Thanks

[@nerve9ine]

Thanks Ali..appreciate your kind words..Stay intouch !

[@Nzn2012]

My favourite nabeel nihal. Sir aap kay album description per likha hota tha hoor is dedicated to baynaam person. Did you eventually find that baynaam person? I remember being ardent fan of aaroh and specifically you, and then being heartbroken when aaroh disbanded. I remember siding with you and asking you details of your court case on your aaroh forums. This interview just brought back my teenage and aaroh craze in front of me. Thank you for giving us tremendous music.

[@zohairtoo]

Very nice podcast, maza aagia, have been a great fan of Aaroh and Nabeel's music.

[@rizzufoodieroadie8368]

Yar bro apney ye play ker K Bata Diya ajkal K londo KO K ..kuch bhi kerlo humm..hummm Hain... really bro Kitna bhi acha play kerlein AJ K londay ...aysi playing Ki pehchan Nahi Bana sake ..🙌🙌👌👌👌👌

[@baigmusic]

Such an amazing talk, loved listening to Nabeel's stories and experiences, especially his gear rundown. Thank you Umair for putting this together, this was a blast to watch!

[@UmaribneHussain]

Nabeel bhai the living Legend, Solos of Aag Ki Tarah and Sawal are still on my top list. Pakistan has wasted real talent like Nabeel Bhai. Agar ye talent ksi aur country main hota to believe me inhain idol bana k rakha jata.

[@manamaria6489]

No band has that level pain in music jitna Aaroh k music. Mai hai

[@wrongwindow836]

Wowwww❤

[@dkrappenschitz9513]

Woww.just discovered this channel. Nabeel is legend. In music and IT :D Would've liked to hear about Rakht phase. The end and conclusion of the interview was a bit to abrupt

[@teedurani]

That first album of AAROH is one of a kind and I love it till date .... Rest was rubbish!!!

[@uaintme-no7zm]

Woo mesmerizing start of the podcast.. that's the way to do it live playing followed by intriguing conversation .. thanks ❤

[@DXkiet]

Now I want to listen Farooq's side of story too, that Why Aaroh was broken after first album and then they came back with Haider on the guitars.

[@Dadeadman88]

just heard his side of things on Ahmed Ali Butt's podcast.

[@faautobahna9416]

Much enjoyed, thanks.

[@AforAleph]

Glad to hear it!

[@syedhasnain4112]

🙌🏽🔥

[@owaysaman]

Nabeel Mian kahan gayab ho gaye thay yaar. Good to see you

[@arijman454]

awesome interview. thank you nabeel for your amazing work

[@AforAleph]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nerve9ine]

Thanks a lot and appreciate your kind words !

[@arijman454]

@@nerve9ine hope to hear new music from you soon!

[@shehzadatif1]

Why dont you have a podcast? it would be great for person like me to listen to these amazing stars while commuting. Listening music while driving brings old memories. Your Podcast will be a good addition to my list.

[@AforAleph]

This is a podcast! If you mean why isn’t it on audio platforms - it will be soon InshaAllah

[@kenan_keys]

Great! This was very nostalgic and also interesting

[@AforAleph]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thegame787]

Thankyou umair and thankyou nabeel bhai for your music ❤️

[@AforAleph]

Thanks for listening 🙏🏼

[@thegame787]

@@AforAleph ❤️

[@MAD.Reactions.623]

Aaroh should have come back

[@fahadjavaid7336]

i kissed or what... he dist pakes about the aaroh re line up with shahzad mughal and rahat on vocals

[@alinaqvi4653]

Is that a GnL in the back?

[@AforAleph]

It’s a Fret King Country Squire - one of my best finds ever. A tele with a semi hollow body, and a Humbucker, single, mini humbucker configuration. Also has a trem in a tele style bridge. The coil split is on a continuously variable rotary knob too, so you can get a lot of in between fully humbucker and fully coil split sounds… incredibly versatile guitar. Designed in the U.K. by John Wilkinson (of Wilkinson hardware) and manufactured in India. So it’s super affordable too.

[@irfankhalid]

Hi guys - Let me be the first one to say that it is great that you invited Nabeel over for an interview. I've been recently enjoying Aaroh’s past music again and Nabeel’s guitar work is truly the heart and soul of those songs. When he left, it was never the same. His music has left a lasting impression on me. Thanks for this interview. Sending my best wishes! /Irfan

[@samirahman20]

just watched ahmed ali butt's podcast with farooq, lost all respect for nabeel after what farooq told in the podcast.

[@danishgibb]

Dil ki Baat was shit except a couple of songs.