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Junoon and other musicians say Indians
should be welcomed
Over the years, many Pakistani musicians have travelled to India and have played
and won the hearts of the Indian public. However, the Pakistani public has very
seldom seen top Indian musicians performing here.
Recently a group of top Indian musicians released a statement saying that
Pakistani singers should be banned from coming and performing and releasing
their cassettes in India, as this was the method the Pakistani government had
chosen to follow where Indian artistes were concerned.
We asked all our singers what they thought should be the best possible
situation. Should the Indians be allowed to come and sing here or should they be
asked to sit back while we enjoy fanatical popularity in their backyard?
Junoon’s vocalist Ali Azmat said, “I think Indian artistes should definitely be
allowed to perform in Pakistan. Cross-cultural activities should be encouraged
as much as possible, which in my opinion helps to reduce the ignorance each side
has for the other. Music is also the best way for reducing the fear of the
unknown, something I feel Pakistanis and Indians have regarding each other. Once
we understand each other better, there’ll be a better environment for a peaceful
solution to the region’s problems”.
Salman Ahmed, Junoon’s guitarist said, “I think personally we (the people of the
Subcontinent) should have as much bilateral exchange as possible. It will not
only help us understand each other better but also help in reducing tensions.
Therefore, cross-border performances should be a definite yes.”
Junoon’s bassist and the country’s only favourite American, Brian O’Connell
said, “Art and music know no political boundaries and thus far we’ve been
successful with crossing boundaries and exchanging friendship. But the deal
should always be both ways, Pakistanis going to India and Indians coming here.
Since art is a reflection of humanity and it shouldn’t be controlled by
politicians”.
The Strings duo of Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood, who found instant fame in
the Indian dance clubs with their early ’90s hit “Sar ki yeh bahar,” agreed that
artists of both the nations should be allowed to travel to each other’s country
without any hindrance.
Faisal said, “I think Indians should not be discouraged from coming here. What’s
more, the exchange is always healthy for both the sides. It’s also good for the
home crowd as they get to listen to a variety of music. Overall, cross-border
exchanges have always helped the music industry both ways.”
Bilal Maqsood said he hoped that political issues wouldn’t interfere with the
cultural values of any country. “Art should be allowed to live on. I think art
is as important as food and air. Exchanging art and culture has always been
beneficial for any country, especially where Pakistan and India are concerned. I
also feel that Pakistani people are missing on living legends like Lata
Mangeskar, Ravi Shankar and Asha Bohsle,” he said.
Metal singer, Baber Sheikh whooped “Most definitely!” “Foreign artistes, whether
Indians or anybody, should always be welcomed as they bring with them new
exposure of other cultures, plus broader horizons. We need awareness for
art-related activities and also for the true art forms which open the minds of a
nation.”
Entity Paradigm’s Ahmed Ali (more popularly known as Jutt from the sitcom ‘Jutt
and Bond’) said that there should be no limits regarding art and it should be
promoted no matter what. “If the Indians come here, this will give us a chance
for healthy competition. Also, culture gets promoted and both parties will get a
fair chance to adopt each other’s style”.
Jawad Ahmed said that inviting or greeting any singer should never be a problem
as long as the deal is a two-way traffic. “We will always greet the Indians as
they greet us there. But that does not mean that we compromise our national
integrity. Like I’ve said inter-crossing traffic should be both ways. It has its
pros, since primarily it encourages peace between countries. Personally, I
believe music can promote good relations between Pakistan and India,” said Jawad.
Haroon said that the idea for Indian singers coming here was a good idea.
“Sports and music should not cross the political realm. I think it would be a
great way to encourage understanding and peace between both the countries,” he
said.
Faakhir said that Indians were welcome, as long as they did not have a problem
with our country. “Singers who do not have anything against our ideology and
cultural values and those who are friendly with us will find that they are as
welcome as anybody else is. Our hospitality has always been praised by the
Indian actors, singers, sportsmen and even ordinary people. What’s more, Indian
movies are easily available in every shop and Indian music is readily available
everywhere in Pakistan. So why have double standards? Let Indian singers come
here and perform and let us show them we are not narrow-minded and we are not
afraid of competition. Pakistanis love culture and art, and that’s what we
should show to the world,” Faakhir said.
Fakhr-e-Alam said: “There’s no harm in cross-boarder performance. In my view,
only those artists or musicians oppose the presence of Indian musicians coming
and performing here who are insecure and are not confident of their talent. I
have no problems with Indians coming here and I think we need this kind of peace
diplomacy in order to preserve the concept of love,” he said.
Ibrarul Haq said: “If they allow our singers and our performers, then I don’t
see any reason why we shouldn’t welcome them. And I say the same where promotion
is concerned. If they are willing to promote us, then we should also greet then
with open arms,” Ibrar said.
‘We faced Indian rage after ’98 award’: Junoon
After winning the 1998 Channel V award in India for the best rock group
category, Junoon faced immense pressure from Indian officials and never got a
fair chance to perform there, said Salman Ahmad of Junoon.
“Since winning the award, Junnon has had a lot of difficulty to go and perform
in India. Bombay is completely off-limits for any Pakistani artiste because of
the Shiv Sena problem. Religious fanatics try their best to keep a dividing line
between Pakistani and Indian artistes. Pakistani music is far more popular than
the Indian music there,” he said.
Daily Times
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