APARAJITA MUKHERJEE, TNN, 18 January 2010, 12:00am IST
The band, comprising Bilal and Faisal, will be performing with Indian band Euphoria on January 20 in Kolkata, in a concert for Aman Ki Asha.
Faisal says that he firmly believes that peaceful relations between the two countries can be bolstered only through an exchange of Iideas and culture. “Things are changing now. The generation that saw the Partition has grown old. The young generation is too far removed from that event to think of differences. We want peace, prosperity and friendship. We want to be neighbours, be able to enjoy each other’s presence. We’re a very mature generation,” he says, adding, “Cultural exchange is very important. It is necessary that we encourage student-exchange and encourage people to become friends with people of the other nation.”
When people-to-people ties are there already, what role does he think politicians should be playing in this effort to being the two nations closer together? “The politicians have a very sensitive job to carry out. They are trying to find answers. It would help if popular support is with them, so that they can extend the hand of friendship towards the other country without worrying about their vote bank getting eroded!” says Faisal.
But when it comes to cultural exchange, that probably refers in a large part to music – it is Pakistani bands and singers who are most popular with Indian audiences, and not artistes from other fields. “Well, that is right. Music is one industry that is stable in Pakistan. That is why it can be exported.”
“Sadly for Pakistan, we do not have a film industry that is making good movies. So, we are completely dependent upon Bollywood for cinema. So, in a way, it is a one-sided exchange,” Faisal replies.
What are his views on the perspective that some Indian artistes have articulated, which says that Pakistani musicians shouldn’t be allowed to play in India? “Ye shayad koi ek-aadh hi case hoga. As far as we are concerned, we feel blessed that all the great musicians of India have respected us and made it easy for us to play here. Music is not a product, that the presence of one will negate the value of the other. Music has no boundaries. It is needed all the time. Don’t we allow western music in our countries? And don’t we allow those musicians to come and perform here? Then why make such distinctions for a particular nation?” he asks with feeling.
That’s exactly what Aman Ki Asha seeks to achieve – ‘no boundaries’ between the two people. “It is a great initiative. People from both the countries have wanted peace for the longest time. The Times Of India and the Jang group being the two biggest media houses in the two respective countries, it is an achievement indeed for them to have provided a platform like this!” says Faisal, talking about the initiative.
Strings, after Aman Ki Asha, will be concentrating on composing music for a couple of Bollywood movies. “However, it will be premature to talk about the projects,” says Faisal.
