E-Paper
Pakistani artistes hit hard by 26/11
Radio channels haven’t stopped playing their tracks. But you’re unlikely to see Pakistani musicians live in India anytime soon, reports Malvika Nanda.
Radio channels haven’t stopped playing their tracks. But you’re unlikely to see Pakistani musicians live in India anytime soon.
Jugaad, a forthcoming Bollywood film had the young Pakistani sensation, Adeel, as the face and voice of its main promotional video. The ad, worth Rs 25 lakh, has been dropped. “After 26/11 my conscious doesn’t allow me to go with it,” says producer Sandeep Kapoor. “They have targeted our lives and our economy. So we should also make a dent somewhere for them to realise the damage they are, in some ways, responsible for.”
There are at least 10-15 big shows by Pakistani artistes during the November-to-February season. This year that number is down to zero. For many musicians across the border, India is the main source of income. Post-26/11, they are feeling the pinch.
But some are hopeful. “The love that we receive from India is going to be lost for a while. Several concerts have been cancelled due to security reasons. But I’m willing to come to India ,” says singer Shafqat Amanat Ali.
The scene in Pakistan is also gloomy. “We’ve not been having any commercial concerts in Pakistan for the last two years and now we can’t even go to
India,” complains Goher Mumtaz of the band Jaal.
Rajeev Sogani, MD Tips Music, says it’s important to respect the public sentiment. “There are no bookings and projects have been put on hold.”
Composer Sachin Gupta, who has worked with Pakistani artists, is more firm. “Music should be above politics. But our neighbours should realise that they need to respect the country so many of their artists earn money from.”
