Lahore-based band Inteha comprising Naukhez Javed (vocals) and Nausher Javed (guitars) has been keeping busy with multifarious activities. These include the promotional tour of their album Inteha-i-Rock throughout Pakistan as well as across the border, lending songs to Bollywood movies, working on OSTs for Pakistani serials and most importantly, a recent trip to India’s Noida Film City where they performed to a packed crowd. Images on Sunday caught up with the band upon their return.

“The year 2015 has been a happening one for us. It started with the launch of Inteha’s second album Inteha-i-Rock launch in India and then concerts in all major cities,” says Nausher Javed and Naukhez Javed aka NJ. Inteha is being signed by T-Series. After Eid, their new videos will be coming out and the recording of the third album will also begin, scheduled for release in 2016.

“People in both Pakistan and India want peace and harmony. We share the same culture and have been living together for ages. Everything can be settled through dialogue and music can play a vital role. We feel that music can be used as an important tool in bringing people closer and strengthening friendships. As music has no boundaries, it can help in bonding hearts irrespective of the religion, caste or demographics. Music has a lot of importance in peaceful Indo-Pak relationship,” say the band members. Whether Delhi, Noida or Lucknow, the crowds gave Inteha a very warm welcome. “They love Pakistani music and artistes, which gives us a sense of pride.”

The band goes on an Inteha-i-Rock tour for its fans

Inteha was also awarded lifetime memberships of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEA) and International Film and Television Club (IFTC), and is the first Pakistani band to receive the honour.

The band was extended an invitation to the Marwah Studios in the Noida Film City by the Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT) in collaboration with ICMEI. AAFT enjoys its proximity to several renowned production houses and satellite TV news channels and provides an environment, which is conducive in training the media professionals.

With summer approaching its full colour, the people of Noida had an amazing night with a live concert by the duo. Celebrating its 25th year, Marwah Studio welcomed bigwigs from the world of art and other distinguished guests for the official launch of the AAFT School of Art.

Inteha began the show with a performance of Jande Aye and fused with the ethnic melodies of Sun Charkhe Di Mithi Mithi Hook and the tear-jerking Mai Ni Mai Kinu Akhan. Nausher then pulled out the medley of old Bollywood songs — Chaudhveen ka Chand, Jab Koi Baat Bigar Jaye, Aas Hai Teri Pyaas Hai, Dil Kya Karey Jab Kisi Se and Har Kisi Ko Nahi Milta. He also performed his award-winning cover of Zid na Karo, fused with Lal Meri by Naukhez. The percussion here was by Raza and tabla by Tushar.

Inteha also did a cover of Sajjad Ali’s Bolo Bolo along with the Indian hit song Sunn Raha Hai Na Tu. They band then sprinted on its popular track Anjaana fused with Junoon’s Bulleya; then came Daastan, Bin Tere Sanam and the end track, Teri Mere Kahani.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, July 26th, 2015

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