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You can ban an artist but you cannot stop music from connecting people: Rahat Fateh

You can ban an artist but you cannot stop music from connecting people: Rahat Fateh

The singer believes that the ban on Pakistani artists won't 'suppress the voice of an artist.'
23 Jan, 2017

Fawad and Mahira Khan aren't the only Pakistani stars who have been affected by the ban on Pakistani artists in India. However, the ban hasn't perturbed Rahat much.

In an exclusive interview with HuffPo India, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan explains that the ban will not influence the arts.

"Art should always unite, never become the reason to divide," he says. "Yes, you can impose a ban on an artist and stop him from coming to your country, but you'll never be able to suppress the voice of an artist."

Also read: Here's how Bollywood stars feel about banning Pakistani actors

"If he or she is a true artist who emotes from his heart, his voice will travel far and wide, no matter the circumstances. You cannot stop music from traveling and connecting people. It carries an eternal truth with it."

In fact, Rahat hopes to record more songs for Bollywood this year. "Yes, I am. I want to. Insh Allah if all goes well, I will be singing a few of them."

The singer has been approached numerous times by B-town celebs to lend his vocals for their film soundtracks. His latest hit was Sultan's 'Jag Ghoomeya' (2016).

Comments

Harmony-1© Jan 23, 2017 05:10pm
True! By all means create hate by banning artists but music can never be gagged...it reaches all boundaries and touches hearts!
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Asif Kashmiri Jan 23, 2017 05:28pm
Well said Sir
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Be Fair Jan 23, 2017 05:36pm
The Hawks,fanatics,hate mongers,at both sides will be happy about ban. Just ease visa regimes on both sides,all bans will be ineffective.
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Ahsan,Karachi Jan 23, 2017 06:02pm
Rahat sahib! I agree with your views that arts do not have any geographical boundaries. But what to do when the present government in our neighboring country is our open enemy and dreams of our destruction
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Ahsan gul Jan 23, 2017 06:25pm
Very difficult situation between Pakistan and India as Kashmir the crux of issues not resolved for the past 60+ years. doesn't looks like that we may have friendly atmosphere for our artists on both sides to work together again soon.
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Thoroughthinker Jan 23, 2017 09:46pm
Rahat is very correct. Infact, rahat literally means comfort and music is the food of soul to produce one of the best comforts a person can have.
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KP Jan 24, 2017 04:00am
Rahatbhai, It is easy for u to say that, as u have been extremely popular, and able to earn lot thru global appearances. However, while true that u cannot suppress artist's voice & skill, the ban certainly restricts his/her earnings. It also behooves of an artist to be sensitive to the audiences' feelings and hurts, and avoid double-standards based on one's nationalistic leanings, no! Having said that, I agree that ban, of any kind ( not just on artists ), divides rather than unite.
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viney mehra Jan 24, 2017 05:14am
so true , you can not prevent music from flowing across borders
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zafar Jan 24, 2017 07:02am
Well said. You saw even by banning Indian content for 50 yrs, you can't stop its domination over yourself.
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Vasan Jan 24, 2017 07:36am
I am Indian, but support Art and Entertainment should be free from any controversies. Art, Artist, Cinema, Music, Entertainment should not be a hostage for other issues. It should let be free in both countries.
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Bilal Jan 24, 2017 07:50am
Welcome to the 21st century where neither the ordinary people nor the artists have to cross the borders to connect with each other !
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Rahul Jan 24, 2017 08:25am
Rahat sahab, we all in India love you too... at par as we loved Ghulam Ali ji, Mehdi Hassan, Sabri bros.. There are some times that go bad .. thats it... Your concerts in India will again start flowing in as the Summer starts...
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NT Jan 24, 2017 09:24am
@Ahsan gul was anyone expecting that?
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Krish Jan 24, 2017 12:05pm
Musicians are special people who channel emotions through songs,lyrics and melodies. They also have the responsibility of understanding peoples emotions. One can forgive a hypocrite politician but the same is not true if an artist is seen as being hypocritical. Islamic hegemonistic tendencies has resulted in wars,terrorism with other nations and persecution of other religion minorities in pakistan itself. Does Rahat sing/write songs on these issues or is he a too scared to do it ? People expect artists to rise above their personal concerns and voice the truth and probably suffer for it too. Else they are seen as fake artists who have skills but no heart, just a pretty woman with no substance fit to be just a show piece and who wants a show piece ?
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Chanakya Jan 27, 2017 11:30pm
Please understand, India does not have any enmity with any artist of Pakistan, good talents are always welcome in any country.
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