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Music by the Indus
As one walked through the lush green lawns of the Hyderabad Club, the venue for ‘Bhangra Night’ recently, one couldn’t help wonder whether star performer Sukhbir Singh would actually appear on stage or not. Ever since the announcement, music lovers waited with bated breath for the artists and singers who were to perform, which included Sukhbir, Umar Sharif, Fakhir, Jawad, Fuzon and others. The people were justified in their apprehensions, keeping in mind incidents in the past where the public had been deceived by the organizers.
The fact that the area surrounding the venue was under a massive security cover did not matter to the teenagers who were ready to go inside at all costs, fending off numerous baton-charges by the law enforcers. Women present at the show suffered the most as unruly youths encroached upon their area. A few TV screens dotted the venue to enable the audience to get a better view of the performers.
“I found it very hard to calm the crowd,” comedian Umar Sharif was overheard saying as soon as he concluded his act and headed straight for Karachi. During his 40-minute performance, Sharif had to put in a lot of energy before he was able to control the crowd with his popular items, which included some stale ones.
‘When nations can form a European Union, why can’t Pakistan and India accept each other, specially as they share a common language and culture? Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is still very popular in India. He has made priceless contributions in the field of music,’ said Sukhbir. ‘In my studio in Dubai, 60 per cent of the people are Pakistanis andthe rest are Indians. Both accommodate each other easily’
Surprisingly, the show began on time at 10:30, with lukewarm compering by Imran Raza. One noticed something was cooking behind the scenes during Shazia Khusk’s performance, as Shazia’s husband wanted his wife to be allowed to perform a fifth song. It seems it has become common for performers to lip-synch during ‘live’ shows, as Ms Khusk was doing. Hanif Raja made a brief appearance before leaving for Karachi to participate in the birthday celebrations of a known personality.
The crowd was simply electric as it continued to dance to the tunes of popular numbers by different singers which included Fakhir, Shafqat Amanat Ali of Fuzon and Jawad Ahmed, before Sukhbir Singh wound-up the show as the most sought after man of the night. But out of the whole lot, it was only Jawad who performed live. Jawad managed to create a sense of patriotism when he asked the audience to stand up before presenting his song Oh Merey Yar, Tu Mera Pyar that begins with a few lines from the national anthem. For his part, Sukhbir started with Punjabi Mundey Paao Bhangra followed by Gur Naal Ishq Mitha, Mundey Bhangra Paundey, Baley Baley Tor Panjaban di and his duet with Shahzad Roy, Jina Karo Logey Pyar.
How did Sukhbir feel performing in the city which is famous for its cool breezes during the hot summers?
“It is simply fantastic and I enjoyed it very much. The crowd was very energetic and gave me a lot of love and respect,” said the 33-year-old Kenyan. “I have a taste of the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Kenya, etc. I have spent 18 years of my life in East Africa,” said Sukhbir Singh, dressed in black trousers and round-neck half sleeves T-shirt.
Sukhbir, who was born in Jalandhur, India, believes peace can bring people of both countries closer together. Jina Kar Logey Pyar is an attempt in this direction, which I have done with Shahzad Roy, one of my best friends. It was the singer’s 45th visit to Pakistan and he claims that in none of his shows has any unpleasant incident taken place.
“When nations can form a European Union, why can’t Pakistan and India accept each other as they share a common language and culture. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is held in high esteem in India. He has made priceless contributions in the field of music,” said Sukhbir, a Scorpio. “In my studio in Dubai, 60 per cent of the people are Pakistanis and the rest are Indians. Both accommodate each other very easily.”
When the two countries have so many things in common, then why so much acrimony?
“That is a golden question, but I am also unable to find an answer for it. I do not even know what is the root cause of the Kashmir issue.” Sukhbir says he has asked Junoon and Abrar-ul-Haq to come to India frequently to spread the message of peace.
He was also happy to note that a large number of his community — Sikhs – come every year to Pakistan to pay homage to Baba Guru Nanak every April.
Sukhbir got the crowd going as people clapped heartily, while many youngsters stood up on their seats to dance to the melodious notes emanating from the stage. People also enjoyed a dance performance by film star Noor. Organized by Zeenas Communication, the hosts deserve a pat on the back for putting together the event. But everyone agreed that youngsters need to be more disciplined if they want to have more such shows in their city. If such ruckus behaviour continues, there won’t be any shows to go to.
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