Shafqat Amanat Ali, 40, is the son of legendary Pakistani singer Ustad Amanat Ali Khan. Called the rock star Ustad, he represents the ninth generation of the illustrious Patiala gharana. Among his popular numbers are songs from films including Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Dor. In India on a four cities' musical tour covering Pune, Bangalore, Delhi and Chandigarh, Shafqat spoke to Meenakshi Sinha :
What is the current scene of music in Pakistan?
There's a thriving culture for music and arts with new singers coming up with their unique styles. But the political scene in the country is very unstable. This is very unfair to new artistes as they are unable to organise concerts because of security risks. For established artistes the situation is not that difficult. Though people come out with families for dinners and concerts, it's mostly for established artistes' performances. It's the newcomers who face problems.
Who are Pakistan's popular artistes and what is their audience like?
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ahmad Jahangir, Sajjad Ali and me are the current popular artistes in Pakistan. I've a mixed audience that includes people from 12 to 82 years. The popular genre is classical and fusion. Hard rock is still not popular in Pakistan.
Do you all still find it difficult to get visas to perform in India?
Visa problems exist even today. It keeps changing from a state of relaxed to strict rules. It's almost like one day is good and the other day is bad. What i've figured out is that if your papers are in order and you know the right people then you don't face problems. At times the issuing authorities are very supportive also.
Where are you most comfortable in terms of creative freedom India or Pakistan?
Indian culture is far more open. In Pakistan, you cannot cross the line. But overall, people's reaction is the same in both countries. To be creative, you need a larger audience. I've had the most amazing audience response in Pune while in Kolkata there were 50,000 people at my programme.
How do you see Indo-Pak relations? Can artistes like you bridge the gap?
Whatever is happening at the political level is very intense at times. But cultural connections between the two countries have always remained. The masses have been very supportive of this and we artistes never felt that there's any disconnect with our audience. I get the same amount of love and affection from India as i do from Pakistan and vice versa. Pakistani artistes are loved in India and i see hope in this gesture that despite the political turmoil we haven't lost the human touch. I feel we artistes have a greater role to play in building this connection and encourage more people-to-people contacts.
How do you see the growth of fine arts in the current situation of Pakistan?
Pakistan's fine arts' culture used to be very restricted during the 11 years of Zia-ul Haq's regime. Today, it's no longer like that. On the one hand there are religious fanatics and on the other there're youngsters who definitely want peace and respect. The latter are our hope for a better society.
What about influence of Indian films in Pakistan?
People are crazy about Indian films. They love them. With the government open to Indian releases, revenue now goes to them, though piracy still continues. Those who don't manage to see these films in theatres, manage to see them on the cable TV and through DVDs.
Read more: 'Youth in Pakistan want peace and respect' - Interviews - Opinion - Home - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/interviews/Youth-in-Pakistan-want-peace-and-respect/articleshow/6440805.cms#ixzz0xnrq6rEq
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