Pitch for Peace

Though a concert may not be in the offing,Parveen’s music will soon reach out to her fans in Mumbai and beyond as she makes her Indian television debut with Sur Kshetra that goes on air on September 8. A music reality show that will be simulcast on Colors and Sahara,Sur Kshetra will see Pakistani and Indian artistes pitted against each other as teams led by Pakistani musician Atif Aslam and Indian music composer-singer Himesh Reshammiya,respectively. Parveen will judge the show alongside Pakistani ghazal singer Runa Laila and Indian playback icon Asha Bhosle.

Parveen has,until now,stayed away from both Indian films and television even as other prominent musicians from her country,including late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,took up assignments in the Indian entertainment industry extensively. The artiste explains that she is selective about working with the visual medium in her own country too,as it does not allow for the same flow of passion as a live concert. “But when Gajendra Singh offered me Sur Kshetra,I was hooked,” says Parveen.

While some in the industry are of the belief that the show exploits the India-Pakistan rivalry,Parveen argues that music has always transcended boundaries,proving to be a unifying factor.

“Television is a platform that will help the audience understand the culture of people from across the border,perhaps bridge the gap and most importantly,recognise talent and hone it,” she says,adding that the show’s highlight will be the dhamaal (collaboration) that she has sung with Laila and Bhosle.

Though her music has its roots in the works of great poets and pir mainly in Sindhi,Punjabi and Urdu,language has never been a bar. “Last year,I performed at the Central Park,New York. Close to one lakh people attended the concert. One lady came directly from the hospital,having sought special permission from the doctors to hear me. Many others started crying during the performance. They said it was the nasha of the kalaam (the writings) and the music,” she recounts. She,too,often breaks down during her performance from the weight and depth of the words she recites.

Parveen hopes to soon wrap up work on her next album,Ya Ali Hu,which will release worldwide later this year. The idea,she says,is to address the audience she enjoys across the world. “But music is god’s gift,I can never force it out of me. I plan an album and then leave it to Him; the music gushes out on its own,” says the singer who is known for the mysticism of her voice.

She,however,gives credit to her team members — Nazir Khan,Karam Hussain and Manzoor Hussain who accompany her on the tabla,dholak and harmonium,respectively — for her success. These artistes,she says,have been performing with her since her childhood days. “My inspirations have been my singer father Ustad Ghulam Haider,Ustad Salamat Ali Khan of Sham Chorasia gharana and Ustad Amir Khan,the founder of Indore gharana. But without Nazir,Karam and Manzoor,I would be at a loss,” she adds.