Why are we so apathetic?

However,though such regulations exist in India,the two recent cases (both are Pakistani singers) highlight the glaring lacuna between theory and practice – or existence of laws and rules and their enforcement. Clearly,Indian laws,with tacit positive support or by omission,can be seemingly ignored or flouted with impunity.

About two years ago,a leading composer had revealed how any singer,composer or lyricist could work here freely provided that they became members of their respective associations in the industry. However,of late,this had stopped happening as the right permits had not been obtained and without the relevant documents,membership could not be given. And worse,there was also a lot of pressure from “up above” to overlook the legalities when the Indian fraternity did take up issue about such defaulters.

Says a top singer on condition of anonymity,“The issue is about a mindset as well. We are always ready to pull down our own people and promote or encourage others,but this is not even about the merits or calibre of the overseas artiste. It is about how a foreigner can come in and flout the laws of the very country that has given them the bulk of their global fame. We Indian singers are ready to compete wih them on the basis of merit. But if we follow the laws of every country when we go and perform,why can’t these artistes do the same? If an Indian singer performs or records in USA,for example,even those who invite us can fall into trouble if we do not declare our incomes and pay taxes on the spot. It does not matter whether you sing one song in a year or in a month.”

Clearly,a lot of people including the powers-that-be are at fault. The corruption percolates down and “emotional” aspects (Indo-Pak peace efforts,personal relationships) are just a front for using such artistes as long as they are “in fashion” (read commercially strong). Producers want composers to use such artistes,and some composers too are conditioned to make songs for them,and the process goes on.

As shown so effectively in a different and much-graver context in Sarfarosh,it takes strong internal co-conspirators for Indian laws to be flouted by outsiders. The need of the hour,therefore,is deterrents so strong that even those who want such artistes to come in should not dare to break the laws of the country. Detaining Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at the airport overnight and attaching Adnan’s properties are just the end-result of a very flaccid approach to the issue. The Indian side should be tackled before the next such contingency arises.

Because a deterrent,to modify a proverb,is always better than cure.

rajiv.vijayakar@expressindia.com