Soulful rendition of Sufi ‘Kalaam’ by Pakistani artistes mingled with Indian classical, Punjabi and Rajasthani folk music to create a feeling of ‘saanjh’ (unity) between India and Pakistan at ‘Saanjh-2008 Fifth Amritsar-Lahore Festival’ that concluded here late last evening. The rhythmic performance by ‘Punjtani’ (25 dholis) from Pakistan at the onset of the festival left the audience spellbound. Creating a fusion of various kinds of music, Lakhwinder Wadali and Ashraf Ali shared the stage with musical legends from Pakistan, Sain Zahoor, Hamid Ali and Salman Amjad Amanat, son of legendary Amjad Amanat Ali Khan.While Lakhwinder belted out an array of Punjabi folk songs, Ashraf Ali wove the magic of Rajasthani music with his presentation, ‘Padharo Maro Des’ and ‘Jab Dekhun Banne Ki Lal Peeli Akhiyan’. Subtleties of music were unraveled when Hamid Ali sang ‘thumri’, and after he left the stage, Salman Amjad Amanat Ali Khan created a musical aura. The performances were interspersed with interactions of audience with the visiting Pakistani artistes. They mainly discussed Indo-Pak relations and the need for enhancing cordiality. Cabinet Minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia extended “hand of sincerest friendship” to the East Punjab. Usman Peerzada of Rafi Peer Theatre Group said medium of music and theatre could help in strengthening the bond of friendship between India and Pakistan. Faizan Peerzada, one of the directors of Rafi Peer Theatre Group, echoed Usman’s views. A segment of the programme would be held in Lahore next month.
