The Times of India
Hindustani music strikes a high note in Pakistan
Priyanka Tiwari [ 30 Nov, 2006 2126hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
The Punjab University of Lahore has undertaken a project to preserve Hindustani classical music in the form of notations.
Here's another instance of music bridging boundaries. Classical ragas of Hindustani music, composed and evolved over two centuries, are to be preserved in the form of notations by the Punjab University in Lahore.
The project, undertaken by the musicology department under the supervision of British prof William Keith is aimed at storing Hindustani music in a form that is easy to learn, making the department a hub of Indian classical music in Pakistan.
Keith is assisted by Rustam Fateh Ali Khan, son of legendary Pakistani classical singer Fateh Ali Khan, and music teacher Arshad Khokhar on the project.
So is it an attempt to propagate Indian art or just part of the cultural diplomacy to thaw the ice between the two nations?
Pakistani ghazal singer Farida Khanum, who has to her credit the title of Malika-e-Ghazal (Queen of ghazals) in Pakistan, gives a balanced reply, "This move would certainly bridge the gap between the two nations. Music, as it is, doesn't have any boundaries. And the classical form of music remains the same, whether it is practised in Pakistan or Hindustan."
On another note, she adds, "This form of music is losing its charm among the youth and in order to revive their interest, similar efforts should be made by other universities as well. Propagation of a traditional art is a big responsibility that cannot be shouldered by a few artistes alone."
Ghazal singer Talat Aziz also feels that the move would serve a dual purpose. "It could be called a diplomatic move and a bid to preserve Hindustani music,"he says adding, "Incidentally, I met William Keith some time back and he had then expressed his keenness to release his pop album titled Zavia in India. It speaks volumes about the cross-cultural connection between Indian and Pakistani music."
But whether the project would actually encourage more students to take up classical music, Aziz is not so sure of.
"After my interactions with great artistes like Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and janaab Mehdi Hasan, I've learnt that while notations could help in gaining theoretical knowledge, only a guru can explain the practical nuances of any genre of music,"he avers.
Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, however, has another take on the issue. Has Indian classical music reached a point where it needs to be preserved, he questions."There are many living legends of Indian classical music and even promising newcomers who are popularising the genre.
So I don't think Hindustani music has reached a point where it needs to be preserved,"says Udhas.
But would such a step open more avenues for Indian artistes in Pakistan and vice versa?
"Talent shouldn't be restricted by boundaries. Whether proficient Pakistani artistes perform in India or Indian classical artistes perform in Pakistan, the purpose is the same – to promote music. And when more and more students in Pakistan will get to learn Hindustani music, it will open avenues for them not just in India but across the world,"says Pakistani vocalist Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.
Like they say, if music be the food of love, play on... in India or Pakistan!