The 26/11 attacks in Mumbai may have caused problems between India and Pakistan but that did not stopping cultural icons from both these countries in making an effort to try and spread the message of peace. They, once again, used the power of music to overcome the differences that terrorism has created. Will they succeed? Only time can tell.
Post 26/11, a lot of things changed in Mumbai. A significant one being the attitude of the Hindi film and television industry towards their Pakistani counterparts. The Indian film and television industry had banned Pakistani artistes from performing in all Indian productions. In fact, so severe was the reaction that artistes who were shooting for different reality shows had to stop shooting and take the first flight out of India!
.But times have changed since then; at least on the cultural front. The Indian television industry opened its doors for artistes from Pakistan and hosted a reality show Chhote Ustaad — Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz, which saw children from India and Pakistan sing in the same team.
The show was unique in many ways. Firstly, it made Indians and Pakistanis team up, rather than compete. Secondly, many Pakistani families managed to accomplish things they had only dreamt of, like visiting the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, watching their children share the same platform with big names like Asha Bhosle and meeting stars like Rishi Kapoor, which otherwise they would only have seen on screen. Thirdly, it propagated peace and promoted talent. Finally, it was a show which ran on talent and a message, rather than on controversy, drama and sleaze.
Chhote Ustad not only gave a great opportunity to the young singers to showcase their talent, it also portrayed Pakistanis in a good light in India. For a change, Pakistanis weren’t looked down upon. Most Indians realized that people across the border are not terrorists or fundamentalists like they are made out to be-they can be nice, they too have emotions, they are friendly and talented and basically, they are the same as Indians.
Hats off to the creators and promoters of Chhote Ustaad! It was a great initiative to strengthen ties with India. This small yet powerful effort made by both countries was a start and I can only hope that this is just the beginning.
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