Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali made head lines recently when he said he condemned the Uri attack.He is said to be the first Pakistani artiste to do so, after the clamour over 'banning' them for not speaking up. But Shafqat says the intention was not to prove something, it was just an attempt to initiate peace. He spoke to BT about banning Pakistani artistes from working in India, the pressure on these artistes from people of both nations, and the role social media is playing in the present scenario.

ON THE DEBATE OVER 'BANNING' PAKISTANI ARTISTES FROM WORKING IN INDIA
I think the question should not be about working in India right now. The question is about the role art plays in such situations. I haven't seen this happen before, but it's for the first time that I have seen extremists (sic) come forward so openly and speak of hatred, and try to verbally attack those who are even trying to suggest peace in this sensitive moment. This time, I have seen people attack even those who were trying to talk about solutions or discuss peace on social media. But I guess social media has its negative aspects as well. I saw a lot of people on the internet criticising those - from both sides - trying to speak of peace and solutions. I think the initial sentiment, which instantly went against artistes from Pakistan, put them on the back foot and they went quiet because it was shocking. I don't think any artiste, Indian or Pakistani, would ever condone terrorism.

Such situations have happened before and mercifully, they have been resolved. Both sides have initiated peace talks many times. I think this debate should now end and we must come up with a solution to not only move forward peacefully, but to sustain that positive state. Because this way, people of both the nations suffer. Once this happens, I am hopeful that everything will resume and the nations will benefit and prosper.

PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN CONDEMN TERROR; WE'VE SEEN IT FOR YEARS
The moment Uri happened, people instantly started saying Pakistan was behind it. Right after this, people began criticizing Pakistani artistes on social media. Somebody sent an open letter and the negative sentiments started. I can assure you that the people of Pakistan condemn any kind of terror attack because we have seen it for years. It is widely known that the people of Pakistan have been suffering due to terrorism for so many years and many lives have been lost to this mindless violence. We have been fighting it within the country. We are used to seeing so much terrorism within and it is only now, after many years, that our (Pakistani) army has started conducting operations against the terrorists. All the more reason that we condemn any terror attack anywhere in the world, including India.

WE ARE BEING CAREFUL RIGHT NOW
I think Pakistani artistes are being careful right now. They realise that the situation is so vulnerable that anything they say can be twisted and will spiral out of control. There are mature people everywhere. But let's understand something - people who do not want peace and are trying to spread hatred and a negative sentiment will twist anything said by these artistes and use it to spread more hatred. They have been asked to leave the country and condemn the attacks - at the same time, they are being told that Pakistan is responsible for the attack. Obviously, they are in an emotionally and politically twisted situation right now and want to be careful.

ARTISTES ARE SOFT TARGETS
It's easy to attack artistes as people have access to them. Interviews done by the media can only be seen by a specific segment of people in specific geographies. But artistes have their social media pages, which they use to connect directly with their fan base and talk about their work and views. So people use these platforms to criticize artistes, and they become answerable to every person on that platform. When you are talking to fans about your work and world affairs, you obviously have to discuss such sensitive issues too. But I think the bond that art creates should not be targeted - at least it leaves a door open for peace and sanity when tensions subside. Art is a strong medium across the world and should be left alone. It is a ray of hope in any situation anywhere. I hope this bond will strengthen again. I know when people read this interview, those who are not liking what I am saying and don't want peace will raise points and questions in everyone's minds to confuse them and take the conversation in a totally different direction. I hope people take this positively and understand the intent behind such interviews. I hope that sanity prevails, that people from both countries understand the value of peace and work together towards it. I have seen far worse situations between both countries. I am hopeful about peace because I know that's how the world works. I am hoping and praying that this situation is resolved. I also pray that such situations don't happen repeatedly and whatever resolution we come up with for these political matters, we do it as two responsible countries.

Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan is famous in Bollywood for songs like Mitwa (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna), Yeh Honsla (Dor), Tere Naina (My Name Is Khan) and Manchala (Hasee Toh Phasee). We caught up with him when he was in Mumbai recently.

Tell us about your time in Bollywood.
It has been an interesting journey. India has been productive for me, both in terms of live concerts or Bollywood songs. The Indian audience has given me a lot of love. Even the Indian embassy has been very helpful and cooperative in making my work here almost, seamlessly. I feel blessed to have been associated with some big musical talents like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Salim-Sulaiman.

Why haven't we heard more Bollywood songs from you?
I am choosy. I like to be convinced about every song I sing. It's important that the composition has a good melody and song writing. I have also been tied up with concerts, my own productions and original soundtracks of films in Pakistan.

You come from a gharana of classical singers. How did you enter the mainstream?
Music in my blood, in my DNA. I come from the Patiala Gharana. My father Ustad Amanat Ali Khan was quite the legend. I have always considered him my idol. I feel happy when someone tells me that I sound like my father. I did my graduation from Government College University, Lahore, and received the roll of honour from its music society. I am a seventh generation singer and have been singing at public events ever since I can remember. We shifted to Pakistan after the Partition. In 1993, a music channel came to Pakistan to cover a show where I performed with guitarist Amir Zaki. That was the first time I was acknowledged in the mainstream. After that, the band Fuzon happened and then I got a break in Bollywood.

Despite coming from a family of singers, it was not an easy ride for me. The early years were extremely daunting. At times, it was so unsettling that I wanted to leave everything and run away. I had to do little jobs here and there to generate money, run after people to listen to my music, my ideas, my songs. I worked in recording studios, even slept inside the vocal booths at times.

Do you miss being part of a band?
Not really. I enjoy being a solo artiste.

Your last album was out in 2010. Why did it take you five years for another one?
I have been working on the album Muh Dikhai since 2013 but got busy with touring. It's a semi-classical album with some Sufiyana, rock and pop. I couldn't match the musicians' schedules with mine. I created 14-15 compositions, out of which only nine made the final cut. I create songs that would appeal to listeners, but don't worry if they don't catch on.

Any projects coming up?
I have recorded some songs in Pakistan and India as well but can't reveal much right now. I am in talks with some international artistes for collaborations. I'm a composer myself and would love to compose for movies some day. My composition was used in the recent film Tevar. I will compose for a movie the day I receive a meaningful offer.