New Delhi, Feb 7 (IANS) The Indian music terrain is proving to be a

huge draw for Pakistani bands, thanks to big money, fame and

Bollywood prospects. And Indian listeners who find their music soul

stirring are certainly not complaining.

When asked why he wants to perform here, budding Pakistani singer

Adeel retorted: “Why not India?” He recently launched his album “Koi

Chehra” in the national capital.

“Indian audiences have more understanding of music. The music

industry is bigger and offers a lot of global exposure. Moreover,

political upheaval in Pakistan is also one of the reasons that makes

India a magnificent destination,” Adeel told IANS.

Shallum Xavier, the guitarist of Pakistani band Fuzon, said: “The size

of the country also matters a lot. Pakistan is much smaller in size as

compared to India and there are so many places where we can

perform.”

He also said that more than six rock or pop bands are formed annually

in Pakistan and no less than five perform in India every year. Some of

the well-known bands include Jal, Junoon, Suroor, Fuzon, Mekaal

Hasan and Strings.

For many, a hit rock album can prove to be the ticket to Bollywood

and global acclaim.

“A hit rock album or performance can give us an entry in Bollywood.

In turn the band gets a wider audience and global acclaim since Hindi

films are extremely famous across the world. It helps the artistes

grow,” said Xavier.

“I have been fascinated by Bollywood since my childhood and want to

make it big like Atif Aslam,” said Adeel.

The huge pool of music buffs, political stability, an abundance of

sponsors and an organised music industry are some of the reasons that

make India an attractive destination for musicians from the

neighbouring country.

And Indians love them too.

“There is a huge audience base for rock music and what makes their

music a hit is the soul stirring lyrics in languages - Hindi and Urdu -

that are widely understood,” said Mihir Joshi, media and promotions

manager of EMI Music India, who has worked closely with renowned

Pakistani bands Mekaal Hasan and Fuzon.

“Quality lyrics are missing in most Indian rock bands’ songs because

professional lyricists are mostly consumed by Bollywood while the

Pakistani film industry is not very big. Also, compared to Pakistan

there is less piracy in India,” added Joshi.

However, Indian rock bands and singers feel that the neighbouring

country’s bands are in no way superior to indigenous bands and say

they lack sustainability.

“They might be successful in creating ripples among youngsters but a

majority of these Pakistani bands are one hit wonders. They fade away

as swiftly as they become popular,” said Palash Sen of Indian rock band

Euphoria.

“Also, Indian bands are technically better than Pakistani bands,”

contended Palash.

Singer Kailash Kher said: “In India, people are both aware and

unaware. Whatever you will offer them they will relish. I am not very

impressed with this idea because those who are talented will not have

to leave their country.”