Sufi Music of Aman Ki Kasha brings together India and Pakistan

"Hope Galore with Aman ki Kasha" by Rajesh Tripathi, Sampurn Media in Music Reporter, February 12, 2010.

Review:
‘Aman Ki Asha’ is a campaign started by the efforts put in by media giants of India and Pakistan. The Times Group from India and the Jang/Geo TV group have joined hands to improve the diplomatic and cultural relationship between the two neighboring countries.

In an effort to strengthen the cultural bond between the two nations, famous artists from across the borders have contributed to the album Aman Ki Asha. The album brings to the audience the best of both countries with the works of talented and legendary artists compiled in a two CD set. The musically rich album radiates the willingness to revive the old bonding between the two nations on the basis of love, trust and friendship.

The album takes Sufi music on another level altogether and brings together the best tunes of two countries which are everlasting. Efforts to establish peace between India-Pakistan have brought together famous artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Gulzar, Bhupinder Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan, Noor Jahan, Ghulam Ali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Mehdi Hassan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan which has never before happened in the history of either of the country’s music. These artists have contributed some real gems to this 2 CD pack.

Some of these legendary melodies have created a rage before, like Lata’s melodious prayer ‘Allah Tero Naam’ and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s electrifying vocals in ‘Mera Piya Ghar Aaya’. Be it the powerful tunes of ‘Duma Dum Mast kalandar’ or the divine ‘Allahu’ sung by Roop Kumar Rathod and Devki Pandit. Reshma’s ‘Lambi Judaai’, which is a heart-wrenching song, finds its bearing in the melancholy notes. Peace appealing lyrics and vocals of Gulzar in the poetry ‘Ankhon ko Visa Lagta Nahi’ are outstanding in their lyrical beauty, which delineates the dramatic pain of cross-border love. The poetic verse gives an innate depth to the simple lyrics of Gulzar’s poetry.

Mehdi Hassan’s vocals in the ghazal ‘Ranjish hi Sahi’ make for a divine listen, whereas the Pakistani band ‘Fuzon’ which is loved by all ages in both countries has lent their song ‘Mora Saiyan’ with delightful sounds of strings, matka and ghada.

With this album, India and Pakistan have got their new anthem in the title track ‘Aman Ki Asha’ penned by Gulzar and sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The beautiful lines of the track start on melodious slow notes and as the track accelerates, both singers stir an overwhelming build up as they sing to Gulzar’s moving lyrics and urge for peace and reconciliation. Combination of Rahat’s Hindustani style and Shankar’s distinct singing style and their crackling chemistry makes the track worth a listen.

Overall, the effort to bring together the best of music of two warring nations is highly appreciative; the album is an extravagance and a must-have.