**Kumar Sanu, Junaid to perform tonight **
INDIA’S popular playback singer Kumar Sanu and Pakistan’s leading pop singer Junaid Jamshed yesterday said that there should be more exchanges of artistes between their countries in line with popular demand.
Addressing a Press conference on the eve of their first joint concert in Dubai, they said that such an exercise would help build good relations between the two neighbouring countries despite the cold political relations prevailing now.
Sanu said that there are no problems with Pakistani singers and other artistes coming to India. The same has been the case with Indian artistes going to Pakistan. Sanu, who has been invited to tour Pakistan, said that he has recorded two songs in India for a Pakistani film which is due for release soon.
“An artist loves to go places literally and sing and entertain people cutting across cultural, political and social barriers. Several Pakistani songs and singers are popular and loved in Dubai and the same is the case with Indian artistes in Pakistan,” remarked Sanu who has performed in over 2,000 musical concerts in India and abroad.
“I would love to sing for Indian films. India is a mystery world considering the vast pool of artistic talent available there. Melody is at the heart of the people on both sides of the borders and that is reflected in the love and admiration people have for the singers and other artistes,” said Junaid who was the lead singer of Vital Signs, Pakistan’s leading pop band credited as being among the pioneers of Urdu pop music in the region.
Junaid, who resembles Indian action hero Akshay Kumar, revealed that years ago he was given an offer by Indian film star Vinod Khanna to act in a film, which he refused as he was more interested in a singing career. Mr Junaid, who released his self-titled solo album that featured hits like Tumhara Aur Mera Naam, Ab Jiya Na Jaye, Mehndi Ki Raat, said that his album is due for release in India soon.
He described Us Raah Par, which he released in 1999, as “a reflection of all my frustrations, the intensity of my emotions, depressions, highs and lows and the day-to-day experiences I went through between 1995 and 1999”.
His recently released single Yeh Dil Mange Aur and its sleekly produced video are currently chart busters in Pakistan.
The show, titled after their popular songs, will be held at the Al Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink in Dubai tonight. Kuch Naa Kaho… Yeh Dil Maange Aur concert has been brought by Oberoi (Middle East) Events in association Pepsi and 106.2 Hum FM as the second show under the One World One Music series being promoted by Oberoi Middle East Events. Arif Castle Hotel and Emirates airline are among the co-sponsors. Ticket prices range from Dh40 to Dh250.
A 35-member troupe consisting of musicians, dancers and technicians has been brought for tonight’s show.
Source KT
~ mera Junoon, meri DIL KI BAAT hai!!!