Pandit Jasraj deplores opposition to performance by Ghulam Ali

It is unfortunate that some people are opposing the planned performance in Varanasi by Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali, eminent musician Pandit Jasraj has said.

Ghulam Ali is due to perform on Tuesday, the first day of the six-day music festival 'Sankatmochan Sangeet Samaroh', in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

"Music knows no boundaries," Jasraj told reporters in Varanasi with reference to the utterances of some Hindu groups that have resolved to oppose the performance by Ghulam Ali.

Jasraj is also scheduled to perform at the music festival which is to be held at a popular temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

How could Ghulam Ali be denied a chance to perform at the feet of Lord Hanuman, when he had once been invited to perform in Pakistan in the holy month of Ramzaan, Jasraj said.

"I was invited by the Pakistan government to perform in Lahore in 1998. That was during the holy month of Ramzaan. I joined them in their prayers, where many top officials and ministers were present," the classical singer recalled.

If a sport like cricket could bring the people of two countries together, why couldn't music, he asked.

Some Hindu groups have been opposing the performance of Ghulam Ali at the Sankatmochan temple, but the organisers have refused to cancel the event.

Ghulam Ali has said he was fortunate to have been given an opportunity to perform at the feet of Lord Hanuman. He arrived in Varanasi on Monday.

--IANS

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