As an Indian artiste, singer Abhijeet loathes the fact that Pakistani singers, who are allowed free access into India, make all their music — and money — in Mumbai and go back to pay taxes in Pakistan. He also hates the fact that while Indian artistes aren’t allowed to perform shows in Pakistan, artistes from across the border are happily doing so many live shows in India. So he’s happy that the MNS is picking up these artistes in Mumbai and forcing them to go back to Pakistan.

On the face of it, you want to catch hold of Abhijeet’s ear and reprimand him. Isn’t culture, after all, supposed to transcend all barriers? And of course, a majority of his contemporaries will be giving TV bytes and print interviews condemning him of such outlandish remarks. But trust me, just switch off the dictaphone and you’ll end up hearing very similar remarks from other musicians and singers too.

Some years ago, I attended a press conference for a music show which showcased artistes from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Since I was attending the conference as a friend of one of the bands, I was personally happy to hear positive remarks on how Pakistani artistes should be encouraged to visit India, perform and release audio cassettes and CDs through Indian companies. The bands shook hands, hugged each other while camerapersons clicked away happily. They shared jokes, exchanged numbers and had a hearty lunch with each other. So art really could bring countries together, I wondered, happy to see my friends who had made their ”new” friends so comfortable.

Conference over, my pals (including a lead singer from a well-known Indi-pop bands) decided to spend some more time in the hotel’s coffee shop and have their own little party. And that’s when the ground reality left me stumped: “These Pakistani artistes… they come here, eat our market, our music companies sign them on… ab dekhna boss, T Series hamara album Adnan Sami ke baad hee release hoga… (just wait and watch, T-Series will release our album only after Adnan Sami’s released his). These #$%@!$^ shouldn’t be allowed access into India… humko Pakistan mein jakar live shows karne denge ye log? (will they let us go and perform live shows in Pakistan?) Kabhi nahi (never). These guys come to India, make money, get fame and then proceed to get noticed internationally.” The rant went on and on, till our coffees went cold and soft drinks, warmer… I’d never seen my friend so angry and I thought Abhijeet had finally found another voice to join his “ban Pakistani artistes” club.

The next morning, my friend was quoted in a leading newspaper’s city supplement. “We are like brothers. I’m happy our Pakistani friends have come to India to perform with us. I look forward to creating music with them.”

Some music, this.