Wagah-Attari: Celebrating 60 years of Freedom

After a successful launch of his second album – Jhoomo Re — singer Kailash Kher is gearing up for another musical spectacle at the Wagah-Attari border as part of celebrations for the 60 years of India and Pakistan’s independence.

“I would be performing along with AR Rahman. Rahman once sang Gurus of Peace along with the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This time I would be jamming with Rahman for the rendition of this song,” says Kailash Kher. Apart from the two, Sivamani would be performing in the concert.

The concert is being organized by Friends Without Borders in conjunction with Routes to Roots. The main attraction of the concert is that singers will perform from two stages — one in India and one in Pakistan — to be set on either side of the border on August 14.

Among the Pakistani musicians, great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s nephew Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam would be performing from across the Wagah border. The concert would be hosted by celebrities include Bollywood great Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Wasim Akram and Shainne Malik.

“It’s a novel concept and I am honoured to be a part of it,” says Kher. “This concert is an effort to bind the two countries together with music. When there is no line in the hearts, then why should be there on land. If there’s a line on one’s heart, then the person gets a heart attack. Just think what will happen to land when people draw line on it to divide it,” he adds.

In fact, Kher is excited about singing rendition of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, as he idolizes him. “I am greatly inspired by his selection of the lyrics. I am a sufi singer too, but when it comes to listening it’s just Nusratji. I don’t listen to other singers. I am happy that Sufi has gained much acceptance now. It is the newest flavour of music and has a blend of spiritual as well as entertainment.”