Where there is love, there are fights: Rahat Fateh Ali says Pak-India tiffs are only natural
From Shiv Sena's hostility towards Pakistanis working in India to Modi's surprise visit to Lahore, Pak-India relations have seen its share of ups and downs this year.
Also read: The lowdown on Modi's trip to Pakistan, as narrated by social media
And qawwali singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan puts it down to a case of squabbling brothers.
"Where there is love, there are fights too," he said to The Statesman. "Take for instance, a home where two brothers live together. They argue and fight... So, little fights, arguments, and tensions are a part of life... It doesn't mean that it will end all relations, feelings and emotions. Yes, families might part ways into separate homes but love never dies between them."
The qawwal went on to say that music and sports can create harmony between the two countries:
"Sport [...] is going through a downturn. But it should be started again. India and Pakistan should play again. Both the nations should set the balls rolling and face each other on the playground once again."
He continued, "Music has always done its bit. It has always spread out positivity and tried to cool down things. And music will continue to do so, Inshallah!"
Rahat's next song is part of the soundtrack of Bollywood film Jugni, for which his qawwali has been modified using the rubab.
"It’s really melodious when heard and it brings a hint of spirituality or you can say an element of 'rohaaniyat', which slowly reaches your soul. 'Ek lagan, ek junoon hai... and that is the attraction of the song," he shared.