Spring may be around the corner with Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan back on the Indian record label T-Series.
T-series is a music giant in India and it also boasts the world’s second largest YouTube following.
Following the Pulwama attack when India imposed a ban on Pakistani artists, T-Series took down all its works with Pakistani artists. The label didn’t take into account what a large following Pakistani artists like Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan have, and how it had only hurt itself by banning them.
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That delisting cost T-Series a lot of subscribers. At the same time, rival independent YouTuber PewDiePie gained millions of subscribers.
PewDiePie acknowledged this and rooted for his Pakistani followers. This caused him to face the wrath of Indian nationalists. Some flagged his video on the issue of supporting terrorism.
He was finally forced to cut that segment from his video.
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Nonetheless, T-Series’ move is welcomed. It is hoped that other Indian media organizations also follow suit. They need to realize that fanning the flames of nationalism and war is not a viable long-term strategy.
As a Pakistani, I am happy that Rahat and Atif are back on Indian music channels. It is not a matter of profit only- it is a source of pride and joy as well. Out of billions of people, the Indians have chosen Rahat and Atif as their favourites. We, in sub-continent are not rational in matters of love and hate. India is a land of music. When Atif Aslam was in Pakistan only, he was one of the singers. After mentoring by the Indian music maestroes, he is the singer- thanks to the ancient Indian art of diamond cutting and polishing.