Entertainment | Music

Sur Kshetra finals in Dubai

It will be more interesting than a Indo-Pak match, says producer

By Manjusha Radhakrishnan Senior Reporter
Published: 15:53 December 20, 2012

Image Credit:
Bangladeshi singer Runa Leila, Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor, Raj Nayak, CEO of Colors channel, Time Square events organiser Sameer Khan, singer-composer Himesh Reshamiya, Pakistani pop star Atif Aslam and Sufi singer Abida Parveen and Sur Kshetra host Ayesha Takia at the press conference to announce the finale of Sur Kshetra at Dubai World Trade Centre. Zarina Fernandes/Gulf News

The grand finale of Sur Kshetra, the musical reality show that was shot entirely in Dubai, will be more exciting than an Indo-Pak cricket match, announced its producer Boney Kapoor.

The popular TV show, billed as a battle between India and Pakistani hopefuls, will crown its winner in Dubai tonight.

“Whoever wins in the season finale will be hero not just in their own country but in the entire region of South East Asia,” said Kapoor who belongs to the board of directors at Sahara One, at a press conference in Dubai on Wednesday. However, unlike the long-standing rivalry between two nations, the contest wouldn’t breed bad blood.

“Just like how cricket has brought these two nations together, a music show such as this one can bring a lot of affection across the border. With this, we have proved that music has no borders,” said Kapoor.

As many as 25 episodes were shot in Dubai. The winner is slated to be announced after a grand concert featuring the show’s legendary jury members, including Asha Bhosle, Runa Leila and Abida Parveen.

When asked if this region was chosen as a filming destination for an Indo-Pak series for its neutrality, Kapoor said the infrastructure in Dubai played a key role.

“Dubai is a place which has got natives from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh so it made perfect sense to shoot here. Plus, for a show of this nature, we felt that it would be more conducive to shoot such a TV series here because contestants will be in a more comfortable mood,” said Kapoor.

For the first time, television viewers also witnessed singers Himmesh Reshammiya and Pakistani pop icon Atif Aslam take on a new role — that of mentoring the warring Indian and Pakistani contestants. They swore that the on-screen bickering between them was “real” and not orchestrated to boost viewership.

“After my interactions with them, I feel all the contestants are almost on the verge of becoming superstars. Very soon, you will hear them in my own films,” said Reshammiya about his project. Heartthrob Aslam called this mentoring stint his most memorable role.

“I have learnt so much from my students ... and I had a great time performing with some of the biggest legends in the music industry,” said Aslam.

Bhosle, Pakistani sufi exponent Parveen and Bangladesh’s Leila form the judging panel.

“The concept of the show is so unique that it can boost affection between two countries. That’s a great feat,” said Parveen.

Singer Asha Bhosle, who continues to mourn her daughter’s death, was slated to address the press but did not attend. The grand finale episode will be aired on Colors in the UAE.

“Mark my words, it will be as interesting as an Indo-Pak match,” said Reshammiya.

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