We’ve seen them perform separately in the UAE several times. Both Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam have a huge fan following here, which is their calling card for their repeated performances.
But for the first time, the Indian and Pakistani singing sensations shared the stage at World Trade Centre in Dubai on Thursday. True to their promise, they proved that art has no boundaries and though their countries may be at loggerheads, their hearts are the same beyond borders.
The highlight of the 5-hour concert came at the end when Nigam sang hit songs by Pakistani legends Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Reshma such as Mora Saiyaan Tu Hain Pardes, Mera Piya Ghar Aaya and Lambi Judaai, while Aslam sang songs by Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Jagjit Singh — Din Dhal Jaye Raat Na Jaaye, Kya Hua Tera Wada, Honton Se Choo Lo Tum — in a perfect display of camaraderie.
There was ample show of mutual admiration, too. Aslam sang Nigam’s hit songs, which included the title song from Kal Ho Na Ho and Mujhe Raat Din.
Nigam reciprocated with Aslam’s chartbusters, Tere Bin Main Yun Kaise Jiya and Doorie among others.
There was never a dull moment in the programme. Although it was supposed to start at 8pm, as with most concerts with artistes from the subcontinent, the event started well past 9.30pm. But the RJs and DJs ensured the audience was kept engaged with high-octane music and interactive sessions.
However, when it started it did with a bang making the wait worthwhile. Amid chants of “Atif! Atif!” the Pakistani heartthrob took the centre stage to regale the audience non-stop until midnight with a range of Bollywood hits that included Woh Lamhe Woh Baatein (Zeher), Tu Chahiye (Bajrangi Bhaijaan) and Tera Hone Laga Hoon (Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani).
Switching up the mood, Aslam turned to Sufi music with Mera Piya Ghar Aaya and Allahu Allahu, all this while looking dapper in a suit and well-coiffed hairstyle. The singer moved from one end of the stage to the other obliging the selfie-crazy fans and shaking hands with a few.
Then the 32-year-old got romantic with Jeena Jeena before dedicating Kuch is Tarah to his wife and son.
After a brief interlude, Aslam and his musicians came back on stage in traditional white kurtas to present a tribute to Pakistani music legends. A day before the show, Aslam said he’d definitely sing Sabri Brothers’ Tajdar-e-Haram, a song that he said gives him a lot of happiness. The audience definitely also shared in his happiness.
Staying in the same genre, he went on to sing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Jeena Kaisa Pyar Bina from the soundtrack of the 1995 film Dead Man Walking, and Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam.
Before the trance ended, Aslam quickly did an outfit change to a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers to go with his peppy songs: Hona Tha Pyar, Main Wari Jawan and Hum Kis Galli Jaa Rahe Hai. Again amid chants of “Atif! Atif!” he left the stage leaving the audience craving more.
As the stage was being set up for the rest of the night, the chants of “Sonu! Sonu!” filled the super-charged auditorium.
The evergreen performer, who at 42 didn’t look a day older than his younger Pakistani counterpart, began with the song Shukran Allah as a mark of respect for the UAE martyrs who lost their lives in Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen. The song was followed by a two-minute silence.
Clad in white trousers and T-shirt and a red blazer, Nigam lit up the stage with the vim and vigour of a teenager, dancing and sometimes challenging his musicians to a vocal-instrumental duel, at other times encouraging the audience to sing with him.
His repertoire included Mera Rang De Basanti, Don’t Say Alvida, Sun Zara and Soniyo. Nigam ended his solo performance with Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, which he said he sang from his heart.
The concert, presented by Verve – The Art Gang, will be remembered by all music lovers for a long time. Making the experience more enjoyable was the fantastic support by musicians, especially the rabab (lute-like instrument) player who was a great accompaniment to Aslam’s rendition of Tajdar-e-Haram and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawwalis. Adding to the delight were mood-setting stage projections and a superb acoustic and music system.
