On July 8, music had no borders as fans from India and Pakistan came together to enjoy the line-up on the first night of the MTV Undivided concert at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Indian band Ruuh, which has opened for artists such as Bollywood singer Arijit Singh, kicked off the night and brought the house down with their loud yet soulful renditions of Sunn Raha Hai Tu from Aashiqui 2, Banno and Kabira from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Saiyaan by Kailash Kher. Like their name, they seemed to touch the soul of everyone in the audience and energised them for the following acts.
Pakistani Singer Komal Rizvi serenaded the audience soon after, with a powerful voice that echoed throughout the hall. She sang her Coke Studio version of Lambi Judai, and other Sufi and Afghani numbers. She and her band used the tabla and double-sided dhol for most songs, and paired with the drums and base guitar, all the instruments really complemented each other. Towards the end, Rizvi even brought some members of the audience to dance with her on stage as she sang Aap Jaisa Koi from Baat Ban Jaye.
With the audience’s excitement level at its peak, Bollywood singer-of-the-moment Papon did not disappoint. Between making jokes, dancing on stage and interacting with the crowed, he sang his hit singles Kyon from Barfi!, Tu Jo Mila from Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sun Le Re from Madras Cafe and Moh Moh Ke Dhage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha. When he sang Jiyein Kyun from Dum Maaro Dum there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Papon proved he was a complete performer and the star of the night, his voice beautifully blending with his band, and made everyone completely lose track of time.
The final act for the evening was Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, who started the night with slow songs but ended it with a bang. He sang songs such as Mere Meherban from Ra One, Tere Naina from My Name Is Khan, crowd favourite Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Allah Waariyan from Yaariyan. Ali spoke about the recent terrorist attacks happening in the world and requested members of the audience to unite against the common enemy. He dedicated Yeh Honsla from Dor to the people that are fighting the battle against terrorism and moved the audience. I had goosebumps while listening to most of his songs; it was a very emotional experience. Ali ended the night on a high and sang his version of Duma Dum Mast Kalandar that left people wanting an encore.
The concert ended close to 2.30 in the morning, and left me with aching feet, ringing ears and adrenalin pumping — it was truly a night to remember. Here’s hoping night two of the Undivided concert on Saturday is just as good.
— Shreya Bhatia is an intern at Gulf News.
