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Jaipur hosts Pakistani dancer Nahid Siddiki
by Lokendra
Singh
Jaipur:
Jaipur played a perfect host to a colourful traditional
dance performance by an artist from Pakistan. Nahid
Siddiki, the artist from Pakistan danced to the beats
of 'Kathak' as a part of the ongoing 'Rajasthan Diwas'
festival. Siddiki, the Kathak dancer said that artists
should serve as cultural diplomats of the nations
in the 'true sense' and take up the responsibility
of spreading the message of peace and love between
the two nations. Siddiki said that there is need for
generating awareness about performing arts and music
in Pakistan as religious fanatics have created a lot
of confusion. "There is lack of awareness in the country
(Pakistan). Some have a misconception that Islam does
not encourage dance and music. Probably, there are
others who feel that women should not be associated
with these things. There are fanatics in every country
who create problems. And of course, there is lack
of awareness and education in our country. If you
are liberal, then you can think with an open mind.
I believe that art can actually help a nation to be
liberal in the true sense. It creates a balance. It
is this balance that is missing in Pakistan," said
Siddiki. She recounted that how owing to such social
pressures, the authorities in Pakistan had banned
her from staging performances. Artists from Pakistan
accompanying the Kathak dancer also voiced similar
opinions and said that art is not appreciated back
in their country. "There are other things that are
causing unrest in the country and people are not able
to concentrate and appreciate the finer things of
life. There is unrest and bombs blasts are taking
place," said Hasan Siddiki, another artist from Pakistan.
In the recent past, Indian and Pakistani artists have
taken it upon themselves to bridge the gap between
the two nations. Both the countries have hosted many
cultural exchange programs.
-
Mar 28, 2008
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