by NAILA INAYAT
‘We won the title together’
Chote Ustaad. This was one Star Plus music competition along the lines of American Idol that grabbed attention and imaginations like none other. It was a stroke of genius on the part of whoever thought of pairing, for the first time, Indian and Pakistani children together in teams rather than competing against each other, singing together and fighting for one title. There were plenty of highs and lows during the nearly three month long struggle of these Chote Ustaad (little masters) – who also undoubtedly learnt a lot about bridging gaps, through music and personal endeavour. Rising above the other ten pairs were Rouhan Abbas from Pakistan and Aakansha Sharma from India who clinched the coveted 2010 Chote Ustaad title.
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AkA: What is that one thing that the Pakistani kids lacked if compared with their Indian fellows?
RA: We were all good in the Sufi genre, it came naturally to us. The Indian kids were good when it came to the western style. When we were paired for instance Aakansha didn’t have any clue about Sufi singing but I guided her a lot. Similarly when it came to western rounds Aakansha helped me. So if they had a weak point we strengthened it… if we were lacking in something they lent a hand. All in all, it was a team effort which these young Indian and Pakistani children were doing.
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(Thanks to Pritam Rohila)