The idea was to unite two uneasy neighbours through melody and music and what better platform than the reality show "Sur Kshetra" that brings together singing talents from India and Pakistan, says Pakistani composer-actor-singer Atif Aslam.
Going live Saturday, the Indian show has a heavy dose of Pakistani flavour. If Atif will be seen mentoring singers from Pakistan,Himesh Reshammiya will be seen with the Indian team. The judges are three South Asian singing legends - India's Asha Bhosle, Pakistan's Abida Parveen and Bangladesh's Runa Laila.
To be aired on Colors and Sahara One simultaneously, it has been shot in Dubai.
"The effort is to unite India and Pakistan. There are many people from Pakistan who sing well and, as Himesh Reshmmiya has said, he might take them in his film too. I also might take some Indian singers as well," Atif, who has made a name for himself in India, said during a group interaction here.
The message of peace and harmony is timely as always.
"Sur Kshetra" was also in the line of fire when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray demanded that Pakistani artists be banned from participating in the show.
Many eyebrows were also raised when the promos went on air and some friction was seen between Atif and Himesh.
Atif clarifies the misconception.
"The promo has been made in such a way that it seemed we are fighting. Himesh is brilliant as a composer. He has been the hit machine in terms of a music director. He is a brilliant artist. He is my colleague and I enjoyed working with him."
What worked for Aslam?
"When I got to know about the jury, I was interested. I was also interested for Pakistanis to come on stage and sing. I am not thinking about who is going to win or not. I just want to do something good," he said.
To ensure his team fares well, the singer, known for his hit albums "Doori" and "Jal Pari", has put in a lot of effort and said he has "trained them a lot".
"Everyone has put in a lot of effort. I remember I used to always make them rehearse before their sessions. So I tried my level best that they sing very well," added the singer, who made a name for himself in India with hit numbers like "Pehli nazar", "Tu jaane naa" and "Piya o re piya".
Seen in a prominent role in director Shoaib Mansoor's hit film "Bol", Atif said he would take up another acting project only if he agrees with the script.
As far as singing goes, he has a treat ready for his fans, thanks to the songs in upcoming Bollywood films.
"There were a lot of offers, but I wasn't interested in them. There are two songs from 'Jayanta Bhai Ki Luv Story', I will be singing two songs in 'Race 2'. My personal album will also come out, Insha Allah," he said.
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She is enjoying being a "home body" and is not ambitious to break any ground in Bollywood, but as the host of singing reality show "Sur Kshetra", which has big names like Abida Parveen, Runa Laila and Asha Bhosle associated with it, actress Ayesha Takia says she has got a new insight into the music industry.
"I've got a new insight to the music industry. It is so different from the film industry. There is a certain respectability," Ayesha told IANS in an interview.
"A film set is very casual. If there is a senior actor, by the end of it, you end up joking with him. Over here, the language is different; the whole scenario is very different," she added.
"Sur Kshetra", set to go on air on Colors and Sahara One simultaneously Saturday, is a musical battle between two teams - one from India and the other from Pakistan.
The Indian team is mentored by singer-composer Himesh Reshammiya, while the Pakistan team is trained by Pakistani sensation Atif Aslam. Ayesha is excited about her new role as a show anchor, and says the show is "like an Indo-Pak cricket match".
"This was how the ambience was on set and being a part of that, I knew it would be fun. And since I am hosting, I get a chance to be myself, so this also drew me to the show," added Ayesha.
In the meantime, the 27-year-old is in no mood to take up meaty Bollywood roles, which eat into her time.
"I am unambitious," says Ayesha, adding: "Secondly, I have very few movies which fit into my comfort zone. Plus I don't think I have that much time to give to a film."
"If a friend of mine is making a movie and I feel I will have great fun on set, then maybe. But otherwise, as I said I am really unambitious," she said.
The actress, who married restaurateur Farhan Azmi in 2009, says she loves to spend time with her family.
"I cannot take out time to do any movies as of now. With this ('Sur Kshetra'), my business and my family, there is no time left. I am such a home body and I like to be home. So movies are not something which I can work out right now," she said.
Takia started her career in Bollywood with films like "Socha Na Tha" and "Tarzan: The Wonder Car" in 2004. While "Socha Na Tha" continues to be one of her favourite movies, Nagesh Kukunoor's "Dor" is the closest one to her heart.
"'Dor' because it gave me a lot of respect as an actress," she said of the film which changed the audience's perception about her acting prowess.
"Hats off to Nagesh Kukunoor that he thought I could play a 15-year-old widow. Its so rare that a girl gets this sort of break in her career. I consider myself very lucky," she said.
"I don't want people to just see me as that cute girl in "Dil Maange More" or "Wanted". Being cute and bubbly is also fun, but I needed to be taken seriously as an actor and I think 'Dor' did that," said Ayesha.
