Renowned Pakistani singer, Shafqat Amanat Ali, who is also popular across the border for his soulful voice, recently paid homage to Gandhi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary on October 2.
A video of Ali performing Gandhi’s favourite hymn Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye was shared by the High Commission of India, Islamabad on Youtube.
Amanat Ali’s performance was well-received and Indian musician, Vishal Daldani was all praises for the performance writing, “My friend Shafqat Amanat Ali sings Vaishnav Jan, Gandhi ji‘s favourite bhajan, and proves pretty conclusively, as he always does, that music is both, “ibaadat’ (worship) and “bhakti” together!”
My friend @ShafqatAmanatA sings #VaishnavaJan , Gandhiji’s favourite bhajan, and proves pretty conclusively, as he always does, that music is both, “ibaadat” and “bhakti” together! https://t.co/SklUXzF11x
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) October 3, 2018
To this Amanat replied, “I haven’t heard a more beautiful description of this rendition. Means a lot coming from you Vishal Dadlani and thank you for always being so generous with your appreciation brother! Hope this initiates efforts for peace and hope to see you soon in Lahore.”
I haven’t heard a more beautiful description of this rendition.. Means a lot coming from you @VishalDadlani and thank you for always being so generous with your appreciation brother! Hope this initiates efforts for peace & hope to see you soon in Lahore https://t.co/NCl7dN9jml
— Shafqat Amanat Ali (@ShafqatAmanatA) October 3, 2018
Shafqat’s rendition was part of a global chorus mash-up in honour of ‘bapu‘s’ 150th birthday.
The chorus helmed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) paid a tribute to the revolutionary leader with a video mash-up featuring voices and tunes from across the world. Artists from almost 124 countries, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal, China, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal were part of the rendition released by PM Narendra Modi during the closing of the four-day Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference that was held in New Delhi.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said, “The result is an eclectic, colourful and rich rendition infused with the local flavor of the region.”
Shafqat’s performance was noted an applauded by people across the world who took to Twitter to express their thoughts.
Maybe I am biased, or maybe I am not. But I liked Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali’s rendering at 3.05 the best. Listen to the global Vaishnav Jan-to. https://t.co/gBsoapg1Ga
— Bharati Chaturvedi (@Bharati09) October 2, 2018
A few glimpses of celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. A documentary was screened followed by a lecture on his ideals. A beautiful rendition of ‘Vaishnav Jan To’ by artists from 124 countries and Shafqat Amanat Ali’s stunning interpretation enthralled the audience. pic.twitter.com/DEp8MnaTWY
— India in Pakistan (@IndiainPakistan) October 3, 2018
Love from Pakistan. Shafqat Amanat Ali this is beautiful https://t.co/Amo4J4PyQr https://t.co/Amo4J4PyQr
— Shashank Shekhar (@shashankrnq) October 3, 2018
@ShafqatAmanatA saab, couldn’t hld my tears, hearing ur version. My grandpa took part in the independence movement & ws jailed in th Andamans. He’s no more, bt he sure wud hav given u his blessings. U r gifted, U r blessed, U r special. Dil se thnk u saab. https://t.co/LivkO6SGzr
— Not The God (@SwayamBhagwan) October 2, 2018
Listen to the mash-up here:
