Adil Najam
I want to revisit a question I had first posed more than a year ago: Who Sang the Best Amongst Our Leaders? But I will expand the field to not just those who ruled Pakistan (President / Prime Minister) but also those who aspire to do so. As I had mentioned in that post “the idea of a leader who can appreciate music – and good music – is an endearing one” but also that I hope I am – and also that our readers are – capable of differentiating between what we think of someone’s singing ability and their political philosophy. I certainly do not, and hope you will not, react to the one on the basis of the other.
With that said, here are three samples of political leaders singing (I have tried to pick samples that they may have themselves picked out): Shahbaz Sharif singing ‘Akelay na jaana’; Altaf Hussain singing ‘BaRRey be-murawat hain yeh husn waaley‘; and Pervaiz Musharraf singing ‘Laagi rey tousey laagi, najar tousey laagi‘.
Shahbaz Sharif: ‘Akelay na jaana’
Altaf Hussain: ‘BaRRey be-murawat hain yeh‘
Pervaiz Musharraf: ‘Laagi rey tousey laagi‘
I am sure, and I hope, that other leaders sing too and we will add their performances if we can find them. Meanwhile, enjoy these maestros; and do please let us know what you think of their performances. (Lets please leave a discussion of their politics for another place and another time).
I think Shabaaz Shariff tops the effort in tune and control. I’m surprised Altaf H was not too bad. Very entertaining thanks for the post as always .
no doubt Altaf bhai song is the best and he singing well.
nice post and change os pace. Do we have any indication if Zardari sings?
Without any doubt,Mian Shahbaz Sharif.
I haven’t seen a better voice than his,when it comes to leaders and politicians.
After listening all three i must vote without any hesitation to Shahbaz Sharif and his extremely moving performance. Although Altaf Hussein demonstrated some understaning of tunes his piece was to short to be judged properly. Musharraf meanwhile simply ruined a wonderful performance with his interruptions.