Pakistani contestants sing praises of Lord Ganesh

Music is a universal language. It transcends all boundaries of language and religion. This is aptly defined by our two Pakistani contestants (Juniad and Amanat) of Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007 as they have lent their voice for Bal Ganesh, an animated film on the Hindu deity. "Amanat and I are singing a song `gana gana', which is a ode to Lord Ganesha for this film. It's also sung by Asha Bhonsle, Sumedha, Mauli and Aneek," says an excited Junaid. So, as a Pakistani does he have any apprehensions about singing a Hindu reigious songs? Junaid chides, "An artist doesn't go by any language or religion. He sings what he likes." When asked about the probable reaction from Muslim hardliners both in India and Pakistan, he says, "Those who want to shout are free to do so. I've never bothered about them. As a singer, my only priority is to sing and perform." Amanat was unavailable for comment.