When Faith, Unity, and Discipline go Intrumental!

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Heba Moeen 2 Comments

This picture was snapped during the Air Show on August 14, 2017 using my Nikon D3100

Childhood was fun, there used to be limited options for entertainment on TV but the content quality was undoubtedly there to make its mark. It was the time when Aiknak Wala Jinn was a never ending case and those Thursday night movies on PTV had us all watching with fun loving discipline, it was the time of Gai Soap and Metromilan Agarbatti Eid commercials and selected TV shows being aired. And that English feature film time slot used to give a wonderful start to our weekend. Simple and loving times ...

That time was fun and life was carefree, now is the time that reminds me of Charles Dickens' lines that he wrote in The Tale of Two Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way- in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only" 

Since August 14 has passed by, I got reminded of the wonderful songs of the past and musical renditions that make Pakistan proud. 

Starting with the vintage version of the National Anthem itself that used to be aired on PTV with the commencement and end of each transmission, I'm deeply struck with an aura of nostalgia.

Classic version of Pakistan's National Anthem

Morven Gold's Rhythm of Unity (I know Cigarette brand right? I wouldn't have mentioned it but can't deny the fact that they produced a memory altering piece), from the early 90's stands out and there is quite a list of such melodious instrumental tracks that have become an intrinsic part of our nation.

Morven Gold's Rhythm of Unity

Motorola recently announced its return in the Pakistani market and launched a series of smart phones. They produced an instrumental version of Pakistan's National Anthem using the newly launched Moto Z and it turned out to be SUPERB! It starts off with the words appearing on screen based on their motto 'different is better': 'Experience different is better with the exciting new sights and sounds of the national anthem.' In just 1 minute and 21 seconds, the brand has brilliantly showcased the main subject, Pakistan, from having captured snippets of the different parts of Pakistan that depict the real beauty of the country. 

You hear a beautiful compilation of sounds from those of the keypad to sitar, flute, tabla, and possibly even a rabab, the guitar like musical instrument used up North. The kabaddi pehelwans, dancing horse, and dhaba tea add to the national flavour and are sure to give you goosebumps. These add up to the rare occasions when something this great is made for the country otherwise we haven't had decent milli naghmay after Sohail Rana left. However, one can't compare apples with oranges if I talk about songs in which singers have contributed using their voice versus an instrumental version of the National Anthem. 

This particular musical awesomeness has really persuaded me to go up North and visit the gorgeous parts of the country that very few have ventured to.

Pakistan's National Anthem arranged the Moto Z way

Last year, Sooper produced a TVC for August 14 along similar lines, thus creating an instrumental version of 'Mein bhi Pakistan hoon, too bhi Pakistan hai' sung by Mohammad Ali Sheikhi in the 80's. I absolutely love it! It's called 'Rhythms of Azadi', from hard working chundri clad women to rural areas and picturesque landscapes, it adds a refreshing touch to it all.

Sooper Rhythm of Azadi

Here's the original song that was sung by the then skinny and enthusiastic Sheikhi, this singers seemed to have poured their souls into their songs:

And talking about such tributes reminds me of what PIA recently did on its August 14 domestic flight. It invited musicians, the Leo Twins (Haroon Leo and Sharoon Leo) to play the national song by Mehdi Hasan, 'Yeh watan tumhara hai' and it's lovely!

 

I would like to conclude this discussion with the National Anthem sung by our Indian friends with much love and warmth: