A few months ago, when it was announced that Pakistan’s popular Sufi rock band, the Mekaal Hasan Band, would feature a new line-up with Indian musicians, music lovers from both countries were excited. Although Pakistani and Indian musicians have collaborated with each other in the past, it’s the first time that a band will feature artistes from both countries. The new line-up from composer-songwriter, guitarist Mekaal Hasan’s band will feature flutist Muhammed Ahsan Pappu from Pakistan, drummer Gino Banks, bassist Sheldon D’Silva and vocalist Sharmistha Chatterjee from India.

(L to R) Mekaal Hasan, Muhammed Ahsan Pappu, Sharmishtha Chatterjee,  Sheldon D’Silva and Gino Banks have recently launched their album Andholan

With recent reports of the two countries exchanging fire at the Line of Control, musically, there cannot be a more heart-warming initiative than the coming together of these musicians from across borders. Hasan, too, believes that this is a unique situation, where they have formed something of great value, artistically and culturally. With Mekaal Hasan Band’s Sufi background, Banks’s jazz influences and Chatterjee’s training in classical music, the sound is bound to change. “A variety of influences and perspectives make for something, which neither side could accomplish alone. This band is a microcosm of what both countries can achieve when we choose to work together and it’s my hope that it allows other similar endeavours. We have a shared history and it is always good to build upon what we inherit,” says Hasan.