Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Concert in Sydney

25 Mar 2012 6 Comments

It was a beautiful Saturday evening (24th of March 2012) in Sydney. I reached Darling Harbour Sydney for attending ‘Return of the King’ concert. Around 3,500 people were present there for listening to the wonderful eastern music (qawali’s, ghazals and film songs) live from this legendary Pakistani singer. Most of the people were the Indians. However a large number of Pakistani and Fijian expatriates were also present there.

Sydney Concert

Sydney Convention Centre has the biggest auditorium with a capacity of about 3,500 people. Red Chillies Entertainment were the organisers of this mega event. It is a true face that all tickets were sold out two weeks before the concert. The stage was beautifully decorated and three large LCD screens were installed for providing clear vision of the performers. Programme was due to start at 7:30 pm, yet it started 30 minutes later than the scheduled time. In the beginning, three Sydney-sider artists in the form of a group played a beautiful instrumental using Tabla, a Norwegian instrument and Australian aboriginal instrument didgeridoo. They got a lot of applause from the audience.

Then the time came for which every single person was waiting anxiously. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s team came up to the stage, comprising of 9 musicians and 6 back-vocalists (for qawali). They played instrumental of Ustad’s super hit Punjabi song ‘Mein Tainu Samjhawaan Ki’ (میں تینوں سمجھاواں کی). Rashid Ali Khan played the lead tone on Saxophone and created a spell on the audience sitting in the jam packed hall. After this Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan rose up to the stage. Crowd gave him a great welcome with a large applause. He sang 22 songs altogether which are listed below:

1 Allah Hoo (اللہ ہو)
2 Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein (تم جو آئے زندگی میں)
3 Kaisa Ye Ishq Hay (کیسا یہ عشق ہے)
4 Aj Din Charrhya (اج دن چڑھیا)
5 Sureeli Akheeoun Waley (سریلی اکھیوں والے)
6 Chahat – new song (چاہت)
7 Tumhayn Dil Lagi (تمہیں دل لگی بھول جانی پڑے گی)
8 Dil Kho Gaya (دل کھو گیا)
9 O Re Piya (او رے پیا)
10 Akhiyaan Udeek Diyaan (اکھیاں اڈیک دیاں)
11 Sajda (سجدہ)
12 Mayn Tainuun Samjhawaan Ki (میں تینوں سمجھاواں کی)
13 Tujhay Dekh Dekh Sona (تجھے دیکھ دیکھ سونا)
14 Ye Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hay (یہ جو ہلکا ہلکا سرور ہے)
15 Meyn Jahaan Rahuun (میں جہاں رہوں)
16 Dil Tou Bacha Hai Ji (دل تو بچہ ہے)
17 Nainoun Ki Mut Maanio Re (نینوں کی مت مانیو رے)
18 Mastt Nazroun Se Allah (مست نظروں سے اللہ بچائے)
19 Afreen Afreen (آفریں، آفریں)
20 Teray Mastt Mastt Dou Nain (تیرے مست مست دو نین)
21 Teri Meri, Meri Teri (تیری میری، میری تیری)
22 Dum Mastt Qalandar (دم مست قلندر)

Beautiful Auditorium of Sydney Convention Centre before the start of concert

Crowd enjoyed his performance a lot. All his musicians and supporting back-vocalists also gave their best performances. Programme continued till 1:00 am.  At the end, organisers thanked Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and all the audience who made this event a memorable one.

Listening live to this great artist of Pakistan was a wonderful experience for me and I must say that Rahat is the pride and recognition of Pakistan all over the world.

LONG LIVE PAKISTAN!

Filed under Art & Culture, Australia, Love, Pakistan, Shahid Javed

No ‘VIP’ culture in Australia

15 Mar 2012 3 Comments

Its 2012….. but in Pakistan it is a common road scene that hundreds of vehicles are held for long time by the traffic police just for making sure that a VIP’s convey passes without a single second of delay. Unfortunately many times ambulances carrying serious patients get stuck which sometime results in the unforeseen causalities.

In Australia there is no concept of any VIP culture. Here even the richest people have to obey the law in the same way like a common man does. On the petrol stations, owners/drivers of the vehicles fill fuel in their car themselves and then pay the required amount by waiting in queues. Even police cops follow the same discipline. Nobody cares about the brand or model of others’ cars. This is the reason Australian society is free from any classification based on financial statuses. All type of people travel in public transport as parking is not available in the CBD’s.

I wish our beloved Pakistanis can change their mind and treat everyone in the same way…..

Filed under Australia, Environment, Life, Love, Pakistan

Lahore is thankful to Shahbaz Sharif

9 Dec 2011 1 Comment

I am in Pakistan these days after almost a year. As I don’t live permanently here now I don’t have any transport for moving around the city of Lahore. In order to do some shopping and preparing some documents I had to use the public transport. In the past it was a nightmare travelling in buses of Lahore. This time I experienced a wonderful change in the transport sector of Lahore.

Air conditioned coaster in Lahore

Due to the great interest of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Lahories are now enjoying respectable communication facilities. New buses have been deployed that carry commuters to all locations of Lahore. Introduction of air conditioned coasters is an appreciable act. I boarded on one such coaster from Regal Chowk for alighting at R.A Bazaar  Cantt. It was quite impressive to see the lady ticket seller in the coaster. All the passengers were also very polite. Other bus I boarded on was of First Bus (part of Lahore Transport Company). I really appreciate PML(N) Government for providing such decent travelling facilities to the residents and visitors of Lahore.

 

 

 

Artificial waterfall in Race Course Park Lahore

Another appreciable act of the revolutionary Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is declaring free entry into the public parks of Lahore. Even there is no parking fee for the visitors at all. Punjab Government pays for the parking to the private contracting company. I visited Jilani Park (Race Course Park) with my extended family last week. The park is still as beautiful as it was when it was developed. Artificial waterfall was running in full swing and families were there to enjoy the changing weather. There were beautifully grown sunflowers that were adding to the beauty of this beautiful park. I appreciate the efforts of Shshbaz Sharif for providing recreational facilities to the low-income families as well.

Jilani Park (Race Course Park) Lahore

Filed under Art & Culture, Love, Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif

” Hunooz Dilli Door Ast’.'Delhi is still far away’. A Question to the Nation of Pakistan

21 Oct 2011 2 Comments

” Hunooz Dilli Door Ast’.'Delhi is still far away’. A Question to the Nation of Pakistan

Mohammad Shah Rangeela the putative ruler of Hindustan in 1739 was in his cups, drunk to his gills, in the Diwane Khas in Delhi, when a courtier arrived and told him that Nadir Shah of Persia had entered the confines of Hindustan. From the haze Rangeela was in, he muttered” Hunooz Dilli Door Ast’.'Delhi is still far away’.

Above quotations are taken by sources of History ,but I want to draw kind and curious attention of the Nation of Pakistan that NETO forces looking forward their next destination to ruin and their military post have been transferred into the territory of Pakistan near Afghan border ,in such critical situation peoples of my country as a (zindah qaum ,paa’indah qaum ) with their beloved elected politicians and their leaders are fighting to have overcome on their domination just ,I want to ask really  ” Hunooz Dilli Door Ast’.'Delhi is still far away’.

Yours

Ismail Ajaz (Khayaal)

abhee bhee waqt hai aaow keh mere humwatno !

Filed under Art & Culture, Environment, Faith & Religion, Islam, Life, Love, Miracles

Jagjit Singh – the ghazal king left us!!!!

12 Oct 2011 3 Comments

Jagjit Singh - the legend who passed away!

I cannot express how much sad I felt when I heard the unexpected news of Jagjit Singh’s sudden death, who was under treatment after an attack of brain haemorrhage. I was one of his biggest fans in the world. He often used to perform in Sydney. This time I was waiting for his next performance, for which I had full commitment to attend and listen the ghazal singer live.

No doubt, it is a great loss for the people of India and Pakistan, who loved Jagjit Jee’s Urdu ghazals. He sang many songs that simply create a spell on the listeners. Some of them include Hontoun Se Chhoo Lou Tum (ہونٹوں سے چھو لو تم), Tum Itna Jo Muskara Rahay Hou (تم اتنا جو مسکرا رہے ہو), Kaghaz Ki Kashti (کاغذ کی کشتی), Tum Ko Daikha Tou Yeh Khayal Aaya (تم کو دیکھا تو یہ خیال آیا), Kisi Nazar Ko Tera (کسی نظر کو تیرا), Din Aa Gaye Shabab Ke (دن آ گئے شباب کے), Kurti Mulmul Dee (کرتی ململ دی), Saaray Pind Ich Puaarray Paaye (سارے پنڈ اچ پواڑے پائے) and a lot more. Jagjit Singh was 70 year old, but his voice quality was still superb. Initially his wife Chitra Singh used to sing duets with him. After the young death of their only son in a road accident, Chitra left singing forever. Jagjit Singh was the heart and soul of eastern music. He sang some re-arranged songs of his fellow singers in an album ‘Close to my heart’, which is a beautiful treat for his fans.

We will always remember Jagjit Sahib as there are very few persons who are not only good in their profession but also great in their dealing. I am sharing a tributary video of this great singer from the album ’Close to my heart’.

Filed under Art & Culture, India, Life, Love

Hats off to Urdu Society of Australia

19 Sep 2011 1 Comment

It was a beautiful evening in Sydney on 17th September 2011. I was invited by the Urdu Society of Australia on their 16th Annual Urdu Mushaira (مشاعرہ) which the Society management dedicated to the legendary Urdu poet of Pakistan Faiz Ahmad Faiz (late) who holds a big name for his great revolutionary poetry against the Army dictators of country.

Izhar ul Haq and Khalid Masood on the stage

Event was held in Saphire Function Hall, Aburn, Sydney. Famous poet Mr. Khalid Masood Khan, who is my close relative, arrived especially from Multan, Pakistan for reading his popular humorous poetry collection. Another big name was Mr. Izhar ul Haq, a Pakistani based poet from Melbourne, Australia. Beside them there were some very good Urdu poets from Sydney and Melbourne, including Sadiq Saba, Dr. Kausar Jamal, Ashraf Shad, Abbas Gilani, Zafar Islam Khan, Arshad Saeed, Nadeem Nadavi, Salik Hameed Khawaja, Asmat Aara, Karishan Rahat, and Tariq Mirza etc. A delicious buffet dinner was also served to all the attendees. A large number of Pakistani and Indian community members attended the Mushaira which continued till mid-night.

All the performances were just amazing. Punjabi poem by Dr. Kausar Jamal ‘Rabba Meray Sohnya’ (ربا میرے سوہنیا) was a beautiful poem which explained feeling of a sad believer of Allah SWT. Arshad Saeed shared beautiful memories of Faiz Ahmad Faiz with the audience. All other poets also presented very beautifully written poems and ghazals. Some of the poets discussed issues related to the expatriates in Australia, whereas some discussed the present bloodshed in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan.

In the end Mr. Khalid Masood Khan was invited, who brought smiles and laughters on all the faces by his great funny poems and spontaneous (extempore) funny comments. He stole the show. I was very happy to see him live for the first time in my life as I had never attended any mushaira (مشاعرہ) before where he had performed.

All the poets highly appreciated and thanked the Sydney audience for appreciating the poets in a true positive sense.

 

Filed under Art & Culture, Australia, Environment, Faith & Religion, Life, Love, Pakistan

Sydney – the city of festivals and multiculturalism

11 Sep 2011 2 Comments

On 30th and 31st of August Muslims celebrated Eid(s) in Australia and in other corners of the world. I could not imagine that Eid would be celebrated in such a great way in Sydney, Australia. Many festivals and programmes were organised in this regard, which were attended not only by the Muslims but Christians, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs as well. I feel proud to see that Pakistani community in Sydney is very well organised and they arranged many of these programmes.

Eid celebrations kicked off with Chand Raat Eid festival which was organised by a Pakistani family. This was a beatiful colourful event held on Sunday 28th of August 2011. It was attanded by Pakistani Conslate General Mr. Azam Muhammad and a good number of NSW members of the Parliament. Pakiastani, Indian, Bangali and Arab communities arranged beautiful stalls of clothes, hina, bangles and delicious food.

On Sunday 4th September Pakistani and Indian Muslims organised MEFF (Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair). Once again it attracted a large number of Muslims and others living in Sydney. Its main attraction was the beatifully decorated stalls by different companies and restaurants. Families were present in a large number to attend the event. It was just like a full-day picnic.

On Wednesday 7th September Pakistan Association of  Australia arranged a special Eid Milan program in NSW Parliament House in Sydney. This event was only for the selected elite class Pakistanis living in Australia. President Iftikhar Rana and Mr. Ashraf Chohan put great efforts showed in bringing a big number of NSW members of Parliament there. I was amazed to know that Ms. Barbara Perry (Shadow Minister for Ageing, Shadow Minister for Disability Services, Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services, and Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) arranged the halal snacks at her own expense for all the guests. A beautiful comedy skit presentation was made by Khurram Qaiser and Farjad Butt which got great applause by the audience.

I really appreciate Sydneysiders who are doing great work for showing tolerance, harmony, mutual respect and care towards each other. This positive attitude has made this lovely city a real ‘city of peace’. I give credit to every single Sydneysider on this.

Filed under Art & Culture, Australia, Environment, Faith & Religion, Islam, Life, Love, Pakistan, Shahid Javed

O Allah! Please send us some savior!!!!!!!

20 Aug 2011 2 Comments

Allah help us!

I am highly dejected and disappointed today after reading the news of dozens of killings in Karachi – the Mini Pakistan! Very sad to say that Muslims are not safe in an Islamic country, even in the holy month of Ramadan. Is this the way to ask for forgiveness from Allah SWT in the greatest month? Are we aware what are we doing? Will we be going to Jannah (paradise) in our next life after this much massacre? Is their anyone who can bring peace, harmony and life back to its normal stage in Karachi? I fear that now there is no chance of any improvement in Pakistan and particularly in Karachi. MQM, ANP and PPP are all responsible in ruining this cosmopolitan city of lights. Just imagine that in Karachi you don’t know whether you return safely to your home when you leave for your job or any other business. I am highly disappointed about Pakistan. I pray to Allah to send us a savior (maseeha) now. Our country is burning. We have lost our identity, respect and ego. Karachiites are living in a state of terror and lawlessness. They don’t know at all what they could face in the coming couple of hours. Innocent children are being deprived of their beloved and loving fathers. They have lost their childhood beauty, their hope and their beloved relations. Residents of Karachi want peace at any cost. So Allah! please be kind on all of us and bring us back our peace, solidarity, values and ethics. O Allah! this is Ramadan and I know that you accept our prays in this holy month; so please bless us with a peaceful Pakistan. O Allah! give us a leader who can bring us out of this worst condition of terrorism, injustice, corruption, anarchy and lawlessness. O Allah! give us strength, unity and patience so that we could live peacefully as a nation rather than a crowd.

Burning Pakistan!

I request all my readers to please raise your hands in the bargah of Allah SWT for sending a true Islamic LEADER to Pakistan, who could be able to lead this aimless nation; the one who could be able to unite us once again; the one who could bring back the smiles on the innocent faces of future generation; the one who could once again bring back our lost identity and glory; the one who could be able to tackle with our enemies in the best strategical way; the one who could dispense our wounds; the one who could be able to lead us in an honourable way, without any further loans and aids; the one who could bring peace in allover the country and get us rid of the US drone attacks and suicidal blasts.

This is Ramadan, the most favourite month of Allah SWT. We ask for His forgiveness and kindness on us. If He is not kind on us, we would be ruined and even our name would not be in the history. Please readers, do not forget to make special prays (dua’s) in this holy month of Ramadan for the peace and solidarity of Pakistan. Otherwise I see a blood-filled revolution coming SOON!

Filed under Diasastors, Faith & Religion, Islam, Life, Love, Pakistan

A message to the Nation, patriotic lovely Peoples of Pakistan. (jashn e aazaadee)

14 Aug 2011 Leave a comment

jashn e aazaadee (14 Aug.2011)

A message to the Nation, patriotic lovely Peoples of Pakistan.

I need your attention please.

After 64 years of freedom

Still the country of Pakistan is looking for Youth and Intellectuals ,Writers , Poets , Politicians , Doctors ,Engineers ,Leaders, each and every Person of Pakistan who were saying

(HUM ZINDAH QAUM HAIN >>>>PAA-INDAH QAUM HAIN) !!!!!!

Pakistan is asking to beloved peoples of Pakistan to open their eyes and look around in order to know; where they were to stand……………. and where they are standing………….. right now ?   

Yours

Ismail Ajaz Khayaal

Filed under Art & Culture, Environment, Faith & Religion, Islam, Life, Love, Miracles, Pakistan

Long Live Pakistan – Special Programme on Radio Dosti Sydney FM 88.5

13 Aug 2011 Leave a comment

Today I congratulate all my Pakistani friends living anywhere in the world on 64th Independence Day of Pakistan. I really wish that we see a progressing Pakistan once again. Insha Allah we will see a new morning emerging very soon! Today (13th August 2011) was a memorable day for us here in Sydney, Australia.

I and Zahid Minhas present a one hour radio show here on Radio 2RRR (FM 88.5) every Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Today we played beautiful Pakistani songs like Dil Dil Pakistan (Vital Signs), Tu Hee Dildar Hay (Jawad Ahmad), Bin Tere Kia Hay Jeena (Jawad Ahmad) and Pakistan Mayn Rehnay Waloun (Jupiters). People of Pakistan and India called us live and wished for the independence day to their country fellows living in Australia.

I presented a special report on great Pakistani artiste Bushra Ansari, which was a tribute to such a legendary lady of Pakistan. I and Zahid highly appreciated the Birmingham based Pakistani Mr. Tariq Jehan who lost his young son in terrorist attacks in UK recently. The brave father asked the Muslim community to remain peaceful and cooperate with the Police, which is very appreciable step.

On this special occasion of 14th August, I wish that our people can live with respect and dignity. I also wish that the nation could become self dependent instead of relying on foreign aid. Allah bless my country with peace and prosperity. Ameen!

Pakistan Zindabad!

Filed under Art & Culture, Faith & Religion, Islam, Life, Love, Pakistan

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