News Desk |
Bollywood actor Farhan Akhter in his latest interview revealed that his upcoming independent music album titled ‘Echoes’ is dedicated to the victims of the Army Public School Peshawar attack.
Akhtar says he wanted to be a part of the healing process of APS attack victims. Specifically, the song “Why Couldn’t It Be Me” from the album reinforces his wish of eradicating violence and terrorism stemming from the deadly 2014 APS attack that took the lives of 200 innocent children.
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“The first difference between film and independent music is that the latter has to be about who you are – not a character you’re playing,” he explained. “So, music allows me to share my thoughts and how I feel. These emotions are universal and I hope people can identify and connect with them. The APS attack was an incident that really shocked the world and I just felt compelled to somehow, be a part of the healing process and help those affected by it.”
Akhtar was also asked about his outlook on the ban of Pakistani artists working in India. He said, the political tension triggering the ban on the artists only widens the gap between the two countries.
“It’s always unfortunate when art gets affected by politics. Apart from the fact that we had talented Pakistanis working here, we had all kinds of people becoming friends. And it’s true that through such cultural and human exchanges, bridges are created,” he said. “I do hope that we’re at a better place soon.”
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He also praised Pakistani artist Mahira Khan as she made her Bollywood debut with Farhan Akhtar’s directorial project ‘Raees’.
“When you’ve signed on anyone, you’re just hoping that they tend to be talented and professional. Mahira has got heaps of talent and she’s extremely professional so it was absolutely a pleasure working with her,” he noted. “I must say I wasn’t on-set all the time. But Rahul Dholakia, who directed her, and Shahrukh (Khan) speak very highly of her. Every time I met Mahira, it was always a pleasure.”