Just yesterday I stumbled upon one of the many FM channels sharing the airwaves of Lahore on different frequencies. That particular channel was airing "good" old songs of Ibrar ul Haq and his all famous Billo de Ghar . Wow, what a flashback of memories it brought. Teenage, rising pop music culture in Pakistan and the fun and frolic we used to have with that particular song. Above all the untainted and non-political image the artists and singers, in particular, used to enjoy back then.
Move the clock forward some twenty years or so and our Billo-Boy has said adios to Billo-Rani and has become a political firebrand. Now you can't listen to his music with same ease and apolitical musical pleasure [especially if you happen to be on the wrong side of the political divide].
Politicization of youth, women, artists, players, preachers [ahem] and whoever can cast a vote is sign of a healthy and thriving democratic society BUT aren't we carrying the wave of politicization too far. Why listening to a singer unwillingly shifts your mind to his political inclinations? Why a Kurta store reminds you of an emerging political force. A soapy model is an [un]tamed tigress of a political outfit.
From the politicians point of view it is a big success to be able to turn icons of daily life into political symbols but what about the fabric of society in general. A normal, peaceful society cannot stay at war with itself for too long. Either the 'war' will wither away or the society won't stay 'normal' and 'peaceful'. There is actually no harm in having a political point of view and every grown up should in fact have one but again should it be so highly pronounced and openly advertised that your prime identity which earned you a popular, respectable place in society gets over-shadowed by your political affinities???
I personally feel that professionals [in general] should maintain a certain degree of apolitical demeanor. Especially if you are a popular, known figure in your own right then do maintain that image. Let your political affiliations be a part of your personality and a reflection of your inner thoughts but don't impose your political philosophy on your not-for-political-reasons fans. This will eventually tarnish your own celebrity charisma and isn't that the thing celebs vouch for so vehemently?
Move the clock forward some twenty years or so and our Billo-Boy has said adios to Billo-Rani and has become a political firebrand. Now you can't listen to his music with same ease and apolitical musical pleasure [especially if you happen to be on the wrong side of the political divide].
Politicization of youth, women, artists, players, preachers [ahem] and whoever can cast a vote is sign of a healthy and thriving democratic society BUT aren't we carrying the wave of politicization too far. Why listening to a singer unwillingly shifts your mind to his political inclinations? Why a Kurta store reminds you of an emerging political force. A soapy model is an [un]tamed tigress of a political outfit.
From the politicians point of view it is a big success to be able to turn icons of daily life into political symbols but what about the fabric of society in general. A normal, peaceful society cannot stay at war with itself for too long. Either the 'war' will wither away or the society won't stay 'normal' and 'peaceful'. There is actually no harm in having a political point of view and every grown up should in fact have one but again should it be so highly pronounced and openly advertised that your prime identity which earned you a popular, respectable place in society gets over-shadowed by your political affinities???
I personally feel that professionals [in general] should maintain a certain degree of apolitical demeanor. Especially if you are a popular, known figure in your own right then do maintain that image. Let your political affiliations be a part of your personality and a reflection of your inner thoughts but don't impose your political philosophy on your not-for-political-reasons fans. This will eventually tarnish your own celebrity charisma and isn't that the thing celebs vouch for so vehemently?
The blame of your focus 'unwillingly shifting to his political inclinations', can't be put on Abrar ul Haq. It's you who is unable to separate the two things, not him.
ReplyDeleteWaisay does your focus also shift to another political party while listening to a Naseebo song?
Thanks for commenting Aqeel. I partially agree with you that it is the viewers tainted vision as well which can play the part. However, I am trying to highlight a development in society at large that we are become more than politicized. We are actually becoming polarized.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if you become a party's ticket holder then you HAVE become a political figure and your previous occupations and identities will surely be over-shadowed.
As for Naseebo she was only hired by another party to create a diversion, she hasn't contested in elections on their party ticket yet so not a very valid comparison here!