By Sher Alam Shinwari, Wednesday, 21.04.2010 Mahjabeen alias Mashooq Sultan hailing from Shahderai ,Swat once the melody queen of Pashto folk singing of yore has more than 1500 albums to her credit. She had made her debut during her late teens at a private musical concert at her hometown where a radio producer Nawab Ali Khan Yousafzai spotted her talent and subsequently launched her melodious voice on air way back in 1962. She has represented Pakistan in USA, UK, France, Belgium, UAE and Afghanistan on several occasions and recipient of 600 awards including the coveted presidential award ´the Pride of Performance´. Though belonging to a religiously family but her born flair for singing made her married into a family traditionally affiliated with music. She is living in penury in a rented two rooms clay made home at Chughalpura 6 km away east on the outskirts of Peshawar city. Mashooq now -a -days lives a miserable life as she recently got her one leg fractured for the treatment of which she was forced to sell out her ornaments .She lent a unique falvour to Pashto folk singing. Mashooq Sultan has maintained her velvety voice till today. Her contribution to Pashto music is both immense. In an interview with the scribe she shares her views on the adverse effects of militancy on Pashto music, her illustrious career and Pashto movies. EXCERPTS: Q: How far Pashto music culture has been affected by militancy? A: The growing militancy has badly affected Pashto music, art and everything in Swat valley and other parts of the Frontier, the murder of a dancing girl in Mingora was the most gruesome incident. Many artistes were forced to give up the profession, others fled for safety and even a few singers and artistes took refuge in other other countries. This I believe is a great loss to our rich cultural heritage. The Frontier so- called liberal government does not seem to be doing much for revival of any cultural activity in the province despite her tall claims. Large number of artistes and singers are living in misery and fear of militants. Q: So how can it be revived? A: Different steps could be taken. Security to the artistes and singers is the first priority along with attractive incentives and making arrangements for holding various cultural festivals could put life in the dead soul of the Frontier cultural panorama. But the fact is that even the Sate run radio and TV are not encouraging the artistes so far no musical concert has been arranged in which the singers could participate, the authorities say, there is security problem. Now in such bizarre situation how can a poor singer and artiste survive? Q: Now coming to your past how did a hilly village Pashtun girl make it to singing? A: Since my childhood I used to listen to radio and folk songs most often would captivate my heart. A family affiliated with music lived in our close vicinity. Secretly I would scale the walls and move into their house and take part in riaz . My father in- law Mohammad Hussain a popular tablanawaz became successful in asking my hand for his son. After get married for a year I began learning delicacies of Pashto music. At first I would perform only on wedding ceremonies. Q: What about your first experience on radio? A: After Nawab Ali Khan Yousafzai auditioned me I sang a duet along with Gulab Sher in a children´s programme. Later Rafiq Shinwari a prominent music director composed a folk song by Fazal Ghani Mujahid Da pah Deryab Ke sailaboono Yurum /Da sta Ghamoono Yurum /Jaarruma zah- (I am drowned into a stream of your worries that´s why I weep bitterly). It was an instant success .It was the time when most transmissions were to be aired live but under special arrangements my song was recorded which is still in great demand from Peshawar radio. Q: You also performed in a few Pashto movies. A: Yes I did perform in classic movies like Jawaargar, Janaan and a few others but I then I switched over to singing because I thought I could contribute to Pashto music in a better way than to act in movies. Secondly I could not concentrate on two different However; I continued playback singing in films whenever offered. Early 70s was the golden era of Pashto movies as well as music. Q: Why do you think Pashto cinema declined? A: When some non Pashtun elements began misrepresenting Pashtun culture in order to make money. Substandard cast and obscenity were the main causes behind its decline. Now hopefully it is in reviving stages. Its music, storyline and social themes are attracting movie buffs but once again the worst law and order telling on nerves of the cinegoers and film fanciers. But still the industry is gaining. Q: Why you focused on folk singing only? A: Folk songs are embodiment of our national identity. Whenever I sing a folk song it deeply touches my heart. Pashto is rich in folk songs. Its impact on listeners of all ages is permanent and instant. There is an inherit musicality in folk poetry. It needs little effort to compose it. I always like to sing tapa and other folk numbers. I have also sung ghazals and poems but folk is my forte. Q: There were other popular folk singers before you. A: When I joined radio, stage and then movies in early 70s mega stars -Khayal Mohammad, Hidayatullah, Zarsanga, Kishwar Sultan, Gulnar Begum and a few others had already grabbed the Pashto music stage. It was indeed a great challenge for me to carve out a niche for myself. Through my commitment and passion I made my way and soon became the most sought after artiste. Q: You see any difference between the Pashto music of your times and now. A: A hill of difference. I am not in the habit of debunking anyone but to me there is lack of professionalism and artistic commitment. I still do two hours riaz on daily basis. Ours was not the age of fast track system and computer synchronization. We could not dare remix any old folk song for fear of distorting its contents and its original tunes. I have re-done a few folk numbers keeping their original composition and subject matter intact .Only great masters could have done it. Because folk song is not mere musical words but it is also history and cultural identity as I said earlier. Q: How do you look at the addition of electronic musical instruments to Pashto orchestra? A: I welcome it but it should never devour the natural flavour of Pashto music, I cherish rabab and mungai a simple and typical Pashto orchestra. The newcomers need to receive proper tutorship in music. For years I have received training from my late music teacher Rahdat Hussain who would not tolerate even a single fumbling, mispronunciation or wrong tune. Singing I believe is not everybody´s´ cup of tea. Q: Have you any wish to fulfill? A: I have earned widespread fame and respect for my country and this is my real asset. The provincial cultural department should provide me with a decent residence and stipend so that I could support my 10-member family. Also I wish to perform haj. Q: Any message for the artistes and singers of Swat. A: Years ago I have been shifted to Peshawar but my heart always lives in the peace and serenity of the scenic valley of Swat. It is in fact the enchanting beauty of Swat which turned me a singer. The artistes and singers there should never lose courage as they do no harm to anyone and anything. Also the concerned authorities should put in all their possible efforts to save the land of Buddha. I wish permanent end to militancy, pray that complete peace is restored , and art and cultural activities are revived. Published in Newsline Magazine, Karachi April, 2010 د پښتنو قامی سنګر - بېرته شاته