The book tells the life stories of artists like Ustad Suhbat Khan, Ustad Bailtoon, Kishwar Sultana, Zarsanga and others.

Noted Pashto singer Haroon Bacha has brought out a book, showcasing profiles of the senior artists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan whose melodic voices had ruled over hearts of audience for several decades. The Pohantoon Adabi Stori formally launched the book titled ‘Na Hairegee Na Ba Hair Shee’ (neither to be forgotten nor worth being forgotten) at Pashto Academy, University of Peshawar here on Friday. Young poets, writers and fans of Haroon Bacha attended the event.

The book contains brief life sketches of around 40 popular Pashto singers both dead and alive from Afghanistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speakers laud Haroon Bacha for presenting life sketch of 40 vocalists

Speakers while passing critical remarks on the new title said that photographs of the singers should have been included as most readers might have not seen faces of those vocalists. Shaukat Swati, a young singer, stole the show by rendering a few numbers earlier had been sung by Haroon Bacha.

Senior writer and former MPA Dr Iqbal Fana, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that Haroon Bacha deserved appreciation for his efforts to give book form to valuable information about Pashto folk singers, who had devoted their lives to the art of singing. Prof Sher Zaman Seemab said that being a noted artist himself, Haroon Bacha had done justice to Pashto singers by bringing out a title carrying bio-data of popular vocalists, who had laid down the foundation of Pashto folk music. He said that Mr Bacha, almost three decades ago, had launched his music career and contributed significantly to Pashto music.

Anmool Jauhar Khattak, a student of Islamia College University, said that the title would prove a milestone for young scholars and budding artists. She said that the book on the life and services of senior artists provided important information about artists like Ustad Suhbat Khan, Ustad Bailtoon, Ustad Mohammad Hussain Sarhang, Nashnas, Kishwar Sultana, Zarsanga and others.

Shaukat Swati, a budding singer, said that Haroon Bacha inspired a large number of folk singers though his quality selection of poetry and velvety voice. He said that young artists would learn a lot from the book having profiles of eminent singers of the yore days.

Afsar Afghan, a young poet, said that the book had relived those artists, who had been dead long ago but their voices were still touching the feelings of many. He said that he found the book an interesting read owing to its beautiful style and narration of accounts regarding contribution of the noted Pashto folk singers.

Daud Elam, another poet, said that the book was a compilation of interviews aired on a Pashto radio channel but Haroon Bacha spent two years to complete research on it. He said that research on Pashto folk music and artists was scant and the new title would provide much to readers and music buffs.

Tariq Pakhtunyar, Jalal Khalil, Sajjad Juandoon, Masood Shinwari and Razia Shafeeq also addressed the vent.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2018