Tour of Karachi

                                    Lucky Ali eager to catch up on Pakistani music

               KARACHI, July 3 2001, There is no communal discrimination in India as Muslim artists get their due role in showbiz if they are good, said Lucky Ali, here on Tuesday. Flanked by actor Usman Peerzada and video jockey Udham Singh at the Press Club, Lucky Ali said people such as Bal Thackeray gave controversial statements because, being politicians, they had to do that, but the people of India and Pakistan were essentially the same. He added that Pakistani artists and groups, such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Junoon, Zeba Bakhtiar, etc were admired by the people of India. When asked if he expected any retribution from hardliners on his return to India, he replied in the negative. He also expressed pleasure over the fact that relations between India and Pakistan are improving. Scheduled to perform at aa concert in Karachi on the 7th with singer Hadiqa Kiyani, Lucky Ali said that he was looking forward to catching up on Pakistani music. Son of yester-year Bollywood comedian great Mehmood, Lucky Ali said his father was proud of the fact that he made it on his own and without his his help. In answer to a question, Ali said plagiarism of songs was rife both in India and Pakistan." If Michael Jackson can copy a French song and claim it as his, it can happen in India and Pakistan as well." Talking about his career , the singer admitted he had not learnt music, adding that though he wanted to steer clear of acting, he had taken up about four acting projects. He said he might consider performing in a Pakistani movie if he received a good offer. Commenting on the controversial movie GADAR, set in the backdrop of the partition, Ali said perhaps the movie was a result of a misunderstanding on part of the director, due to his ignorance. He said a part of the proceeds of the concert would be given to the Pakistan Hockey Federation. Invited by the Rafi Peer Theatre, Lucky Ali arrived here in today afternoon and would leave for Bombay on the 9th July, 2001.