Be it jazz, rock, ghazal, qawwali, tribal folk, or reggae with Hindustani classical, the artists have long mastered the art of fusing contrasting genres and forms, and mind you effects produced are ethereal and heavenly. What separates these tracks from any other songs out there is the sheer freedom and audacity to experiment, combining completely different genres all together into a nutshell. The experience of watching the show makes us feel that we’re in their jam-room itself with some of the finest musicians from India, Pakistan, and beyond. Anyways, my intention behind writing this blog is not to draw a comparison between the two juggernauts but to celebrate their legacy and acknowledge the soulfulness and solace they offer to us mortals. Reason? Well, that’s an answer you should find for yourself by listening to both the eminent studios. While it is a fact that an individual’s taste in any matter is unique to themselves yet, the likes of countless others, including myself, without giving it much thought, will point towards Pakistan. “Which Coke Studio is better? Is it India or, is it Pakistan?” While there is all but love, harmony, and mutual respect from either of the rival sides, an inevitable question still persists. Indeed, there are fans well beyond South Asia, with comments flowing in from the US to Turkey to Iran. Rahman Sir, love from Lahore, Pakistan” is a common sight in the comment section of all their videos. “Respect Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Sahab, love from Delhi, India” and “Respect A.R. Regardless of the number of hits, likes, time of upload, language, artists (no matter how low-key), it is probably the only space in the entire cosmos where the so-called INDO-PAK nemesis takes the complete U-turn. To prove my point, if you ask me to cite an example without any second thoughts, I’ll redirect you to the comment section of any half-decent Coke Studio song on YouTube. Music bridges the gap and differences between cultural heritages and backgrounds and erases the line that defines all borders. At one time, it can evoke a sense of calmness even during the most advert of situations while at times can also fuel waves of rage and fury, bringing forth the tears one has been holding back for ages.

It cleanses the understanding, inspires it, and lifts it into a realm which it would not reach if left to itself. Music is an art form that well and truly transcends space, time, language barriers, borders, everything.

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