Sur Kshetra, apart from being in the news for being the biggest music reality show between India and Pakistan, also hit the headlines when the MNS chief Raj Thackeray opposed the show on the basis that it has Pakistani singers. But now, just before its telecast, the MNS honcho has softened his stand and given his nod for  Sur Kshetra.

The CEO of Colors, Raj Nayak, and Boney Kapoor, director of Sahara One Media, met Raj Thackeray on 6th August and explained the concept of the show to him. He was also told that since many episodes of the show have already been shot, it would not be feasible to make any changes in Sur Kshetra. Raj Thackeray relented after this meeting and said that though he was in principle opposed to the concept of presenting Pakistani artists in India, he was ok with the show being simulcast in India.

Raj Thackeray had, in August, opposed the presence of veteran Indian singer Asha Bhosle on the show that promoted Pakistani singers. The MNS' bone of contention was that Indian shows shouldn't promote artists from the country that is responsible for terror attacks in India. He also wanted preference to be given to Indian artists. Asha Bhosle had said in response, “I'm a singer and a family woman. I have no interest in politics and I don't know what the issue is. I love Raj Thackeray and I know that he likes my songs. Music has no borders.”
Looks like Asha Bhosle's reply and the intervention of the officials managed to make the MNS chief look at things from a different perspective. Well, we're glad, because Sur Kshetra is all about building bridges across the two nations through music.