Radio Mirchi aims to break down India-Pak barriers in run up to Independence Day

One of the UAE’s most popular Hindi-language radio stations is using the power of music to break down the barriers between Indian expats and those from neighbouring Pakistan.

In the run-up to Independence Day celebrations for both countries, Radio Mirchi UAE is highlighting the shared pop-culture treasures that cross borders, during a week-long series of broadcasts across all of its regular shows.

On August 15, Indians worldwide will celebrate 68 years of independence from British rule – a day after their neighbours in Pakistan mark the same milestone.

Radio Mirchi yesterday began featuring the theme of friendship between the countries across all of its daily shows, highlighting their shared loves in music, cinema and sport. The campaign runs until Saturday.

It is hoped the programmes will help to build bonds between neighbours who have historically misunderstood one another – but live largely in harmony in the UAE.

Music has long been seen as an “olive branch” between the countries. For example, Indian superstar Sonu Nigam enjoys widespread popularity in Pakistan, while Pakistani performer Atif Aslam has many fans in India. The same example can be seen in numerous other famous musicians and actors.

And it’s clear to all that the sport of cricket is a shared love and passion to millions on both sides of the border.

The UAE ambassadors of both countries will also be invited onto the air at Radio Mirchi UAE, which is owned by Abu Dhabi Media, publisher of The National.

Listeners are also being invited to join in the spirit of goodwill on social media with the hashtag #LoveYourPadosi.

“We believe friendship goes beyond borders,” says Sandeep Sud, head of stations at Radio Mirchi UAE. “Love Your Padosi is a celebration of such stories between the people of India and Pakistan that we so often see in the UAE and hear across the world.

“On Radio Mirchi, we’ve got together an exciting line-up of shows covering the best of music, food, movies, stars and people from both the nations. You can also use #LoveYourPadosi to share your views and stories. Mirchi will pick up the best of them and cover it on-air.”

rgarratt@thenational.ae

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo

Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm

Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km

On sale: December

Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)

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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)

Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)

Saturday

Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)

Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)

Sunday

Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)

Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)

Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)

If you go

The Flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.

The trip

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.

Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

The biog

Name: James Mullan

Nationality: Irish

Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)

Favourite book or author: “That’s a really difficult question. I’m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I’d recommend that, go and have a read of that.”

Dream: “It would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.”